Revolut Card Reader vs SumUp Solo: Which UK Card Machine Wins in 2026?
SumUp Solo edges this one in our 2026 UK review, scoring 4.2 of 5 against Revolut Card Reader on 3.7. SumUp Solo runs 1.69% per transaction on a no contract contract; Revolut Card Reader runs 0.8% to 1.0% per transaction (depending on subscription tier) on a subscription-tier dependent (revolut business plan) contract. That said, the right answer still depends on monthly card volume, sector and ecosystem fit. Revolut Card Reader beats SumUp Solo for existing revolut business customers. Read the side-by-side, then jump to the "when X wins" sections for the buyer-fit logic.
Side-by-side
| 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 |
| Overall rating | 3.7 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
| 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?
SumUp Solo scores higher overall in our 2026 review at 4.2 of 5 versus 3.7 for Revolut Card Reader. That said, the right answer 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. If your business sits inside one of those use cases, ignore the headline rating and pick the right fit.
What does each contract look like, Revolut Card Reader vs SumUp Solo?
Revolut Card Reader runs a subscription-tier dependent (revolut business plan) contract. SumUp Solo runs a no contract contract. 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 80+ 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 80+ 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.
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Get quotes →Reviewed by Oliver Mackman, Director. Last reviewed: 2026-04-26. Editorial by Best Business Loans Ltd (16833937).