Monthly Cost
Settlement Time
Device Type Telephone Payments
Included
Business Account
Telephone Payments – SumUp
Package Benefits
- Free Business Wallet
- Free Online Portal
- 3 Hour Settlement Time
- FREE Setup
- Same Day Setup
Pricing
Transaction Fees
Let us build you a tailored package for your business needs. Get in touch now for your personalised quotes.
Virtual Terminal by SumUp
Accept credit card payments remotely using any computer, tablet, or mobile device, giving you the flexibility to take payments wherever your business operates. Don’t get in the way when it’s time to pay and quickly process card payments over the phone without the need for a physical card reader. Whether you’re taking orders by phone or managing payments on the go, remote card payments offer a simple, secure, and convenient way to get paid.
Smart, secure, remote
Virtual Terminal allows you to process card payments quickly and securely over the phone, ensuring the payment experience remains smooth and uninterrupted. When customers are ready to pay, you can complete the transaction without delays, helping maintain trust and improve satisfaction.
Designed for remote payments, this solution removes the need for customers to be physically present. It enables businesses to take payments confidently from anywhere, while maintaining strong security standards to protect both you and your customers.
No card reader needed
With Virtual Terminal, there’s no need for a physical card reader to accept payments. You can process card transactions using any desktop, tablet, or mobile device, giving you complete flexibility in how and where you take payments.
This is especially useful when your card reader isn’t available or when you’re working remotely. As long as you have an internet connection, you can continue accepting payments seamlessly and keep your business running without disruption.
Safe distance
Virtual Terminal provides a fully contact-free and flexible way to accept card payments, removing the need for any face-to-face interaction during the payment process. Customers can securely share their card details remotely, making it a practical and reliable option when in-person contact is not possible, not convenient, or simply not preferred by the customer or the business.
This approach supports safer payment experiences while still maintaining speed, efficiency, and reliability at every step. Whether driven by social distancing requirements, remote working arrangements, or the need for greater convenience, Virtual Terminal helps businesses continue operating smoothly. It allows you to accept payments with confidence, without compromising on security, customer trust, or the overall payment experience.
Restaurants and food delivery services
Restaurants and food delivery services often still rely on phone bookings for reservations, deposits, catering, and large or customised orders. Taking payments over the phone gives customers a flexible, personal way to pay while allowing businesses to secure payments quickly and smoothly.
Small retailers and e-commerce stores
Small retailers and e-commerce stores may have customers who prefer placing orders over the phone instead of online. For businesses offering custom or personalised products, taking card payments by phone creates a smoother, more personal, and convenient buying experience.
Hotels and hospitality
When travelling, many guests prefer to speak directly with hotel or hospitality staff to discuss the details of their booking. This is particularly common for boutique hotels or private bed and breakfasts, where accommodation options can vary between stays.
Accepting card payments over the phone allows both customers and staff to confirm booking details and complete payment in one smooth interaction, helping deliver a simpler and more personalised customer experience.
Service-based businesses
Service-based businesses such as cleaners, plumbers, and gardeners often use mobile card readers for in-person payments, but over-the-phone card payments can offer added flexibility for both businesses and customers.
For more complex jobs, such as landscaping work, taking payments by phone allows you to discuss the final quote, explain the costs clearly, and collect a deposit immediately once the details have been confirmed.
Freelancers and consultants
Freelancers and consultants often discuss and finalise project details with clients over the phone, especially for larger or more complex work. Once the scope is agreed, a deposit is often required before starting the project.
Taking card payments over the phone helps shorten the gap between consultation and delivery. It simplifies the payment process and creates a smoother, more efficient experience for both you and your clients.
About SumUp
SumUp supports small and independent businesses with simple, reliable tools that make taking payments effortless. Built on the belief that every merchant deserves accessible technology, SumUp provides card readers, online payment solutions, and a free business account designed to keep operations smooth and stress-free. With a focus on transparency, ease of use, and customer-first values, SumUp empowers millions of merchants across Europe to accept payments, manage their earnings, and grow their businesses with confidence.
SumUp Customer Reviews
Fantastic payments App
As a new start up business attending our first expo selling our product we looked into getting a card reader to take payments and discovered the SumUp App. Using our iPhones and the App to take payments was flawless, simple and incredibly good value.
As a sole trader
As a sole trader, Sum up has made a huge difference to my business, for the better. The help centre has been able to support me when needed and always resolved the issue, which has been on,y been about twice in 4 or 5 years. Would highly recommend recommend
What a game changer
For a small club, being able to take card payments is a game changer. Minimal charges, payments transferred to our bank promptly. Superb service.
Frequenty asked questions
Is it safe to take payments over the phone?
Taking payments over the phone is generally safe, but like any payment method, it carries certain security risks that merchants need to manage carefully. Being aware of these risks and following best practices can help protect your business and customers.
To reduce the risk of credit card fraud and cyber threats, businesses should use AVS and CVV checks to confirm the cardholder has the physical card, stay informed about PCI DSS and other relevant compliance requirements, and ensure their processes meet these standards. It’s also important to minimise human error by properly training staff to recognise common card-not-present scams and identify suspicious behaviour.
What is PCI DSS?
PCI DSS, or the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, is a set of security guidelines designed to protect cardholder data whenever payments are processed, stored, or transmitted. It applies to all businesses that handle card information, regardless of their size or transaction volume.
The standard includes a wide range of requirements that merchants should understand and follow to remain compliant. These cover areas such as encrypting sensitive payment data, restricting access to cardholder information, setting clear data retention limits, and establishing policies that control how long customer data is stored.
Is it legal to take card payments over the phone in the UK?
Taking card payments over the phone is legal in the UK and widely used across many industries, but businesses must follow specific rules to stay compliant. This includes handling customer data in line with GDPR, meeting PCI DSS security standards, respecting consumer rights, and providing clear payment terms and conditions.
How do I set up a virtual terminal?
The setup process for a virtual terminal can differ depending on the provider. In most cases, virtual terminals are not standalone products, so businesses may need to activate additional payment services before they can start accepting virtual terminal payments.
With SumUp, setting up a virtual terminal is straightforward. You submit a request through your SumUp account, after which the support team will provide an application form and ask for relevant documentation to verify your business activity, such as your website, social media presence, or business records. Once approved, the virtual terminal is enabled on your account, allowing you to process payments directly from your online dashboard or the SumUp mobile app.
How long does it take for the money to appear in my account?
Payouts appear in your free SumUp Business Account every 3 hours — even on weekends and bank holidays. If you choose to use your own bank account, funds typically arrive within 1–2 business days.
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Package Benefits
- Accept payments in 170+ countries
- Seamless single integration setup
- Wider payment method options
- Reduce cart abandonment rates
- Lower processing costs globally
- Improve transaction authorization rates
