Global fintech company, SumUp, has launched SumUp Terminal, an all-in-one point of sale device designed to address the specific challenges faced by growing businesses in retail and hospitality.
The £169 standalone device combines a card reader, full POS system, ordering system, and receipt printer into a single unit, targeting merchants who have outgrown simple card readers but find traditional POS systems too complex and expensive.
The London-based company, which serves over 4 million merchants worldwide, announced the Terminal launch on 9 July, positioning it as a solution for businesses looking to scale their operations without significant financial commitment.
AI-Powered Setup Streamlines Operations
A standout feature of the new device is its AI-powered setup capability, which uses a built-in camera to instantly digitise product lists from a single photograph. The innovative feature allows merchants to capture handwritten or printed menus, with the device automatically creating an editable digital catalogue, significantly reducing manual setup time.
Tomer Sabag, Chief Hardware Officer at SumUp, said:
“We see countless merchants hit a growth ceiling where a simple card reader is no longer enough, but a traditional POS system feels too expensive and complex. Terminal was built to be that perfect next step. It delivers the core operational power a growing business needs with the speed, ease-of-use, and affordability that are hallmarks of the SumUp ecosystem.”
Comprehensive Feature Set for Growing Businesses
The Terminal integrates multiple business functions into a single device, featuring an intuitive HD touchscreen and long-lasting battery designed for all-day use. Key capabilities include staff management with custom profiles and role-based permissions, real-time sales reporting, and integrated accounting solutions for UK and Irish merchants, including compatibility with Sage Accounting, Xero, and QuickBooks.
The device operates on dual connectivity, featuring built-in WiFi and a complimentary 4G mobile data connection that automatically selects the strongest network to ensure uninterrupted payment processing. This mobility allows staff to take orders and payments directly on the shop floor or at tables, moving beyond traditional counter-based transactions.
Pricing and Future Development
SumUp Terminal is available in the UK for a one-off purchase price of £169 with no monthly rental fees, operating on a pay-as-you-use transaction model with SumUp taking 1.69% per transaction. This pricing strategy positions it between simple card readers and more expensive traditional POS systems.
The company has committed to enhancing Terminal with free, automatic software updates. Planned features include barcode scanning, table management capabilities, and the ability for multiple Terminal devices to synchronise and operate together within the same venue. As part of the broader SumUp ecosystem, Terminal will connect and sync seamlessly with existing SumUp POS systems.
Market Positioning and Industry Impact
The launch comes at a time when the retail and hospitality sectors continue to face challenges including rising wage costs, staffing shortages, and evolving consumer trends. SumUp’s Terminal aims to provide businesses with scaling solutions without requiring substantial upfront investment in complex POS infrastructure.
The device specifically targets the professional hospitality market, with features designed to streamline operations from order taking through to inventory management and business analytics. By combining multiple functions traditionally requiring separate devices or systems, Terminal seeks to simplify operations for growing businesses while maintaining the affordability and ease-of-use that has characterised SumUp’s approach to merchant services.
The Terminal launch represents SumUp’s continued expansion beyond its original smartphone-based payment solutions, demonstrating the company’s evolution to serve larger merchants whilst maintaining its focus on simplicity and cost-effectiveness for small and medium-sized enterprises.
