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.
In this article, we’ll go in-depth to understand the offerings, strengths, and weaknesses of both platforms.
SumUp vs Worldpay
| Feature/Service | SumUp | Worldpay |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Pay-as-you-go | Monthly plans and pay-as-you-go |
| Transaction Fee (UK) | 1.69% per transaction | Varies by plan, additional fees may apply |
| Hardware Cost | SumUp Card Reader: £29 + VAT | Range of options, prices vary |
| Set-Up Cost | None | May apply |
| Monthly Fees | None | Varies by plan |
| Early Termination Fee | None | May apply |
| Payment Methods | Visa, VPay, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express, Contactless, Apple Pay, Google Pay | All major credit and debit cards, Contactless, Mobile wallets, Over 120 different currencies |
| Hardware Options | Compact card reader | Countertop, Portable, Mobile and Unattended card machines |
| Customer Support | Email and phone support Monday to Saturday | 24/7 phone and email support, comprehensive FAQ section on website |
| PCI Compliance | Included | May have additional cost |
| Additional Services | None | Fraud protection, data analytics, marketing services |
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.
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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
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.
Yes, both SumUp and Worldpay card readers can process contactless payments.
Yes, both SumUp and Worldpay offer customer support. SumUp provides support Monday to Saturday, while Worldpay provides 24/7 support.
SumUp is generally suited for smaller businesses, freelancers, and mobile services, while Worldpay caters to businesses of all sizes with more complex needs.
Yes, both SumUp and Worldpay offer mobile card readers that connect with smartphones or tablets.
SumUp does not charge setup fees. Worldpay may charge setup fees depending on your chosen plan.
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.
SumUp does not offer explicit fraud protection services. Worldpay offers fraud protection as part of its additional services.
Yes, both SumUp and Worldpay provide solutions for online payments.
SumUp offers next-day payouts for businesses. With Worldpay, the speed of payouts can depend on your chosen plan.
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.
Technically, you can have both systems, but managing multiple payment processors might complicate your operations.
SumUp provides basic sales reporting through its app. Worldpay offers more advanced data analytics services.
Both SumUp and Worldpay allow for refunds through their systems, but the exact process may vary and there might be associated fees.
Both companies provide support for handling chargebacks, but specific processes and potential fees should be checked in their respective terms of service.
Yes, both SumUp and Worldpay are PCI compliant. However, Worldpay might charge an additional fee for PCI compliance.
Yes, you can switch between providers. However, do check if there are any early termination fees or other costs associated with switching.
Both SumUp and Worldpay offer integration options with various POS systems.
Both SumUp and Worldpay have robust networks. However, like any technology, they may experience occasional outages or issues.
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.