Guide
Choosing a card terminal in Europe
Most providers now offer a free plan with a higher rate and paid plans with lower rates. The right choice depends on one number: your monthly card sales.
What to compare
- Rate for personal EEA cards. Most of your customers pay with these.
- Rate for other cards: business, non-EEA and American Express. Check it if you serve tourists or companies.
- Fixed fee per payment. Matters when your average sale is small.
- Monthly plan fee and what it lowers.
- Terminal price, bought or rented.
- Payout speed and any payout fees.
- Contract length and cancellation terms.
Example: two providers, published prices
In-person payments with personal cards issued in the EEA.
| Provider and plan | Monthly fee | Personal EEA cards | Other cards |
|---|---|---|---|
| myPOS One (Germany) | €0 | 1.29% | 2.69% |
| myPOS Plus (Germany) | €19 | 0.89% | 2.49% |
| myPOS Pro (Germany) | €39 | 0.79% | 2.49% |
| SumUp pay as you go (Ireland) | €0 | 1.69% | 1.69% |
| SumUp Payments Plus (Ireland) | €19 | 0.95% | see provider |
Sources: myPOS pricing, Germany; SumUp pricing, Ireland. myPOS also states instant payouts, including weekends. SumUp Payments Plus is also offered at €189 a year.
When a paid plan pays for itself
Divide the monthly fee by the difference in rate. Above that level of card sales, the paid plan is cheaper.
- myPOS Plus instead of One: €19 ÷ 0.40% = €4,750 of monthly card sales.
- myPOS Pro instead of Plus: €20 ÷ 0.10% = €20,000 of monthly card sales.
- SumUp Payments Plus instead of pay as you go: €19 ÷ 0.74% ≈ €2,570 of monthly card sales.
Example: a café with €18,420 of monthly card sales pays about €238 on a 1.29% plan and about €183 on a 0.89% plan including the €19 fee. Over a year that is about €660. The calculator shows what your current deal costs.
Before you switch
- Check your current contract end date and any early termination fee.
- Compare your effective rate today with the effective rate of the new plan at your own sales.
- Check which cards your customers use. Tourists and business clients change the picture.
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