Square POS vs SumUp

The core Square POS software costs you $0 every month. You pay only the variable transaction fees as you sell items. This makes Square POS ideal for businesses just starting out or those with highly seasonal sales. SumUp requires a minimum monthly commitment starting at $99 for their Connect Lite POS plan. The highest tier, Connect Pro, costs $289 per month. SumUp is a significant upfront fixed cost compared to Square POS. If minimizing overhead is your goal, Square POS is unbeatable because the software subscription is free. SumUp offers better features, but you must subscribe to access them. Choose Square POS if you prefer a flexible, pay-as-you-go financial approach.

Square POS charges a competitive 2.6% plus 15 cents for card-present transactions. This applies to tapped, dipped, or swiped payments, offering high accessibility. Square POS fees are standard across all major credit cards. SumUp charges a lower 2.6% plus 10 cents for the exact same in-person card transactions. This 5-cent difference can add up significantly if you process high volumes daily. If your business generates thousands of quick, low-value sales monthly, SumUp's lower per-transaction fee is valuable. However, SumUp requires the minimum $99 monthly fee, unlike Square POS's free software. High-volume users must calculate if the 5-cent savings outweigh SumUp's monthly subscription fee.

Square POS includes a reliable built-in payments feature for when your internet is down. Transactions are securely stored, allowing sales to continue uninterrupted. The stored payments process automatically once the device reconnects to the network within 24 hours. SumUp’s supporting data does not explicitly confirm a dedicated offline payment mode is available. SumUp reviews mention connectivity issues, suggesting reliance on stable internet. Square POS provides a crucial safety net for mobile merchants or unreliable Wi-Fi environments. This feature minimizes customer frustration and maximizes uptime for Square POS users. If uninterrupted service reliability during events or travel is crucial, Square POS is the safer choice.

Square POS offers loyalty programs available as paid add-ons within its ecosystem. While effective, these loyalty tools require separate activation and cost on top of transaction fees. SumUp's Connect Plus and Pro plans ($199+) include integrated customer rewards and automated marketing tools. Connect Pro offers unlimited, AI-enhanced SMS and email promotions daily. SumUp clearly targets businesses focused on growth marketing and customer retention through built-in software features. Square POS users must build their marketing stack separately. Businesses prioritizing immediate, integrated customer engagement should find SumUp’s Connect Pro features useful.

Square POS allows operators to select specialized modes tailored to their business needs. Retail mode offers advanced inventory tracking across locations, for example. The F&B mode includes tools for table management and quick order entry. SumUp offers a robust cloud-based POS system, but it is more generalized for shops, barbers, and cafes. SumUp focuses more on payment acceptance and marketing functionality. Square POS’s specialized modes ensure you have relevant professional tools from day one. You can use the Square POS system to handle complex needs like modifiers or restaurant course management. Businesses with specific industry requirements (e.g., full-service restaurants) will likely find Square POS provides better tailored features.

Square POS is highly user-friendly and designed for fast, self-service setup. Most Square POS users can start selling in minutes without external help or training. However, it requires a DIY approach. SumUp includes dedicated installation and training with every POS Connect plan, starting at $99/month. This ensures your system is set up correctly from the jump. For complex or multi-terminal setups, SumUp’s included professional assistance is a valuable benefit. New business owners appreciate the hands-on help from SumUp staff. Choose SumUp if you want professional support to quickly and correctly onboard your team and system.

Square POS transfers funds free to an external bank account the next business day. Square POS offers instant transfers for free if you use a Square Checking account. This provides maximum speed and flexibility. SumUp provides next-day payouts when utilizing their associated SumUp merchant account and Business Account. This helps sole traders manage their working capital efficiently. Both Square POS and SumUp excel in providing rapid access to sales revenue. They both beat traditional banks which might hold funds much longer. It's a strong tie, as both Square POS and SumUp prioritize quick deposit times for merchants.

Square POS provides a formal path for businesses processing over $250,000 annually. These high-volume Square POS users can contact sales for custom, reduced processing rates. This strategy encourages large businesses to remain with Square POS. SumUp focuses on transparent fees and lower rates for the mass market but doesn't mention high-volume discounts. SumUp’s rates are fixed at 2.6% + 10¢. Square POS is set up to negotiate and capture growing enterprises with substantial sales volume. The competitive custom rates can overcome the slight fee difference versus SumUp. If your sales are skyrocketing past the $250K mark, Square POS offers a structured way to lower costs.