Accepting card payments is no longer optional for most Australian businesses. The convenience for your customers, the speed of transaction, and the perception of professionalism all make EFTPOS almost a requirement. But with that convenience comes cost. How much does an EFTPOS machine cost? What do the fees look like? What should you watch out for so you don’t get blindsided?
In this guide, we’ll break down EFTPOS machine costs, EFTPOS fees, per-transaction charges, and everything in between so you can make an informed decision that fits your business.
Types of Costs to Expect with EFTPOS
An EFTPOS solution carries several types of costs. It’s not just the price of the hardware. Here are the major cost categories:
| Cost Type | What It Is | Why It Matters |
| Hardware & Machine Cost | Buying (outright) or renting/leasing the EFTPOS terminal(s) | Affects upfront investment and ongoing fixed costs |
| Monthly or Annual Merchant & Service Fees | Fixed fees for having the facility, maintaining service, connectivity etc. | Even small monthly fees add up over time |
| Transaction Fees | The cost per individual transaction (often % of sale, sometimes a flat component) | Heavily impacts your margins if volume or ticket size is large |
| Other Hidden or Incident Costs | Setup fees, chargeback fees, replacement fees (damage/loss), accessories (paper rolls, power cables), settlements speed etc. | These can sneak up and make a “cheaper” option more expensive in practice |
Upfront Costs vs Rental/Subscription Models
When you’re shopping around, you’ll usually see two models:
- Buying the machine outright: You pay once for the terminal. This may be preferred if you expect to retain the device for many years or want low ongoing fixed costs.
- Renting/leasing/terminal subscription: You pay monthly (or some regular fee) to use the machine. The provider handles maintenance, replacement etc. Sometimes, this includes connectivity (4G, WiFi etc.).
Depending on provider, machine model, and features (portable vs countertop, receipt printer built-in, mobility etc.), upfront purchase can cost hundreds of dollars. Rental fees typically range from $20-$40+ per month for basic terminals, more for feature-rich or portable models.
EFTPOS Transaction Fees
The fee you pay each time a customer uses card/EFTPOS depends on a few things:
- Whether it’s a percentage fee (e.g. 1.0-2.0% of the sale amount) or a flat per-transaction fee, or a combination.
- What type of card is used: Visa, Mastercard, AMEX/JCB, eftpos-only cards, etc. Some cards/networks attract higher fees.
- Whether there are additional costs for international cards or special/faster settlement services.
Some providers offer flat transaction rates that cover eftpos, Visa, Mastercard etc.
Factors that Influence Overall EFTPOS Pricing
Many things will affect what you pay. Here are factors to consider, so you can estimate better for your business.
- Monthly Transaction Volume
Higher volume often gives negotiating power. Some providers waive rental fees or give lower transaction rates above certain turnover thresholds.
- Average Transaction Size (Ticket Value)
If your average sale is low (say $5-$20), fees as a percentage hurt more. Flat-fee per transaction components (if any) weigh more in low-ticket businesses. If your average sale is larger, %-based fees have less relative effect.
- Type of Cards and Payment Methods Accepted
Accepting American Express or international credit cards tends to cost more. Accepting digital wallets or newer methods may have extra processing or network fees.
- Speed of Settlement
If you want funds in your bank quickly (same day, next day), you may pay a premium.
- Connectivity & Portability
Portable terminals or those that work on 4G/3G/WiFi have higher hardware or rental fees vs fixed, countertop machines.
- Contract Terms
Lock-in period vs no contract, cancellation fees, termination charges. Some providers require you to stay for a set term; others are more flexible.
- Hidden Costs
Think about paper rolls, printer ribbons (if applicable), power or backup connectivity, and replacement or damage fees. Also, chargebacks or disputes. These can erode any savings from a low headline rate.
What Some Major EFTPOS Providers Charge
To give you a clearer picture, here are real-world pricing examples from well-known providers in Australia (figures as of mid-2025, and can change).
| Provider | Terminal Cost | Transaction Fee Rates | Other Notable Fees |
| Commonwealth Bank | Terminal rental: ~$29.50/month per terminal for their “Smart” terminals.
Outright purchase for portable reader (“Smart Mini”): ~$59 purchase. |
Flat rate 1.1% per transaction (covers Mastercard, Visa, AMEX/JCB, eftpos, UnionPay) for eligible merchants. | No lock-in contracts for some plans.
Non-return fee ~$500 if you don’t return a rented terminal or it’s damaged. $30 chargeback (dispute) fee. |
| Square | Terminal/device purchase cost: e.g. Square Reader ~ $65 (incl GST), Square Terminal ~ $329 for hardware.
No monthly rental or fixed fees for basic use. |
Transaction rate: 1.6% per in-person transaction with card present.
Higher for card-not-present/keyed-in/online payments. |
Free POS software (for basic plan).
Fixed cost of hardware for purchase. Fewer fixed monthly fees but consumables, replacement etc are extra. Some features (instant payouts, etc.) may incur extra charges. |
| Smartpay | They offer options with zero terminal rental under certain conditions (e.g. if monthly turnover is ≥ a certain threshold).
Also have flat-rate plan options. |
Two main pricing methods:
1. Zero Cost™ EFTPOS – pay nothing (or very low) in merchant service fees; a small surcharge may be passed onto customers. 2. Simple Flat Rate – one rate for all cards/transactions. |
Conditions apply: minimum turnover thresholds or surcharging needed for “zero cost” options.
Hardware compatibility, connectivity, extra features etc may have extra costs. Support, settlement terms etc vary by plan. |
| Venue Smart | Zero cost to join; no lock-in contracts.
Option to pay $0 terminal rental in some cases. |
We offer competitive transaction fees for all payment options, and offer “zero-cost EFTPOS” to merchants via automatic surcharging costs to customers. | POS setup, receipt rolls, and other ‘extras’ are free.
No lock-in contracts on all EFTPOS terminal plans. Same-day settlements 7 days a week at no extra cost. |
Hidden Fees & Things Businesses Often Overlook
When comparing EFTPOS machine charges, some costs are obvious; others less so. To avoid surprises:
- Chargebacks & Dispute Fees: If a customer disputes a transaction (credit card return, fraud, etc.), you might pay a fee.
- Damage/Non-Return of Machine: If you’re renting or leasing, you may be liable if the device is lost, stolen, damaged, or not returned.
- Accessory or Consumable Costs: Paper rolls, printer ribbons, cables, power supplies, mounts etc.
- Connectivity Costs: If the terminal requires mobile data / SIM / 4G as backup etc. Sometimes those data plans are bundled; sometimes they’re extra.
- Setup or Installation Fees: In some ports, someone needs to install equipment, cables etc. Depending on your provider or model, there may be a setup or installation charge.
- Settlement Speed Premiums: If you want your funds faster, some providers charge for same-day or next-day settlement.
- Contract Lock-Ins & Exit Fees: Some deals have minimum periods or penalties for early termination.
- Minimum Monthly Fees: Even if you don’t do many transactions, you may need to pay a minimum fee for having the facility.
How Much Does EFTPOS Charge Per Transaction?
The precise number depends heavily on the factors above, but here’s a summary:
- Many providers charge between ~1.0% and ~1.8% for standard domestic card transactions (Visa, Mastercard, eftpos).
- Some “flat rate” offerings may simplify this, e.g. 1.1% covering multiple card types.
- For some lower-volume or more basic plans, it could be higher (~1.8-2.0%), especially if you don’t negotiate or if you accept many premium/foreign cards.
- Transactions involving AMEX/JCB often incur higher fees or may require a separate agreement.
Remember: percentage alone is not the full story – combine with fixed monthly/annual costs to see the true cost per transaction when you spread fixed costs over your transaction volume.
Chat With A Payment Services Provider
Every business is different, which means the true cost of an EFTPOS solution isn’t the same for everyone. It comes down to your transaction volume, average spend per customer, the types of payments you accept, and how much flexibility you need in your setup.
At Venue Smart, we make it simple. No lock-in contracts, no hidden fees, and options like automatic surcharging to keep your costs predictable. Whether you’re running a café, a retail store, or a multi-site venue, our team can help tailor an EFTPOS package that fits your business, your cash flow, and your goals.
Ready to find out what EFTPOS would look like for you? Chat with one of our local representatives today, and we’ll map out a clear cost model based on your turnover and terminal needs.