SumUp, the global financial technology company, has launched its latest hardware innovation in the UK: the Solo Lite card reader.
The new device is positioned as the company’s “simplest and most durable” reader yet, designed specifically to offer a cost-effective entry point for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Durability for mobile businesses
The Solo Lite is engineered with mobility in mind. It features a robust design incorporating a Corning Gorilla Glass screen to withstand daily wear and tear. Crucially for mobile traders like food trucks, coffee carts, and market stall holders, the device boasts a long battery life capable of processing over 1,000 transactions on a single charge.
The reader connects to smartphones via Bluetooth, allowing it to function seamlessly on the go or in-store. It supports all major payment and card types and includes a touchscreen interface that enables customers to tip directly on the screen.
Tomer Sabag, chief hardware officer at SumUp, explained the design philosophy behind the new product: “SumUp takes pride in developing and building our technology in-house. We use merchant feedback to continuously improve all our products… When it came to designing Solo Lite, it was critical that we brought to market a product that wasn’t just affordable but powerful, and could be a day-to-day partner of a merchant.”
Affordability and integration
With a one-time device cost of £25 and a small fee per transaction, SumUp is pitching the Solo Lite as an ideal starter device.
Beyond the hardware, the device integrates with the wider SumUp ecosystem. Merchants can monitor sales, issue refunds, and track business performance via the SumUp app. It also supports next-day payouts, with the option for users to spend their earnings directly via the SumUp Business Account.
For businesses with more complex needs, the reader is compatible with third-party software integrations through SumUp’s API.
The Solo Lite is available now via the SumUp website and is scheduled to roll out across major retailers including Toolstation, Screwfix, Ryman, and Currys in Q2 2026.