Zettle vs SumUp: Which Affordable Card Reader is Best?

Are you trying to choose between Zettle and SumUp for your business’s payment solutions? Both are popular card readers, but which one is the best choice for you? We’ll help you navigate the features and pricing to make an informed decision.

Both Zettle and SumUp offer affordable, efficient card readers. Zettle is great for small businesses with its integrated POS system, while SumUp shines for simplicity and low-cost transaction fees. The choice depends on your specific business needs.

There’s more to consider when picking the best card reader for your business. Keep reading as we dive deeper into Zettle vs SumUp, comparing their features, costs, and performance to help you make the right choice.

Choosing the right card reader can make all the difference. Dive into our comprehensive comparison of Zettle and SumUp to find out which affordable solution best fits your small business needs.

👉 Click below to discover the best card reader for your business.

Zettle vs SumUp: Which Affordable Card Reader is Best?

In the modern world of business, card payments are essential, and having an affordable, reliable way to accept them is critical for many small business owners. Zettle and SumUp are two of the leading brands in this space, offering portable card readers that allow businesses to take payments anywhere. Both options are excellent, but understanding their features, fees, and capabilities can help you make a more informed choice.

Let’s take a deeper look into how Zettle and SumUp compare, focusing on factors like hardware, fees, and overall ease of use.

Comparing The Options For Zettle Vs Sumup

Zettle vs SumUp: Key Features Compared

Hardware and Design

When choosing between Zettle and SumUp, the first thing to consider is the hardware. Both companies offer portable card readers that connect to smartphones or tablets via Bluetooth.

  • Zettle: Zettle’s card reader is sleek and compact, with a professional design that includes a display screen for transaction confirmation. It supports all major card types, including contactless payments and Apple Pay. The device also comes with a long-lasting battery.
  • SumUp: SumUp’s card reader is similarly portable and compact, with a simple design. The device also accepts all major payment types, including contactless cards, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. Its ease of use makes it a popular choice for people looking for a no-fuss payment system.

Transaction Fees

Transaction fees are an important factor when selecting a card reader. Let’s break down how much you’ll pay in fees with each service:

  • Zettle: Zettle charges a flat transaction fee of 1.75% for all card payments, regardless of the card type or the country of the transaction.
  • SumUp: SumUp also charges a flat transaction fee of 1.69% for card payments, making it slightly cheaper than Zettle in terms of transaction costs.

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Software and Features

Both Zettle and SumUp offer free apps that you can download on your smartphone or tablet to manage your transactions. These apps allow you to track sales, issue receipts, and monitor your business performance. Let’s see what they offer in more detail:

  • Zettle: Zettle provides a full POS (Point of Sale) system that includes features like inventory management, analytics, and customer data collection. It’s a comprehensive tool for small businesses that need more than just a simple card reader.
  • SumUp: SumUp is more streamlined, with a focus on simplicity. It offers basic invoicing and reporting features, but it doesn’t provide the advanced analytics and inventory management that Zettle offers. It’s a better option for businesses that want something quick and easy.

Customer Support

Customer service is an important aspect of any business tool, and both Zettle and SumUp have good reputations in this area.

  • Zettle: Zettle offers 24/7 customer support via email, phone, and live chat. They also provide extensive online guides and tutorials to help users get started.
  • SumUp: SumUp’s customer support is equally responsive, offering help via phone and email. However, it doesn’t have a live chat feature, which could be a disadvantage for some users who prefer real-time assistance.

Why Choose Zettle or SumUp?

Both Zettle and SumUp offer reliable and affordable card readers, but the right choice depends on your specific business needs.

  • Choose Zettle if:

    • You want a complete POS system with inventory management and sales tracking.
    • Your business requires detailed reports and analytics to monitor performance.
    • You value a card reader with an integrated display screen for customer confirmation.
    • You’re okay with paying a slightly higher transaction fee (1.75%).
  • Choose SumUp if:

    • You prefer simplicity and ease of use.
    • You have a small business with minimal need for complex features.
    • You want the lowest transaction fee (1.69%).
    • You value a no-fuss payment system with a straightforward design.

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Pricing and Additional Costs

Another important factor in deciding between Zettle and SumUp is the upfront cost of the card reader and any additional fees. Both brands offer low-cost initial purchases:

  • Zettle: Zettle’s card reader costs around £29.95, with no monthly fee for basic usage. However, if you want access to additional POS features, you may need to subscribe to their premium plans.

  • SumUp: SumUp’s card reader is priced at £19, making it one of the most affordable options available. Like Zettle, there are no monthly fees for basic functionality, but you can opt for additional services, such as invoicing and reporting, for an extra charge.

Zettle vs SumUp: Which One Is the Best for Your Business?

Choosing between Zettle and SumUp ultimately comes down to the type of business you run and your specific needs. Zettle is best for businesses that want a more comprehensive system with advanced reporting and inventory features. SumUp, on the other hand, is perfect for smaller businesses or sole traders looking for a simple, low-cost solution.

If you want a more professional and feature-rich setup, Zettle might be the better option, but if you value ease of use and lower fees, SumUp could be the perfect choice for your business.

Interested in making the right choice for your business? Click the link below to get started with Zettle or SumUp and find the perfect card reader for your needs.

FAQ

Are there any monthly fees associated with using Zettle or SumUp?

No, both Zettle and SumUp do not charge any fixed monthly fees. You only pay transaction fees for the actual card transactions processed.

What types of cards do Zettle and SumUp accept?

Both Zettle and SumUp accept Visa, Visa Electron, V Pay, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express, Union Pay, Diners Club, JCB, and Discover cards. Additionally, they support contactless payments via Apple Pay and Google Pay.

How long does it take to receive payouts from Zettle and SumUp?

Zettle typically processes payouts within 1-2 working days, while SumUp takes 1-3 working days. The actual timing may vary depending on your bank’s processing times.

Can I use Zettle or SumUp outside of the UK?

Zettle is primarily available for use in the UK, while SumUp can be used in multiple countries across Europe. However, you may need to inform SumUp’s customer support team if you plan to use it abroad.

Do Zettle and SumUp offer customer support?

Yes, both Zettle and SumUp provide customer support to assist users with any queries or issues they may encounter. You can typically reach out to their support teams via email or phone during business hours.