Problem with Sum Up card reader for small gardening society account

claire07

I have recently purchased a Sum Up Air card reader to use a few times a year when our small horticultural branch for which I am Treasurer sells plants at events.  We have always used cash but now realise we need to accept cards due to many people not carrying cash which means we lose income.

I have set up the Sum Up but the options seemed not appropriate, i.e. Charity (our governing body is a charity but branches are not and are self funding), Business or Sole Trader.  I tried Sole Trader and set most of it up then had to offer details for verification.  I sent copies of driving licence, branch bank account, etc.  but they keep wanting more and we seem to fall between various boxes and I keep being rejected.

 I realise they are concerned about money laundering but it seems I cannot open it as a personal account either.  Has anyone been in a similar position and could they recommend any other card reader we might be able to use. 

Many thanks.

pramsay13

What bank account do you have as a group?

claire07

We have what was a Lloyd's Treasurer's Account which has now be renamed a Lloyd's Community Account.

pramsay13

Is the issue that you are trying to set up a new account with Sum Up? 
What reason are they giving you for rejection?
How about trying to set up a Zettle account (that's who I use) and you can use your phone as a card reader in the first instance. If it works you can purchase a dedicated reader and sell the sum up one. 

claire07

Yes it is.  We are not a charity, nor a sole trader, nor a business but there seems no alternative and they keep asking for directors, partners, trustees, articles of association, etc.  I'll have a go with the Zettle account and see how it goes.  It seems the governing body is a charity but all the branches are not so cannot use the charity number, even though we are a small group not a business.  It's hard enough being a treasurer of a small society without all these difficulties!

Many thanks for your help.