SumUp vs Worldpay explained – Payment processing comparison

Updated on 25 April 2024

Payment processing is an essential aspect of any business today. With a plethora of digital and mobile payment providers available, businesses are spoilt for choice. Two of the most commonly considered options in the UK are SumUp vs Worldpay. Both of these providers offer comprehensive, easy-to-use payment solutions, but they have some distinct differences that could make one a more suitable option for your business than the other.

 
Quick, easy, no commitment!

In this article, we’ll go in-depth to understand the offerings, strengths, and weaknesses of both platforms.

Video: Choosing a card payment machine

SumUp vs Worldpay

Feature/ServiceSumUpWorldpay
Pricing ModelPay-as-you-goMonthly plans and pay-as-you-go
Transaction Fee (UK)1.69% per transactionVaries by plan, additional fees may apply
Hardware CostSumUp Card Reader: £29 + VATRange of options, prices vary
Set-Up CostNoneMay apply
Monthly FeesNoneVaries by plan
Early Termination FeeNoneMay apply
Payment MethodsVisa, VPay, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express, Contactless, Apple Pay, Google PayAll major credit and debit cards, Contactless, Mobile wallets, Over 120 different currencies
Hardware OptionsCompact card readerCountertop, Portable, Mobile and Unattended card machines
Customer SupportEmail and phone support Monday to Saturday24/7 phone and email support, comprehensive FAQ section on website
PCI ComplianceIncludedMay have additional cost
Additional ServicesNoneFraud protection, data analytics, marketing services
SumUp vs Worldpay

Please note that the exact costs and features can vary and it’s always a good idea to confirm the details directly with SumUp or Worldpay to get the most accurate and current information.

Moorepay logo Cutting edge payroll software
  • Powerful and easy to use
  • HMRC & RTI compliant
  • Used by payroll pros
Pipedrive logo The CRM platform to grow your business
  • Great for entrepreneurs
  • Powerful data analytics
  • Manage sales and data
Wix logo Powerful web builder and advanced business tools
  • Great for startups
  • Powerful web page builder
  • E-commerce available
Planable logo Supercharged content planning
  • Great for marketing
  • Better than lists or sheets
  • Manage social media
Webador logo Create a new website in 10 minutes. Easy.
  • Launch your website fast
  • Powerful data intuitive
  • No coding skills needed

What are SumUp and Worldpay?

Before we delve into the differences, let’s provide a brief overview of these two payment processing giants.

SumUp

SumUp is a mobile point-of-sale (mPOS) company that enables businesses to accept credit and debit card payments on a pay-as-you-go basis. The firm provides a compact card reader which connects with a mobile device via Bluetooth, making it ideal for small businesses, freelancers, and mobile services.

Worldpay

Worldpay, on the other hand, is one of the world’s leading payment processing companies. It caters to businesses of all sizes, offering a wide range of services including in-store, online, and mobile payment solutions, as well as additional services like fraud protection, data analytics, and marketing services.

Payment processing rates

When comparing SumUp and Worldpay, one of the primary considerations is the cost involved. Let’s examine how these two companies fare in terms of transaction fees.

SumUp

SumUp operates a simple, transparent pricing model. The company charges a flat rate of 1.69% per transaction in the UK, with no monthly fees, set-up costs, or hidden charges. This pay-as-you-go pricing model makes SumUp a cost-effective solution for businesses with lower transaction volumes or seasonal operations.

Worldpay

Worldpay’s pricing structure is a bit more complex. They offer a variety of plans based on the size and needs of your business. Pay-as-you-go options are available, but many businesses opt for monthly packages that include a certain number of transactions for a flat fee. However, additional charges such as PCI-compliance fees, set-up costs, and early termination fees may apply, which can make Worldpay’s cost structure less predictable than SumUp’s.

Hardware and setup

A successful payment processing system requires user-friendly, efficient hardware.

SumUp

SumUp provides a compact, sleek card reader that works in conjunction with a smartphone or tablet app. The SumUp card reader is affordable, portable, and user-friendly, making it an ideal solution for mobile businesses or small brick-and-mortar stores.

Worldpay

Worldpay offers a broader range of hardware options to cater to different business needs. They provide countertop card machines, portable card machines, mobile card machines, and even unattended payment solutions for vending machines and kiosks. This wide range of options makes Worldpay a suitable choice for businesses that need a more customisable payment setup.

Payment options

The type of payments your business can accept is another crucial consideration.

SumUp

SumUp’s card reader allows businesses to accept payments from a variety of card types, including Visa, VPay, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express, and even contactless payments from Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Worldpay

Worldpay accepts a wider variety of payment options, including all major credit cards and debit cards, contactless payments, and mobile wallet payments. Additionally, Worldpay supports payments in over 120 different currencies, making it an ideal solution for businesses with international customers.

Customer service and support

Both SumUp and Worldpay provide customer support, but the extent and availability of this support vary.

SumUp

SumUp offers email and phone support Monday to Saturday. However, some users have reported difficulties in reaching customer service during peak times.

Worldpay

Worldpay offers 24/7 customer support via phone and email, providing businesses with around-the-clock assistance. Additionally, their website offers a comprehensive FAQ section and various resources to help users navigate their services.

In conclusion – SumUp vs Worldpay

Choosing between SumUp vs Worldpay ultimately depends on the specific needs and budget of your business.

If you’re a small business, freelancer or operate on a mobile basis, SumUp’s simplicity, straightforward pricing, and portability may make it the better choice.

For larger businesses, or those with more complex or international needs, Worldpay’s diverse payment options, customisable plans, and round-the-clock customer support could make it a more suitable solution.

Remember, the best payment processing provider for your business is the one that fits seamlessly into your operations and supports your growth. Therefore, you should carefully consider the needs of your business before making a decision.

FAQ

What are the transaction fees for SumUp and Worldpay?

SumUp charges a flat rate of 1.69% per transaction in the UK. Worldpay’s fees vary based on your chosen plan and can also involve additional charges.

Can both SumUp and Worldpay process contactless payments?

Yes, both SumUp and Worldpay card readers can process contactless payments.

Do SumUp and Worldpay offer customer support?

Yes, both SumUp and Worldpay offer customer support. SumUp provides support Monday to Saturday, while Worldpay provides 24/7 support.

What types of businesses can use SumUp and Worldpay?

SumUp is generally suited for smaller businesses, freelancers, and mobile services, while Worldpay caters to businesses of all sizes with more complex needs.

Do SumUp and Worldpay have mobile card readers?

Yes, both SumUp and Worldpay offer mobile card readers that connect with smartphones or tablets.

Are there any setup fees for SumUp and Worldpay?

SumUp does not charge setup fees. Worldpay may charge setup fees depending on your chosen plan.

What payment methods do SumUp and Worldpay accept?

SumUp accepts most major credit and debit cards, as well as contactless payments. Worldpay accepts all major credit and debit cards, contactless payments, mobile wallets, and payments in over 120 different currencies.

Do SumUp and Worldpay offer fraud protection services?

SumUp does not offer explicit fraud protection services. Worldpay offers fraud protection as part of its additional services.

Can both SumUp and Worldpay integrate with my online store?

Yes, both SumUp and Worldpay provide solutions for online payments.

Do SumUp and Worldpay offer next-day payouts?

SumUp offers next-day payouts for businesses. With Worldpay, the speed of payouts can depend on your chosen plan.

Can I accept international payments with SumUp and Worldpay?

Worldpay supports payments in over 120 different currencies, making it suitable for international payments. SumUp, while accepting major credit and debit cards, does not specify support for multiple currencies.

Can I use both SumUp and Worldpay at the same time?

Technically, you can have both systems, but managing multiple payment processors might complicate your operations.

Do SumUp and Worldpay provide analytics or sales reports?

SumUp provides basic sales reporting through its app. Worldpay offers more advanced data analytics services.

What is the refund process like for SumUp and Worldpay?

Both SumUp and Worldpay allow for refunds through their systems, but the exact process may vary and there might be associated fees.

How do SumUp and Worldpay handle chargebacks?

Both companies provide support for handling chargebacks, but specific processes and potential fees should be checked in their respective terms of service.

Are SumUp and Worldpay PCI compliant?

Yes, both SumUp and Worldpay are PCI compliant. However, Worldpay might charge an additional fee for PCI compliance.

Can I switch from SumUp to Worldpay or vice versa?

Yes, you can switch between providers. However, do check if there are any early termination fees or other costs associated with switching.

Do SumUp and Worldpay offer point-of-sale (POS) integrations?

Both SumUp and Worldpay offer integration options with various POS systems.

How reliable are the SumUp and Worldpay networks?

Both SumUp and Worldpay have robust networks. However, like any technology, they may experience occasional outages or issues.

What are the contract lengths for SumUp and Worldpay?

SumUp operates on a pay-as-you-go basis without contracts. Worldpay’s contract lengths can vary based on the chosen plan and may include an early termination fee.

Reviewed by , Managing Director

Compare prices ⓘ