EFTPOS Machine Cost in Australia: A Complete 2025 Guide

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about EFTPOS machine costs in Australia in 2025. From upfront purchases to ongoing fees, transaction costs, and even tips on how to save—consider this your one-stop guide.

As cash continues to disappear from everyday transactions, EFTPOS machines have become essential for nearly every type of business in Australia. Whether you run a café, a retail shop, a salon, or a mobile food van, being able to accept card and digital payments isn’t just convenient—it’s expected.

But with dozens of providers, pricing models, and fee structures out there, figuring out the real cost of an EFTPOS machine can get confusing fast. Let’s make sense of it.

What Is an EFTPOS Machine?

EFTPOS stands for Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale. In simple terms, it’s a payment terminal that lets your customers pay electronically using debit cards, credit cards, or digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Modern EFTPOS systems do much more than process payments. Many now integrate with POS (Point of Sale) software, track sales data, and even support contactless and mobile transactions.

Depending on your setup, you can choose from several types of machines:

Countertop EFTPOS Machines

Fixed to your counter and connected via the internet or phone line, these are common in cafés, shops, and service counters. They’re reliable, sturdy, and best for businesses that take payments in one place.

Portable EFTPOS Machines

Battery-powered and Wi-Fi or mobile-data-enabled, these are popular with restaurants, delivery services, and mobile vendors. You can take them directly to the customer, which helps improve convenience and service flow.

Integrated EFTPOS Systems

These machines sync directly with your POS software—like POSApt—allowing automatic transaction entry, accurate sales tracking, and simplified end-of-day reports. They’re ideal for larger or busier venues where speed and accuracy matter.

EFTPOS Machine Costs in 2025

The cost of an EFTPOS machine depends on your provider, your sales volume, and how you choose to pay—whether you buy it outright or rent it on a monthly plan.

Here’s a detailed look at what’s involved.

1. Buying vs. Renting

Buying outright means you pay for the terminal upfront and usually avoid ongoing rental charges. Providers like Zeller and Square offer this model.

• Zeller: EFTPOS terminal costs about $199, with no monthly rental or contract.
• Square Terminal: Around $299, and their smaller card reader starts from $59.

Once purchased, you’ll only pay per-transaction fees, which keeps long-term costs predictable.

Renting is the other option, offered by providers such as NAB, Tyro, and Commonwealth Bank.

• NAB EFTPOS Now: Starts at $24.75/month
• Tyro: Around $29–$40/month depending on the plan

Renting works well for businesses that prefer lower upfront costs or want access to hardware upgrades. However, over time, rental fees can add up—especially if you’re using the machine for years.

2. Transaction Fees

No matter which provider you choose, every electronic payment comes with a transaction fee. These fees are typically a small percentage of each sale or a flat rate per transaction.

Here’s a general guide for 2025:

• Square: 1.6% flat fee on all card transactions
• Zeller: 1.4% per transaction
• NAB: around 1.1%, depending on your sales volume and card type
• Tyro: variable rates based on turnover, usually between 1.0% and 1.3%

For example, if your café processes $10,000 per month in card payments, you could be paying anywhere from $110 to $160 in transaction fees, depending on your provider.

It’s worth noting that debit card payments (tap and go) usually cost less than credit card transactions. If you take an EFTPOS Machine from POSApt, the transaction fee can vary between 0.9% and 1.6%.

3. Setup Fees

Many EFTPOS providers no longer charge setup fees, but it’s still something to check before signing up. Some banks used to charge a one-time connection fee of around $80–$100, though this has mostly disappeared.

Providers like Zeller, Square, NAB, and Tyro currently don’t charge any setup fees.

4. Additional or Hidden Costs

EFTPOS pricing can seem straightforward at first glance, but some costs often go unnoticed:

• Chargeback fees: if a customer disputes a transaction
• Paper rolls: for printed receipts (roughly $5–$10 per pack)
• Replacement or maintenance fees: if the device is lost or damaged
• Surcharge setup: some businesses pass transaction fees on to customers (although this will be restricted from mid-2026)

It’s a good idea to read your contract carefully before committing.

EFTPOS Providers in Australia – 2025 Snapshot

Each provider offers different perks—some focus on flexibility, others on reliability or speed of settlement.

For small businesses, Zeller and Square are often more cost-effective since there are no long-term contracts or hidden fees. Larger businesses, however, may prefer NAB or Tyro for their reliability, integration options, and service support.

How EFTPOS Costs Compare by Business Type

Different industries have different usage patterns, so the total cost of EFTPOS varies.

Café or Restaurant

Average monthly sales: $20,000
Preferred setup: Portable EFTPOS integrated with POS
Estimated monthly cost: $200–$250 (including transaction fees)

Retail Store

Average monthly sales: $15,000
Preferred setup: Countertop machine
Estimated monthly cost: $150–$180

Mobile Business or Market Stall

Average monthly sales: $5,000
Preferred setup: Portable card reader (e.g., Zeller or Square)
Estimated monthly cost: $70–$90

These figures give a general idea but can vary depending on how your customers pay (debit vs. credit) and your provider’s rates.

EFTPOS Costs by Monthly Transaction Volume

The more transactions you process, the more sense it makes to negotiate for a lower rate. Most providers are open to custom pricing if your sales volume is consistent and high.

How to Choose the Right EFTPOS Machine

Choosing the right EFTPOS machine isn’t just about the cheapest option—it’s about finding a setup that complements your daily operations. Here’s what to consider:

1. Business Type

Retail shops benefit from fixed terminals, while cafés and restaurants do better with portable options. Mobile vendors should stick to lightweight, data-enabled models.

2. Transaction Volume

If you process a lot of POS transactions, opt for a provider with lower per-transaction fees, even if it has a small monthly cost. Over time, that saves more money than a zero-monthly-fee option.

3. Integration Needs

If you use a POS system like POSApt, it’s smart to choose an EFTPOS terminal that integrates directly. This eliminates manual entry errors, streamlines reporting, and keeps inventory data accurate.

4. Connectivity

Ensure your terminal supports reliable Wi-Fi or 4G, especially if you’re mobile. Downtime during busy hours can lead to lost sales and frustrated customers.

5. Settlement Speed

Instant or same-day settlements help improve cash flow, especially for small businesses. Some providers, like Zeller and Tyro, offer near-instant settlements even after hours.

How to Keep EFTPOS Costs Down

Even a small saving per transaction can add up to thousands each year. Here are practical ways to reduce your EFTPOS costs:

• Negotiate your rates: If your monthly card volume is high, most providers will offer a better rate.
• Avoid unnecessary add-ons: Skip receipt printing if you mostly email invoices.
• Use integrated systems: Reduces manual work and speeds up service.
• Review your plan annually: Your business may outgrow your current setup.
• Be transparent with surcharges: If you apply a fee, display it clearly and ensure it complies with ACCC regulations.

Example: A small café processing $15,000 in monthly card sales switched from a bank provider charging 1.4% to a flat 1.1% rate. That 0.3% difference saved them over $500 per year—enough to cover other business expenses like supplies or advertising.

The Future of EFTPOS in Australia

EFTPOS technology continues to evolve quickly. In 2025, more businesses are using cloud-based EFTPOS systems that integrate directly with their online and in-store sales. This means faster reporting, less admin, and easier scalability.

One big change coming soon: the Reserve Bank of Australia’s plan to limit surcharges on debit and credit payments by mid-2026. Once that’s enforced, customers won’t have to pay extra fees when using cards—so businesses will need to absorb those costs or adjust pricing accordingly.

We’re also seeing a strong shift toward:

• Contactless payments as standard
• Mobile-first payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay
• Integrated reporting that combines online and in-store data

As competition grows, EFTPOS providers are becoming more flexible and transparent with their pricing, which is great news for Australian businesses.

Final Thoughts

EFTPOS machines are now an essential part of doing business in Australia. Understanding the true cost—beyond just the sticker price—helps you choose a system that supports your operations and maximises profit.

When comparing providers, look at:

• Purchase or rental cost
• Transaction fees
• Integration options
• Settlement speed
• Support and contract terms

A well-chosen EFTPOS machine can streamline your checkout process, reduce errors, and enhance the customer experience. Whether you go with an all-in-one solution like Zeller, a flexible provider like Tyro, or an integrated system through your POS provider, the right choice depends on your business size, industry, and customer habits.

Take the time to evaluate your options, read the fine print, and run the numbers. The effort you put into choosing the right EFTPOS machine today could save you hundreds—or even thousands—over the coming year.