SumUp for Swiss Freelancers: Is It Right for Your Business?

As a Swiss freelancer, you've probably experienced this: A client wants to pay with a card, but you only have your bank details ready. Or worse—you lose a sale because you can't accept payment on the spot.

Payment acceptance is one of those unsexy administrative tasks that can make or break your freelance business. Traditional Swiss payment terminals come with hefty monthly fees and long-term contracts. But what if there was a simpler way?

Enter SumUp—the mobile payment solution that's gained popularity among small businesses and freelancers across Europe. But does it actually work well in Switzerland's unique payment landscape? And how can you integrate it with your accounting workflow?

Let's find out.

SumUp Pricing in Switzerland (2026 Update)

Let's cut through the confusion about SumUp's pricing. You'll see different numbers quoted online, but here's what actually applies in Switzerland today:

Standard Pay-As-You-Go Model

Transaction fees:

• 1.5% for debit card transactions
• 2.5% for credit card transactions (Visa/Mastercard)
• No monthly subscription fee
• No hidden charges

Hardware costs:

• SumUp Air (basic card reader): CHF 99 one-time purchase
• SumUp 3G (with built-in SIM and printer): Higher upfront cost
• No rental fees—you own the device

Example calculation: If you process CHF 3,000 in monthly transactions (split 50/50 debit/credit), you'll pay approximately CHF 60 in fees.

SumUp One Subscription Model

If you process higher volumes, SumUp offers a subscription plan:

"Bezahlungen Plus" pricing:

• 0.99% for Swiss consumer cards
• 1.99% for other cards
• CHF 29 monthly subscription fee

Break-even point: This makes sense if you process over CHF 3,000 monthly in mostly credit card transactions.

The bottom line: For most freelancers doing under CHF 5,000 monthly in card transactions, the standard model works better. No fixed costs means you only pay when you actually get paid.

What this means for you:

If your clients are primarily Swiss consumers who prefer these local payment methods, SumUp might not be the best fit. You'll accept international cards just fine, but you'll miss out on customers who only use TWINT or PostFinance.

When SumUp still works:

• You have international or corporate clients who typically use Visa/Mastercard
• You offer services where clients expect to use credit cards
• You work at events or markets alongside other payment methods
• Your transaction volumes are too small to justify traditional terminals with monthly fees

The key is understanding your client base before committing.

SumUp Hardware Options Explained

SumUp offers several card reader models. Here's what matters for Swiss freelancers:

SumUp Air (Solo Lite)

Best for: Mobile freelancers who always have their smartphone

• Connects via Bluetooth to your phone or tablet
• Cheapest option at CHF 99
• Compact and portable
• Requires your phone's internet connection
• Battery lasts for 500 transactions

Ideal if you're: A consultant meeting clients at their offices, a photographer at events, a yoga instructor collecting class fees.

SumUp Solo

Best for: Professionals who want a standalone device

• Works independently—no phone needed
• Built-in 4G SIM card (unlimited data included)
• Touchscreen interface
• Receipt printing via Bluetooth printer (sold separately)
• More professional appearance

Ideal if you're: A craftsperson at weekly markets, a mobile mechanic, anyone who wants to minimize dependence on their smartphone.

SumUp 3G with Printer

Best for: Businesses needing printed receipts

• Integrated receipt printer
• Built-in SIM card for connectivity
• Heavier and bulkier than other options
• Higher upfront cost

Ideal if you're: Required to provide printed receipts, selling at markets where customers expect paper receipts, processing higher volumes.

Our recommendation for most freelancers: Start with the Air. At CHF 99, it's low-risk. You can always upgrade if your needs change.

The verdict on alternatives:

SumUp vs. Worldline (formerly SIX Payment Services)

• If you need TWINT or process over CHF 10,000 monthly, consider Worldline
• If you want flexibility and low fixed costs, SumUp wins

SumUp vs. Traditional Bank Terminals

• For freelancers with variable income or seasonal work, SumUp's no-contract model is far more appropriate
• Traditional terminals only make sense for established businesses with consistent high volumes

The workflow in practice: Think of SumUp as your payment collection tool and Magic Heidi as your financial command center. SumUp gets you paid quickly; Magic Heidi keeps your books clean and compliant.

Real Freelancer Scenarios

Let's look at when SumUp makes sense—and when it doesn't.

Scenario 1: Mobile Consultant (IT, Business, Design)

Profile: You visit corporate clients at their offices, invoice CHF 2,000-5,000 per project, occasional same-day payment requests.

SumUp fit: ✓ Excellent

• Carry the Air in your laptop bag
• Accept payment immediately after presentations
• No monthly fees during slow months
• Professional appearance

Magic Heidi value: Invoice before or after meetings, track project time and expenses, prepare for VAT registration as you grow.

Scenario 2: Artisan at Weekly Markets

Profile: Jewelry maker, pottery artist, or craft vendor at weekend markets. Average sale: CHF 50-200. Mix of cash and card payments.

SumUp fit: ⚠ Good with limitations

• Solo terminal works independently
• Accept cards from tourists and locals
• Problem: Many Swiss customers prefer TWINT
• Consider carrying a TWINT QR code alongside SumUp

Magic Heidi value: Track market revenue vs. expenses, manage material costs, handle VAT when you exceed threshold.

Scenario 3: Fitness Instructor or Therapist

Profile: Yoga classes, personal training, massage therapy. Monthly memberships plus drop-in sessions. Swiss consumer clients.

SumUp fit: ⚠ Limited

• Many clients prefer TWINT or direct debit
• Credit cards work for tourists and expats
• Consider as backup payment method

Magic Heidi value: Recurring invoice automation, session tracking, expense management for equipment and space rental.

Scenario 4: B2B Service Provider (Electrician, Plumber, Contractor)

Profile: On-site services for homeowners and businesses. Invoice CHF 500-3,000 per job. Older client demographic.

SumUp fit: ⚡ Moderate

• Great for homeowners paying with credit cards
• Solo with printer provides professional receipts
• Gap: PostFinance Card still popular with older Swiss clients

Magic Heidi value: Quote-to-invoice workflow, expense tracking for materials, project-based accounting, VAT-compliant invoicing.

The pattern: SumUp works best for freelancers with international clients, mobile work, or credit card-preferring customers. It's less ideal if your client base heavily uses TWINT or PostFinance.

The CHF 100,000 Threshold

Key rule: You must register for VAT if your annual turnover exceeds CHF 100,000.

Important details:

• Applies to total revenue, not profit
• Includes all business income from Swiss sources
• You have 30 days to notify the Federal Tax Administration after crossing the threshold
• Failure to register can result in backdated tax liabilities and penalties

VAT Rates in Switzerland

Standard rate: 7.7% (most services and products)

Reduced rates:

• 2.5% for essential goods (food, books, medicine)
• 3.7% for accommodation services

As a freelancer: Most consulting, creative, and professional services fall under the 7.7% standard rate.

VAT Compliance Requirements

Once registered, you must:

1. Add VAT to all invoices (with required details: VAT number, rates, amounts)
2. Submit quarterly reports to the Federal Tax Administration
3. Pay collected VAT minus deductible input tax
4. Maintain detailed records of all income and expenses

This is exactly where Magic Heidi becomes invaluable:

• Automatically adds VAT to invoices at correct rates
• Tracks your turnover toward the CHF 100,000 threshold
• Provides alerts when you're approaching registration requirement
• Generates VAT reports in Swiss format
• Supports both effective method and net tax rate method
• Multi-lingual interface (German, French, Italian, English)

With SumUp alone: You'll have transaction records but need to manually track everything else.

With Magic Heidi: VAT compliance becomes almost automatic.

The key to success: Start simple. Don't overcomplicate your setup. Both SumUp and Magic Heidi are designed to be intuitive—resist the urge to over-customize before you understand your actual workflow.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Is SumUp Worth It?

Let's run the numbers for a typical Swiss freelancer.

Scenario: Freelance Consultant

Monthly payment acceptance:

• CHF 4,000 in card transactions
• 60% debit cards, 40% credit cards

SumUp costs:

• Debit: CHF 2,400 × 1.5% = CHF 36
• Credit: CHF 1,600 × 2.5% = CHF 40
• Total monthly fee: CHF 76

Alternative: Traditional Swiss bank terminal

• Monthly rental: CHF 35
• Debit cards: CHF 2,400 × 2.0% = CHF 48
• Credit cards: CHF 1,600 × 3.0% = CHF 48
• Total monthly cost: CHF 131

Annual savings with SumUp: CHF 660

But remember: This doesn't account for TWINT transactions you might lose by not accepting them.

When SumUp Becomes Expensive

Break-even point: If you process over CHF 8,000-10,000 monthly, traditional acquirers often become more cost-effective, especially if you need TWINT support.

The flexibility value: Even if SumUp costs slightly more, the no-contract flexibility is worth something. During slow months, you only pay transaction fees. Traditional terminals charge you regardless.

The modern freelance business runs on smart tools, not complicated contracts. Both SumUp and Magic Heidi give you that flexibility—now you can choose what works best for your specific situation.

This article provides general information about payment processing and accounting for Swiss freelancers. Tax regulations change regularly—consult with a qualified Swiss tax advisor for your specific situation.