Dojo vs SumUp: Which Is Better Value for UK Businesses in 2026?

Choosing the right card machine for your UK business in 2026 means weighing up more than just the upfront cost. Dojo and SumUp are two of the most widely used card payment providers in the UK, but they serve quite different types of business. Dojo targets established businesses with higher card turnover, while SumUp is popular with sole traders, market sellers, and smaller operations that want simplicity and no monthly commitment. This guide breaks down the key differences so you can decide which offers better value for your situation.

Pricing Comparison

Pricing is where Dojo and SumUp diverge most sharply, and understanding the numbers is essential before committing.

Dojo pricing

Dojo offers two main plans:

• Dojo Fix: £39.99 per month. This covers up to £3,999 in card turnover per month at no additional transaction cost. Any card turnover above that threshold is charged at a flat rate of 1%.
• Dojo Flex: Custom rates negotiated based on your business volume and type. Better suited to higher-turnover businesses that want a tailored deal.

SumUp pricing

SumUp keeps things straightforward with two options:

• SumUp Standard (pay-as-you-go): No monthly fee. Every card transaction is charged at a flat rate of 1.69%. There is no contract and no minimum spend.
• SumUp Payments Plus: £19 per month. Reduces your transaction rate to 0.99% per transaction.

Which plan breaks even?

If you are comparing SumUp Standard against SumUp Payments Plus, the crossover point is approximately £3,300 per month in card turnover. Below that, the Standard (pay-as-you-go) plan works out cheaper. Above it, Payments Plus at £19/month saves you money.

Comparing Dojo Fix against SumUp Standard, the Dojo Fix plan at £39.99/month becomes more cost-effective once your card turnover exceeds roughly £2,366 per month - at that level, the 1.69% SumUp rate would cost you more than £39.99. For businesses processing well above £3,999/month, Dojo Fix continues to offer strong value since the 1% overage rate is lower than SumUp’s standard 1.69%.

For pricing details, see sumup.com/en-gb/pricing and expertmarket.com/uk/merchant-accounts/sumup-fees-costs.

Hardware

Both providers sell their own card readers, but the price points and options differ.

Dojo hardware

Dojo card machines are available from £109 upfront, or on a subscription basis from £15 per month. The hardware is designed for countertop and portable use, with a focus on fast transaction speeds and a sleek, modern design suited to hospitality and retail environments.

SumUp hardware

SumUp’s entry-level Card Reader starts from £29 plus VAT - one of the most affordable card readers on the UK market. For businesses that need mobile connectivity without relying on a smartphone, SumUp also offers a 3G Card Reader, which includes a built-in SIM and works independently of a phone or Wi-Fi connection.

If keeping upfront costs low is a priority, SumUp has a clear advantage. If you want a more robust, full-featured terminal, Dojo’s hardware is worth the higher investment.

Contracts

Contract terms can make a significant difference, particularly for seasonal businesses or those that are still growing.

• Dojo: Offers both a 30-day rolling contract and a 12-month contract. The rolling option gives you flexibility, though rates or terms may differ between the two.
• SumUp: No contract at all. You buy the hardware outright and pay per transaction (or subscribe to Payments Plus on a monthly basis with no long-term lock-in). This makes SumUp particularly appealing if you want to avoid commitment.

Pros and Cons

Dojo

Pros:

• Competitive flat monthly fee for medium-to-high turnover businesses
• Fast transaction speeds and reliable hardware
• Dedicated UK-based customer support
• Flex plan available for bespoke pricing

Cons:

• Higher upfront or monthly hardware cost
• Monthly fee makes it poor value for low-volume businesses
• 12-month contract option may not suit all businesses

SumUp

Pros:

• No monthly fee on the Standard plan - ideal for low-volume or seasonal use
• Very affordable entry-level hardware from £29+VAT
• No contract required
• Simple, easy-to-use app and dashboard

Cons:

• 1.69% transaction rate becomes expensive at higher volumes
• Fewer advanced features compared to Dojo
• Customer support options are more limited

Who Each Provider Suits

Dojo is best for:

• Restaurants, cafes, pubs, and hospitality businesses with consistent card turnover
• Retail businesses processing more than £2,000-£3,000 per month by card
• Businesses that want a professional, fast terminal and are happy to pay a monthly fee for the savings it brings
• Operators who want UK-based support and a more managed service

SumUp is best for:

• Sole traders, market traders, and mobile businesses with lower or irregular card turnover
• Businesses just starting out that want minimal upfront commitment
• Seasonal businesses that do not want to pay a monthly fee during quiet periods
• Anyone who wants a simple, no-fuss setup without a contract

Verdict

There is no single winner between Dojo and SumUp - the right choice depends entirely on your business’s card turnover and how much flexibility you need.

If you process more than around £2,400 per month by card and want predictable costs, Dojo Fix at £39.99/month is likely to save you money compared to SumUp’s pay-as-you-go rate. For higher-volume businesses, Dojo’s Flex plan may offer even better value.

If your card turnover is lower, irregular, or you simply want to avoid monthly fees and contracts, SumUp is hard to beat. The low-cost hardware and zero-commitment model make it one of the most accessible card payment solutions available in the UK.

For many businesses, the decision comes down to one question: are you paying more in SumUp transaction fees each month than you would on a Dojo monthly plan? If the answer is yes, it is probably time to switch.

Ready to Find a Better Deal?

Already with SumUp? Upload your statement to see if you could be paying less. Or if you want to explore your options with Dojo, you can compare Dojo deals and find the right plan for your business.