9 Cheapest EFTPOS Machines for Small Business (2025 Guide)

This guide breaks down what “cheap” really means for EFTPOS, compares the most affordable and cheapest EFTPOS machines available in Australia for 2025. It also explains how to choose one that suits your business operations and growth.

Running a small business in Australia means keeping a close eye on every dollar you spend. Whether you own a café in Melbourne, a boutique in Brisbane, or a salon in Sydney, the right EFTPOS machine can make or break how efficiently you get paid.

With contactless payments now the norm, customers expect quick, secure transactions wherever they go. But with so many EFTPOS options available—from Zeller and Square to bank-linked systems like Windcave or mx51—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Why EFTPOS Choice Matters for Small Businesses

Cashless payments have become part of everyday life. Fewer people carry notes, and even fewer coins. So, when a customer wants to “tap and go,” your terminal needs to work fast, connect easily, and stay reliable.

For small businesses, EFTPOS isn’t just about collecting payments—it’s part of your customer experience and your operational cost structure. Every tap or insert adds up to either profit or expense, depending on what you’re paying per transaction.

Choosing the wrong provider—like one with hidden fees, long contracts, or higher transaction charges—can eat into your profits before you even realise it.

What Does “Cheap” Really Mean for EFTPOS?

When people hear “cheap EFTPOS machine,” they often look for the lowest upfront cost. But that’s only part of the story. The real cost comes from four things:

1. Upfront hardware cost – what you pay to buy or lease the terminal.
2. Monthly or rental fee – ongoing service or device rental charges.
3. Transaction fees – what percentage or flat rate you pay per transaction.
4. Hidden fees and contract terms – setup costs, exit fees, or minimum transaction requirements.

For example, a $99 machine with a 2% transaction fee can end up costing you more than a $199 terminal with a 1.4% fee once your sales start rolling in. The “cheapest” option is usually the one with the lowest total cost of ownership, not just the smallest upfront price tag.

9 Cheapest EFTPOS Machines in Australia for 2025/2026

The table below summarises the most reliable and affordable EFTPOS solutions available to small businesses in Australia right now, based on verified publicly available data as of 2025.

Note: Pricing and rates can change depending on business turnover, industry, or special promotions.

Let’s Break Down Each Option

1. Zeller Terminal 2 – The All-Rounder

Zeller’s Terminal 2 is one of the most popular EFTPOS options for Australian small businesses in 2025. With a one-off purchase price of $199 and no ongoing monthly fee, it’s cost-effective and transparent.

Every transaction incurs a flat 1.4% fee, covering Visa, Mastercard, and American Express—no separate surcharges or card-type tiers. You also get a complete POS interface on the same device, so you can process sales, print receipts, and view analytics all in one spot.

For small retail shops, hairdressers, and cafés, Zeller hits a sweet spot: simple setup, no contracts, and clear pricing.

2. Zeller Terminal 1 Bundle – The Budget Starter

If you’re just starting out or trade casually at markets, the Zeller Terminal 1 Bundle is the most budget-friendly way to go cashless. It’s often available for around $99 during promotions.

You’ll still get the 1.4% transaction fee, no rental or setup costs, and access to Zeller’s dashboard for sales tracking. It connects via WiFi or 4G and works perfectly for pop-up stalls, micro businesses, and events.

3. Square Terminal – Compact and Reliable

Square’s Terminal costs $329 upfront or $28/month if you spread payments across a year. It has no monthly service fees and a 1.6% per transaction flat rate.

It’s popular among cafés, salons, and boutique shops because of its minimalist design and ability to handle tap, insert, and contactless payments smoothly. You can email receipts or connect to printers.

Square’s ecosystem is great if you already use its free POS app, but the slightly higher fee might eat into margins if you process large volumes.

4. Square Reader – For Mobile Traders

At just $65, the Square Reader is perfect for on-the-go sellers. It connects to your phone via Bluetooth, processes cards and wallets, and suits market stalls or food trucks.

However, it’s not standalone—you’ll need your phone to complete transactions, and its 1.9% fee is higher than other options.

5. SumUp Solo – Flexible and Lightweight

SumUp’s Solo reader sits around $149 upfront, with no monthly rental. It’s designed for mobile operations—beauticians, tradies, or small pop-ups.

Its transaction fees vary slightly depending on the agreement, but expect roughly 1.6%. It’s small, connects via WiFi or mobile data, and includes digital receipts.

6. Windcave EFTPOS Terminals – Enterprise Reliability for Small Business

Windcave is a global payment provider with strong roots in New Zealand and a growing presence in Australia. While most commonly used by mid-size and enterprise merchants, their devices are also available for small businesses through bank or merchant-service partners.

Pricing varies depending on which partner you go through, but generally:

• Upfront cost: $0 to $300 (depending on contract and model)
• Transaction fees: ~1.3%–1.8% based on card type and volume
• Monthly rental: Sometimes included in merchant plans

Windcave terminals are highly reliable, with multiple integration options for in-store POS systems like POSApt. If you run a business with higher transaction volume and want advanced reconciliation tools or multi-bank connectivity, this system may justify the slightly higher cost.

7. mx51-Powered Bank Terminals (e.g. Westpac EFTPOS Now)

mx51 is not a retail EFTPOS brand—it’s the software platform powering the EFTPOS systems of several major Australian banks. If you’ve seen Westpac’s EFTPOS Now terminals, they’re powered by mx51’s cloud-based software.

For small businesses, this means:

• You get Android-based terminals that support tap, chip, and mobile wallets.
• You can process both in-person and online transactions on one platform.
• Reports sync automatically to your bank’s merchant portal.

These terminals are usually bundled into your merchant plan with transaction fees between 1.2% and 1.8%, depending on card type and volume. Contracts usually run 12 to 24 months, and support is handled directly by the bank.

If you’re already banking with Westpac, St. George, or BankSA, mx51-powered devices can provide smoother account integration and fast settlements.

8. Tyro Go Terminal – For POS Integration Lovers

Tyro has become a household name in Australia for integrated EFTPOS. The Tyro Go terminal costs $299 upfront, with no ongoing rental, and transaction fees starting from 1.1% + 8¢ per transaction depending on turnover.

It integrates with more than 300 POS systems, which makes it perfect for restaurants, cafés, or multi-location retailers that need a seamless checkout. Tyro also allows next-day settlements to most banks, which helps cash flow.

9. ANZ Blade Terminal – Bank-Backed Stability

ANZ offers the Blade terminal as part of its merchant plans. The device connects via 4G or WiFi and supports all major payment methods.

While you’ll typically have to sign a 12–24 month contract, rates are negotiable based on your sales volume. ANZ’s strength lies in support and reliability—you get bank-level service and security with consistent uptime.

This makes it a solid choice for established businesses that prefer dealing directly with a major financial institution rather than a third-party provider.

How to Choose the Best EFTPOS for Your Business

Choosing the right EFTPOS machine depends on how your business operates. Here are a few questions to guide your decision:

1. How do you take payments?

If you operate mainly in-store, go for a countertop terminal like Zeller or Square.

If you move around (like at markets or deliveries), a mobile reader like SumUp or Square Reader might fit better.

2. What’s your monthly transaction volume?

• Under $10,000/month: Focus on low upfront cost, flat-rate simplicity (Zeller, Square, SumUp).
• Over $20,000/month: Negotiate with providers like Windcave, Tyro, or your bank for lower per-transaction fees.

3. Do you need POS integration?

If your business already uses a POS system, ensure your EFTPOS integrates directly. Windcave and mx51 offer smooth integration with major POS systems, including POSApt, which helps automate transactions and reporting.

4. What’s your settlement time?

Some providers deposit funds instantly or next day, while others take up to two days. If cash flow matters, pick a provider that offers fast settlement.

5. Any lock-in contracts?

Startups and microbusinesses usually benefit from no lock-in providers like Zeller, Square, or SumUp. Larger, stable businesses might prefer a bank-linked solution with a lower long-term rate.

Cost Example: Café in Melbourne

Let’s say your café processes $8,000/month in card payments.

In this example, the difference between providers might not look massive, but over multiple years, those small percentages add up.

Common Mistakes When Choosing an EFTPOS Machine

• Ignoring transaction fees: A cheap device with high per-swipe fees can cost hundreds more a year.
• Missing hidden charges: Some banks include setup or cancellation fees.
• Overpaying for hardware: You don’t need a $1,000 terminal if you’re processing under $5,000 a month.
• Poor internet planning: If you trade in outdoor or mobile areas, pick a terminal that works offline or has 4G fallback.
• Not comparing support: Smaller providers might offer better transparency, but less personalised support than banks.

How to Reduce Your EFTPOS Costs

1. Negotiate rates if your volume is growing. Many providers will lower fees once you hit consistent sales numbers.
2. Bundle your services (POS + EFTPOS) with one provider to simplify integration.
3. Consider passing on surcharges (within ACCC limits) to offset transaction costs.
4. Review statements quarterly to catch any unexpected fees or rate changes.
5. Use a modern small business POS system like POSApt to monitor POS data and automate reporting.

Final Thoughts

The cheapest EFTPOS machine isn’t necessarily the best—it’s about getting the right balance of cost, reliability, and fit for your business type.

If you’re just starting out, Zeller or Square offer transparency and flexibility with no contracts.
If you prefer a bank relationship, Windcave or an mx51-powered terminal (like Westpac EFTPOS Now) bring advanced features and tighter account integration.

Whatever you choose, always read the fine print, compare transaction rates, and check how easily it fits into your daily workflow. With the right setup, your EFTPOS machine becomes more than just a payment device—it becomes part of how your business runs smoothly and grows.

More Resources:

How to Use an EFTPOS Machine

POS vs EFTPOS

EFTPOS Surcharges