ComparisonPayments & checkout · updated 26 October 2026

Square vs SumUp

Two popular payments & checkout tools, side by side. Square is best for shops and restaurants selling in person; SumUp is best for micro businesses with a card reader. Here is how they differ and how to choose.

Best for shops and restaurants selling in person

Square

Point of sale and payments for small businesses, with card readers, online stores and invoices.

Full Square profile →

Best for micro businesses with a card reader

SumUp

Card readers and payment tools for small merchants, with no monthly fee on the basic plan.

Full SumUp profile →

Heads-up: some links on this page may be affiliate links. If you sign up through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Tools are listed alphabetically; paid placements are always labelled "Featured". How we make money.

Square vs SumUp at a glance

SquareSumUp
Best forShops and restaurants selling in personMicro businesses with a card reader
Pricing modelPay as you goPay as you go
Available inUS, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, EUUK, EU, US and more
Key featuresCard readers and POS
Online store
No monthly fee to start
Affordable card readers
No monthly fee to start
Payment links and online store
WebsiteVisit Square ↗Visit SumUp ↗

Pricing

Both use the same pricing model: each charges per transaction or transfer (pay as you go). We never publish exact prices because they change too often; check the current plans on each website.

Where they work

Square is available in US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, EU; SumUp in UK, EU, US and more. Check that the one you like works in your country first.

Which one should you choose?

  • Choose Square: the better fit for shops and restaurants selling in person.
  • Choose SumUp: the better fit for micro businesses with a card reader.

Still unsure? Run through these before you sign up for either:

  • Fees per transaction, including international cards and currency conversion.
  • The local payment methods your customers prefer.
  • Whether it is a merchant of record that handles tax for you.
  • How quickly payouts reach your bank.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between Square and SumUp?

Square is built for shops and restaurants selling in person. SumUp is built for micro businesses with a card reader. Both use the same pricing model: each charges per transaction or transfer (pay as you go).

Is Square or SumUp available in my country?

Square is available in US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, EU; SumUp in UK, EU, US and more. Check that the one you like works in your country first.

Is Square cheaper than SumUp?

It depends on how you use it, and prices change often, so we only list the pricing model. Both use the same pricing model: each charges per transaction or transfer (pay as you go). Compare the current plans on each website before you sign up.

Not sold on either?

There are 13 other payments & checkout tools in the directory. Compare them all →

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Information checked 26 October 2026. NxtGenFin is an independent directory, not affiliated with Square or SumUp unless marked as featured, sponsored or affiliate link. Not financial advice.

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