LoPay vs SumUp: Which Card Reader Is Cheaper?

By Olivia Johnson - Trusted UK Business Expert

Last Updated 11th of August 2026

6 minute read

Choosing the right card reader can help your business save money on every sale. If you are comparing LoPay and SumUp, understanding their fees, features, and overall value is important. This guide explains the differences in simple terms so you can make the best choice for your business.

LoPay is often cheaper than SumUp for businesses that take regular card payments because it typically offers lower transaction fees. SumUp provides simple pricing and strong ease of use, while LoPay focuses on helping merchants reduce processing costs over time.

There is more to consider than just transaction fees. Card reader costs, monthly charges, business features, and customer support can all affect the total cost of ownership. Read on for a complete comparison of LoPay and SumUp.

Want to find the most cost-effective card reader for your payment needs? Click the link below to request personalised LoPay vs SumUp quotes and compare your options.

LoPay vs SumUp: Which Card Reader Is Cheaper?

When comparing card payment providers, many UK businesses focus on one key question: which option will cost less?

LoPay and SumUp are both popular choices for small businesses, sole traders, cafés, retailers, tradespeople, and service providers. Both companies offer portable card readers that accept contactless, chip and PIN, Apple Pay, and Google Pay payments.

The biggest difference between the two providers is their pricing strategy.

LoPay aims to offer some of the lowest transaction rates in the UK market. SumUp focuses on simplicity, offering straightforward pricing with no monthly commitments for many merchants.

To understand which is cheaper, businesses need to look at:

• Card reader purchase costs
• Transaction fees
• Monthly charges
• Settlement times
• Additional features
• Long-term operating costs

Quick Cost Comparison

For more context, see the typical transaction fees charged on card machines and how these costs are calculated.

For many businesses processing significant card volumes each month, LoPay often delivers lower ongoing costs.

How Much Do LoPay and SumUp Charge Per Transaction?

Transaction fees are usually the biggest cost for businesses accepting card payments.

Every time a customer taps their card, the payment provider takes a percentage of the transaction value. While the difference may seem small, it adds up over hundreds or thousands of sales.

Example Monthly Processing Costs

A difference of only a few tenths of a percent can mean hundreds or even thousands of pounds saved each year.

For businesses with growing sales volumes, this becomes one of the most important factors when choosing a payment provider.

Why Transaction Fees Matter

Imagine a small café processing £100,000 per year in card payments.

A small reduction in processing fees could save hundreds of pounds annually. Those savings could help pay for:

• New equipment
• Marketing campaigns
• Staff training
• Business software
• Additional stock

This is why many cost-conscious business owners compare transaction fees carefully before choosing a provider..

What Card Reader Features Do You Get?

Price matters, but features matter too.

A cheaper card reader is not always the better choice if it lacks tools your business needs.

Both LoPay and SumUp offer essential payment features.

Common Features

Both providers typically include:

• Contactless payments
• Chip and PIN payments
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• Digital receipts
• Mobile app management
• Sales reporting
• Secure payment processing

For most small businesses, these core functions cover everyday payment needs.

SumUp Features

SumUp has spent years building a broader business ecosystem.

Businesses may benefit from:

• Point of sale systems
• Online payment links
• Invoicing tools
• Gift cards
• Online store creation
• Business accounts

This makes SumUp attractive for businesses wanting multiple services from one provider.

LoPay Features

LoPay focuses heavily on payment acceptance and cost savings.

Benefits often include:

• Competitive processing fees
• Fast setup
• Simple mobile app
• Easy card acceptance
• Straightforward pricing structure

Businesses looking primarily to reduce payment costs may find LoPay appealing.

Is LoPay Better for Small Businesses?

Many small businesses operate on tight profit margins.

For these businesses, every cost matters.

LoPay can be especially attractive for:

• Sole traders
• Market stall owners
• Mobile businesses
• Tradespeople
• Start-ups
• Independent retailers

These businesses often want:

• Low upfront costs
• No long contracts
• Lower transaction fees
• Simple setup

LoPay’s pricing model often aligns well with these goals.

Example

A plumber accepting £4,000 per month in card payments may save money over the course of a year through lower transaction charges.

While each business is different, lower payment processing costs can make a noticeable difference to annual profits.

Is SumUp Better for Growing Businesses?

SumUp’s strength lies in its wider business ecosystem.

A growing business may need more than just a card reader.

For example:

A coffee shop may eventually require:

• Multiple tills
• Staff management
• Stock tracking
• Online ordering
• Customer receipts
• Business reporting

SumUp provides solutions that can support this growth journey.

Businesses That Often Choose SumUp

• Restaurants
• Cafés
• Retail stores
• Beauty salons
• Service businesses
• Multi-location operations

Although transaction fees may be higher, some businesses find value in the additional tools.

The right choice depends on whether cost savings or broader functionality is the higher priority.

Which Provider Offers Better Value for Money?

Value is not always the same as price.

The cheapest provider is not automatically the best provider.

Instead, businesses should consider total value.

Factors That Create Value

When LoPay Offers Better Value

LoPay may provide better value when:

• Card turnover is high
• Cost reduction is a priority
• Basic payment acceptance is sufficient
• Business owners want lower processing fees

When SumUp Offers Better Value

SumUp may provide better value when:

• Businesses want an all-in-one solution
• Additional software tools are important
• Ease of scaling matters
• Multiple business functions need integration

The answer depends on the needs of the individual business.

Hidden Costs to Consider

Many business owners only compare headline pricing.

This can be a mistake.

Before choosing a provider, check for:

Potential Extra Costs

• Additional hardware purchases
• Replacement readers
• Premium software plans
• Chargeback fees
• Faster payout options
• Optional business services

Reading the latest pricing information carefully can help avoid surprises.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing

• How much card revenue do I process monthly?
• Do I need a full EPOS system?
• Will my business grow quickly?
• Do I want simple payments or advanced tools?
• Which provider saves me more over one year?

These questions often reveal the best option for a specific business.

Use our card payment machine comparison checklist to evaluate each provider’s fees, hardware and features consistently.

LoPay vs SumUp for Different Business Types

• Retail Shops: Retailers processing large volumes may benefit from LoPay’s lower transaction costs.
• Cafés and Restaurants: Businesses needing tills, menus, and integrated systems may favour SumUp.
• Tradespeople: Mobile businesses often appreciate LoPay’s straightforward and cost-effective approach.
• Market Traders: Many market traders prioritise low fees and simple setup, making LoPay an attractive choice.
• Growing Businesses: Companies planning rapid expansion may benefit from SumUp’s wider ecosystem.

Expert Verdict: Which Card Reader Is Cheaper?

For pure payment processing costs, LoPay is often the cheaper option.

Its lower transaction fees can generate meaningful savings, particularly for businesses processing thousands of pounds in card payments each month.

However, price is only part of the decision.

SumUp remains a strong competitor because of its mature platform, business tools, and additional services.

Simple Rule

Choose LoPay if:

• Your priority is lower fees.
• You want to reduce payment processing costs.
• You mainly need a card reader.

Choose SumUp if:

• You want a broader business platform.
• You need extra tools beyond payments.
• You value ecosystem features over the lowest fees.

For many UK small businesses focused on keeping costs down, LoPay frequently comes out ahead on price alone.

Ready to find the best card payment solution for your business?

Click the link below to compare card reader providers, explore the latest deals, and discover how much your business could save on payment processing costs.

FAQ

Is LoPay cheaper than SumUp?

In many cases, yes. LoPay generally offers lower transaction fees, which can reduce overall payment processing costs.

Do LoPay and SumUp require contracts?

Both providers typically offer flexible arrangements without long-term contracts, making them suitable for small businesses.

Which card reader is best for a small business?

Businesses focused on low costs often prefer LoPay, while businesses needing extra tools may prefer SumUp.

Can both providers accept contactless payments?

Yes. Both LoPay and SumUp accept contactless cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and chip and PIN payments.

How do I decide between LoPay and SumUp?

Compare transaction fees, hardware costs, business features, growth plans, and expected monthly card turnover to determine which provider offers the best value for your business.

Ready to compare card-reader costs for your UK business? Click the button below to explore LoPay vs SumUp fees, features and pricing options before choosing a provider.