Revolut Card Reader vs SumUp Solo: Which UK Card Machine Wins in 2026?
Revolut Card Reader and SumUp Solo are both credible UK card-acceptance choices in 2026; the right one depends on your monthly card volume, sector and the ecosystem you already sit inside. Revolut Card Reader runs 0.8% to 1.0% per transaction (depending on subscription tier) on a subscription-tier dependent (revolut business plan) contract; SumUp Solo runs 1.69% per transaction on a no-contract basis. Revolut Card Reader fits existing revolut business customers best, while SumUp Solo fits sole traders, mobile traders, market stalls. Read both columns of the side-by-side, then the "when X wins" sections below for the buyer-fit logic. If you want us to do the work, the quote form takes two minutes and gets you matched against our 50+ UK acquirer panel.
Side-by-side
Full reviews: Revolut Card Reader · SumUp Solo
| Revolut Card Reader | SumUp Solo | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Revolut (acquirer partner) | SumUp |
| Acquirer | Revolut Business / partner | SumUp |
| Form factor | Compact Bluetooth-paired reader | Portable terminal with built-in receipt printer (Solo Lite is no-printer) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth (paired with Revolut Business app) | 4G (free SIM), WiFi, Bluetooth |
| Upfront cost | £49 hardware | £99 to £149 hardware |
| Rate | 0.8% to 1.0% per transaction (depending on subscription tier) | 1.69% per transaction |
| Contract length | Subscription-tier dependent (Revolut Business plan) | No contract |
| Best for | Existing Revolut Business customers; International / multi-currency businesses; Tech-led businesses prioritising integration | Sole traders, mobile traders, market stalls; Low-to-medium volume (<£10k monthly); Seasonal businesses |
| Last reviewed | 2026-04-26 | 2026-04-26 |
When Revolut Card Reader wins
- Cheapest UK headline rate (0.8% on higher Revolut Business plans).
- Strong international payments and FX integration.
- Same-day settlement to Revolut account.
Best for
Existing Revolut Business customers, International / multi-currency businesses, Tech-led businesses prioritising integration.
Watch outs
- Rate conditional on Revolut Business subscription (£25 to £100+ per month).
- Locked to Revolut ecosystem.
- Hardware basic compared to Dojo / Square.
When SumUp Solo wins
- No contract, no monthly fee.
- Single transparent rate (1.69%).
- Hardware is well-built; battery life solid for a day of trading.
- Same-day or next-day settlement.
Best for
Sole traders, mobile traders, market stalls, Low-to-medium volume (<£10k monthly), Seasonal businesses.
Watch outs
- 1.69% is uncompetitive at higher volumes.
- No interchange-plus option.
- Locked to SumUp acquirer.
FAQ
Revolut Card Reader or SumUp Solo: which is the better UK card machine in 2026?
There is no single winner; it depends on what you trade. Revolut Card Reader is the stronger pick for existing revolut business customers, while SumUp Solo is the stronger pick for sole traders, mobile traders, market stalls. Match the one whose best-fit use case is closest to your business, then sense-check the rate and contract in the table above.
What does each contract look like, Revolut Card Reader vs SumUp Solo?
Revolut Card Reader runs on a subscription-tier dependent (revolut business plan) contract. SumUp Solo runs on a no-contract basis. Headline transaction rates are 0.8% to 1.0% per transaction (depending on subscription tier) for Revolut Card Reader and 1.69% per transaction for SumUp Solo. Hardware cost on Revolut Card Reader is £49 hardware; on SumUp Solo it is £99 to £149 hardware. Always verify the live commercials before signing because acquirer pricing moves and bespoke rates are common above £20k monthly volume.
Which is weakest for what?
Revolut Card Reader is the wrong answer for non-revolut customers. SumUp Solo is the wrong answer for high-volume retail. If either of those describes your business, look at the side-by-side table for the alternative, or get a quote from our 50+ UK acquirer panel and we will surface the right shortlist.
Can MerchantHQ help me choose between Revolut Card Reader and SumUp Solo?
Yes. We are not tied to either acquirer. Our 50+ UK acquirer panel covers every major fintech and bank acquirer in the country. Tell us monthly card volume, sector and any ecosystem you are already inside (Stripe online, PayPal, Tide Business banking, NatWest banking). We match you against the providers most likely to approve and beat your current rate, then stay your named account team for the life of the account.
Related comparisons
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Get quotes →Reviewed by Oliver Mackman, Director, Best Business Loans Ltd. Last reviewed: 2026-04-26. Editorial by Best Business Loans Ltd (16833937).