In today’s digitised world, it’s essential for businesses of all sizes to offer diverse payment methods. As more consumers embrace online shopping and cashless payments, having a reliable and versatile payment processing provider is crucial. Two popular options in the UK market are SumUp vs Worldpay. This article provides an in-depth comparison to help you choose the right provider for your business needs.
SumUp vs Worldpay
| SumUp | Worldpay | |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction fee | 1.69% per transaction | Negotiable, depends on the business’s size and transaction volumes |
| Monthly fee | No | Yes |
| Setup fee | No | Yes |
| PCI Compliance fee | No | Yes |
| Payment options | Major debit and credit cards, contactless payments including Apple Pay and Google Pay | All major debit and credit cards, contactless payments including Apple Pay and Google Pay, PayPal, and over 300 international payment types |
| Payment hardware | SumUp Air card reader | Range of countertop, portable, and mobile card machines |
| Online payments | Payment links, gift cards, invoices, and API for integration | Hosted payment pages, advanced API for integration, virtual terminal for phone payments, recurring payments, and multi-currency support |
| Customer support | Via email and phone, Monday to Saturday | 24/7 via phone, email, and live chat, plus an online resource centre |
Please note that while this table provides a broad comparison, the specific features and fees may vary based on individual business circumstances. Always check the providers’ official websites or contact their sales teams for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Featured pro tools
Understanding payment processing providers
Payment processing providers, also known as merchant services providers or payment gateways, facilitate transactions between customers and businesses.
They handle the complex task of authorising payments, whether made through credit/debit cards or digital wallets, ensuring a secure and seamless transfer of funds.
Introducing SumUp and Worldpay
SumUp – a snapshot
SumUp is a European mobile point-of-sale (mPOS) company that has gained significant traction in the UK market. Established in 2012, SumUp caters to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that require straightforward, cost-effective payment solutions.
 |
Wallester Business ✓ Virtual & Physical Cards ✓ No Setup Fees ✓ No Monthly Fees Pricing Trial period Contact |
|
 |
Revolut Business ✓ Business Current Account ✓ Award-Winning Mobile App ✓ Quick & Easy Application Process Pricing Trial period Contact |
|
 |
Tide Business Bank Accounts ✓ Free, Plus, or Pro Account ✓ iOS & Android Mobile App ✓ Upload & Auto-Match Receipts Pricing Trial period Contact |
|
 |
Card One Money ✓ No Credit Checks ✓ Simple Fees ✓ Up to 3.5% Cashback Pricing Trial period Contact |
|
 |
ANNA Money ✓ Apply in 10 minutes ✓ Bookkeeping & Payroll Tools ✓ User-Friendly Mobile App Pricing Trial period Contact |
|
 |
Co-Op Business Banking ✓ Business Current Account ✓ Online, App & High Street Banking ✓ Quick & Easy Application Process Pricing Trial period Contact |
|
 |
HSBC Business Banking ✓ Business Current Account ✓ In-Branch, Online & App Banking ✓ FSCS Protected Pricing Trial period Contact |
|
 |
Metro Business Banking ✓ Business Current Account ✓ High Street Presence ✓ FSCS Protected Pricing Trial period Contact |
|
 |
Mettle Business Banking ✓ Business Bank Account ✓ Online & App ✓ Quick & Easy Application Process Pricing Trial period Contact |
|
 |
Monzo Business Banking ✓ Business Current Account ✓ Dedicated mobile app experience ✓ FSCS Protected Pricing Trial period Contact |
|
 |
Virgin Money ✓ Business M Account ✓ In-Store, Online & App Banking ✓ Insights & Forecasting Platform Pricing Trial period Contact |
Worldpay – a brief overview
Worldpay, on the other hand, is a longstanding giant in the payment processing landscape. Founded in 1989 and now a part of FIS after a merger in 2019, Worldpay serves businesses of all sizes, offering a wide array of payment services.
Comparing features – SumUp vs Worldpay
Let’s delve into a detailed comparison of features offered by both providers.
Pricing and fees
With SumUp, pricing is relatively straightforward. They charge a flat fee of 1.69% per transaction, regardless of the card or payment method used. There are no monthly fees, making it an attractive option for businesses with low transaction volumes.
Worldpay’s pricing, however, is more complex and varies depending on the business’s size and transaction volumes. While their rates are negotiable and could potentially be lower than SumUp’s, they also charge setup fees, monthly fees, PCI compliance fees, and other transaction-related charges.
This complexity may deter some SMEs but could potentially be more cost-effective for larger businesses.
Payment options
Both SumUp and Worldpay offer a variety of payment options. They accept all major debit and credit cards, and support contactless payments including Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Worldpay takes a step further by supporting a broader range of payment methods, including PayPal and over 300 international payment types, making it an excellent choice for businesses with international customers.
Payment hardware
SumUp’s primary offering is its compact and portable card reader, the SumUp Air. It connects to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, transforming it into a card terminal. This simplicity and mobility make it an excellent choice for businesses that operate on the go, such as market traders or mobile services.
Worldpay, conversely, offers a range of countertop, portable, and mobile card machines suitable for various business settings, from retail stores to restaurants to tradespeople.
Online payments
SumUp offers a basic set of online payment solutions, including payment links, gift cards, invoices, and a straightforward API for integrating into an existing website or app.
Worldpay provides a more comprehensive suite of online payment services. It offers hosted payment pages, an advanced API for integration, virtual terminal for phone payments, recurring payments, and multi-currency support. These features make Worldpay a stronger contender for businesses with a significant online presence.
Customer support
SumUp provides customer support via email and phone from Monday to Saturday. Users report that the service is reliable and responsive.
Worldpay offers 24/7 customer support, which includes phone, email, and live chat. They also provide a comprehensive online resource centre. However, some users have reported inconsistent customer service experiences.
Making the choice – SumUp or Worldpay?
The decision between SumUp vs Worldpay largely hinges on the size and nature of your business, as well as the complexity of your payment processing needs.
SumUp may be the ideal choice for SMEs with lower transaction volumes, businesses requiring mobility, or those who value simple and transparent pricing. Its user-friendly app and hardware make it easy to manage and accept payments, while its customer service is generally reported as satisfactory.
In contrast, Worldpay is better suited for larger businesses or those with high transaction volumes, given the potential for negotiated rates. Its extensive array of payment options, robust online payment solutions, and 24/7 customer service make it a compelling choice for businesses with complex or extensive payment needs.
In conclusion, it’s vital to thoroughly evaluate your business needs before selecting a payment processing provider. Both SumUp and Worldpay offer unique advantages. The choice will ultimately depend on which provider best aligns with your business’s payment requirements and growth strategy.
FAQ
SumUp charges a flat fee of 1.69% per transaction, while Worldpay’s fees are negotiable and depend on business size and transaction volumes.
SumUp doesn’t require a monthly fee, while Worldpay does have monthly charges, depending on the chosen package.
Both SumUp and Worldpay offer straightforward setup processes. SumUp focuses on simplicity with its portable card reader and mobile app. Worldpay, however, may require a more extensive setup due to its diverse offerings, including countertop, portable, and mobile card machines.
Yes, both SumUp and Worldpay support contactless payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay.
SumUp supports major debit and credit cards along with Apple Pay and Google Pay. In contrast, Worldpay supports these, as well as PayPal and over 300 other international payment methods.
Yes, both SumUp and Worldpay support online payments. SumUp offers a basic set of online payment solutions, while Worldpay offers a more comprehensive suite of online services.
SumUp provides customer support via email and phone from Monday to Saturday, while Worldpay offers 24/7 support via phone, email, live chat, and a comprehensive online resource centre.
SumUp is typically more suitable for SMEs or businesses with lower transaction volumes, while Worldpay is better suited for larger businesses or those with higher transaction volumes.
Yes, SumUp provides a mobile card reader, SumUp Air, while Worldpay offers a range of countertop, portable, and mobile card machines.
Yes, both SumUp and Worldpay are fully PCI compliant, ensuring secure payment processing.
Both providers offer API for integration. SumUp’s is more basic, while Worldpay offers a more advanced and flexible API for integration into existing systems.
SumUp currently doesn’t support phone payments, but Worldpay does offer a virtual terminal for phone payments.
SumUp doesn’t directly support recurring payments, but Worldpay does.
SumUp supports multi-currency transactions to some extent, but Worldpay provides more extensive multi-currency support.
SumUp doesn’t charge a setup fee, but Worldpay does.
Yes, both SumUp and Worldpay offer mobile apps, allowing businesses to manage transactions on the go.
SumUp does handle gift cards. Worldpay can also handle gift cards, but the exact services may depend on your business type and package.
SumUp’s fee structure is fixed, while Worldpay offers the possibility of negotiating fees depending on your business size and transaction volume.
Currently, SumUp doesn’t support PayPal payments, but Worldpay does.
Both SumUp and Worldpay have procedures in place to handle refunds and chargebacks. However, the specifics can depend on the individual transaction and circumstances.