Best EFTPOS Machines for Small Businesses in Australia

The best EFTPOS machine for most Australian small businesses is Square, because it combines transparent pricing, low-commitment hardware, simple setup, and free POS software that can support face-to-face, online, invoice, and over-the-phone payments.

However, Square won’t be the best fit for every business. Zeller is stronger if you want a lower flat in-person transaction rate and faster access to funds.

Tyro is worth comparing if you’re a busy café, restaurant, or retail store and need POS-integrated EFTPOS, same-day settlement, and a choice of terminal styles. Clover is a good option if you want payment hardware and POS tools in one expandable system.

Best EFTPOS Machines for Small Businesses: Quick Comparison

What Is the Difference Between EFTPOS and eftpos?

EFTPOS stands for Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale. In everyday business use, an EFTPOS machine is the terminal or card reader you use to take in-person payments by tap, insert, swipe, or digital wallet.

eftpos, in lower case, is different. It is Australia’s domestic debit card network, which processes many local debit card payments between Australian banks. Many Australian debit cards are dual-network cards, meaning a transaction can be processed through eftpos or an international network such as Visa or Mastercard.

This matters for small businesses because routing and fees can differ by network. If a provider supports least-cost routing, an eligible debit transaction can be sent through the lower-cost available network, often eftpos.

1. Square Reader, Terminal and Handheld: Best Overall EFTPOS Machines for New and Growing Businesses

Why we recommend Square

Square is the strongest all-round EFTPOS choice for small businesses that want to start taking payments quickly without a long merchant application or monthly software fee.

The biggest advantage is flexibility. You can start with Tap to Pay on a compatible phone or a low-cost Square Reader, then add Square Terminal, Square Handheld, Square Stand, Square Register, online checkout, invoicing, staff tools, inventory and industry-specific POS features, as your business grows.

Square’s key EFTPOS features

• Transparent card-present fee: Square charges 1.6% per in-person transaction for new Australian sellers.
• Low hardware entry point: Tap to Pay is free with a compatible iPhone or Android phone, while Square Reader costs $65.
• Portable POS option: Square Handheld costs $349 and is designed for taking orders, managing inventory and accepting payments on the move.
• All-in-one terminal: Square Terminal costs $329 and combines card payments with built-in receipt printing.
• Free POS software: Square Point of Sale has no setup fee or monthly software fee on its free plan.
• Multiple ways to take payment: Businesses can take in-person, online, invoice, payment link and virtual terminal payments.
• Offline payments: Square can process some offline payments when service is temporarily unavailable, though limits and exclusions apply.
• Custom pricing: Square says businesses processing more than $250,000 per year in card sales may be eligible for custom rates.

Where Square is strongest

Square is best for sole traders, market sellers, mobile service providers, salons, cafés, retailers and small hospitality businesses that want one unified and affordable payment ecosystem, rather than separate apps for payments, products, staff, and sales reports.

It is also a good fit if you’re not sure how quickly you’ll grow. You can start small, then add more hardware and software when you need it.

Where Square may not suit

Square may not be the cheapest option for businesses with high card turnover, because Zeller and some quote-based providers advertise lower in-person rates.

Square’s simpler hardware is also not always the best choice for established hospitality businesses that need deep POS-integrated EFTPOS, Pay@Table or advanced payment workflows. Tyro or Clover may be worth comparing in those cases.

Square pricing

You can check the latest details on the Square pricing page.

2. Zeller Terminal: Best EFTPOS Machine for Low Flat Fees and Faster Cashflow

Why we recommend Zeller

Zeller is one of the most compelling Australian EFTPOS providers for small businesses that want a modern terminal, a low flat card-present fee and no monthly rental costs.

Its main appeal is cashflow. Zeller combines EFTPOS terminals with a business transaction account, so payments can be settled to a Zeller Transaction Account on the same day or to a nominated bank account by the next business day.

Zeller’s key EFTPOS features

• Low flat in-person rate: Zeller charges 1.4% for card-present payments, including American Express.
• No monthly rental fee: Zeller says there are no monthly fees, rental fees, or return fees on its terminals.
• Two main terminal options: Zeller Terminal 1x and Zeller Terminal 2 both cost $199.
• Built-in POS Lite: Zeller includes POS Lite on its terminals, which is useful for businesses that need more than a basic amount-entry device.
• Tap to Pay: Businesses can also accept contactless payments on a compatible iPhone or Android phone using the Zeller App.
• Same-day settlement option: Payments can settle to a Zeller Transaction Account on the same day or to an external bank account by the next business day.

Where Zeller is strongest

Zeller is best for cafés, retail stores, tradespeople, health and beauty businesses, and mobile merchants that want lower simple fees without committing to a traditional merchant services contract.

It is especially strong for businesses that want payments and banking closer together. The combination of an EFTPOS terminal, transaction account, business debit card, invoicing and app-based reporting makes Zeller feel more like a small business finance platform than a standalone card reader.

Where Zeller may not suit

Zeller may not be the best fit if you want the widest built-in POS ecosystem. Square offers more native free software, while Clover has a broader app marketplace and more fully-developed POS hardware stack.

Zeller is also not necessarily the best option if you already have a complex hospitality POS setup and mostly need deep third-party POS integration. In that case, Tyro or Clover may be worth comparing.

Zeller pricing

You can check the latest details on the Zeller pricing page.

3. Tyro EFTPOS: Best EFTPOS Range for Established Hospitality and Retail Businesses

Why we recommend Tyro

Tyro is a strong option for Australian businesses that already take a meaningful volume of card payments and need their EFTPOS terminal to work smoothly with a POS system.

Unlike Square and Zeller, Tyro is not centred on one simple reader. Its current EFTPOS range includes Tyro Pro Touch, Tyro Pro Key, Tyro Pro Lite and Tyro BYO App, giving businesses a choice between touchscreen terminals, keypad-led accessibility, lower monthly rental and phone-based contactless payments.

Tyro’s current EFTPOS products

Tyro’s key EFTPOS features

• Multiple device options: Tyro’s current range includes Pro Touch, Pro Key, Pro Lite and the BYO App.
• Standard transaction fee: Tyro lists a 1.4% transaction fee on standard pricing.
• Custom pricing: Tyro says businesses processing more than $20,000 per month in card payments can request customised pricing.
• No Cost EFTPOS option: Eligible businesses transacting more than $10,000 per month may be able to use Tyro’s No Cost EFTPOS pricing plan.
• POS integration focus: Tyro Pro Touch, Pro Key and Pro Lite support POS integration, making them better suited to established venues than basic phone readers.
• Same-day settlement: Same-day settlement is available when Tyro-settled funds are paid into a Tyro Transaction Account.
• Tap & Save: Tyro’s least-cost routing feature can route eligible dual-network debit transactions through a lower-cost network.
• Hospitality features: Pay@Table and SplitBills are available where the connected POS or PMS supports the integration.

Where Tyro is strongest

Tyro is best for businesses that have moved beyond a basic card reader and now need stable, integrated EFTPOS across a physical venue.

The clearest fits are cafés, restaurants, bars, pubs, clinics, hotels or retailers that wants a terminal connected to its POS system. Tyro Pro Key is especially useful if staff prefer a physical keypad, while Tyro Pro Lite makes more sense if you want a lower monthly rental and do not need the more premium hardware.

Where Tyro may not suit

Tyro is less compelling for microbusinesses and occasional sellers. If you only take a small number of payments each week, Square or Zeller’s no-monthly-fee models may be easier to justify.

You should also be careful with any “No Cost EFTPOS” plan. Tyro says No Cost EFTPOS may not recover all electronic payment costs, and machine rental can still apply if you process less than $10,000 per month.

From October 2026, Australian card surcharging is also changing, so it’s important to compare Tyro’s underlying merchant fees rather than only its ability to pass costs to customers.

Tyro pricing

You can check the latest details on the Tyro comparison page and Tyro merchant fees page.

4. Clover Flex: Best EFTPOS and POS Hybrid for Growing Teams

Why we recommend Clover

Clover is best for businesses that want an EFTPOS machine to do more than take payments. Clover Flex is its most relevant card machine for this page, because it is a handheld POS device with payment acceptance, order-taking, sales tracking and business management features built in.

Clover’s wider Australian hardware range also includes Clover Mini and Clover Station Duo, so it makes most sense for businesses that want a payment terminal today and a broader POS setup later.

Clover’s key EFTPOS features

• Portable payment hardware: Clover Flex is designed for counter, table-side and mobile payment taking.
• Built-in business tools: Clover devices include software to accept payments, track inventory, manage staff and access sales information.
• Flexible hardware stack: Businesses can add Clover Mini, Station Duo, Kiosk, kitchen display systems and accessories as they grow.
• App marketplace: Clover gives businesses access to hundreds of compatible business management apps.
• Quote-led pricing: Clover Australia provides custom quotes rather than publishing one simple card machine tariff.
• No lock-in claim: Clover Australia says its contract-free monthly subscription has no termination fees.

Where Clover is strongest

Clover is best for cafés, quick-service restaurants, salons and retailers that want a payment terminal that can grow into a more complete POS system.

It is also a strong option if you want to add devices over time. For example, a small café might start with a portable Flex terminal, then add a customer-facing counter setup or kitchen display system later.

Where Clover may not suit

Clover may be more system than a very small business needs. If you only need to take occasional card payments at markets, Square Reader or Zeller Tap to Pay will usually be simpler.

The other drawback is pricing transparency. Clover’s Australian site focuses on custom quotes, so businesses need to speak to sales to compare exact hardware, software and processing costs.

Clover pricing

Clover Australia does not publish one universal EFTPOS machine price. Instead, it provides tailored quotes based on the devices, software, and processing setup you need.

Before choosing Clover, ask for:

• Hardware costs: Are you buying outright or paying monthly?
• Monthly software fees: What is included in your plan?
• Card-present transaction rates: Including eftpos, Visa, Mastercard, Amex, UnionPay and international cards
• Contract terms: Cancellation rules, upgrade terms and support arrangements
• App costs: Are there any paid third-party apps you need to run your business?

You can check the latest details on the Clover pricing page.

5. Till Portable Terminal: Best EFTPOS Machine for Tailored Merchant Pricing

Why we recommend Till

Till Payments, now a Nuvei company, is best for businesses that want a quote-led merchant services setup rather than a simple off-the-shelf card reader.

Its Fee-free EFTPOS plan advertises $0 transaction fees, $0 terminal rental and $0 monthly fees, subject to terms. Till also offers tailored pricing for larger merchants and businesses processing more than $250,000 annually.

Till’s key EFTPOS features

• Till Portable Terminal: Till’s main in-person EFTPOS product is built for portable payments and POS integration.
• Fee-free EFTPOS option: Till advertises a no-frills plan with $0 transaction fees, terminal rental and monthly fees, subject to terms.
• Tailored pricing: Businesses with larger annual transaction volumes can speak to Till about more competitive rates.
• Online and payment links: Till supports online, phone and secure-link payments from $0.25 per transaction.
• POS integrations: Till says its terminals can integrate with more than 350 POS/PMS providers.
• Continuity features: Till terminals can use standalone mode or SIM connectivity to keep trading when Wi-Fi is not available.
• Additional terminals: Extra terminal rental is listed at $30 per terminal, per month.
• Minimum merchant service fee: Till lists a $30 monthly minimum merchant service fee if the actual MSF is less than $30.

Where Till is strongest

Till is worth comparing if your business has more complex payment needs than a simple shop counter setup. It is particularly relevant if you want in-person payments, online payments, payment links, POS integrations and account-managed pricing from the same provider.

Where Till may not suit

Till is less transparent than Square and Zeller for small businesses that want to understand costs immediately. Its pricing is more quote-led, and the Fee-free EFTPOS model depends on terms that should be checked carefully before signing.

The 2026 surcharge reforms also mean businesses should be cautious about choosing a provider mainly because it can pass card fees to customers. Ask Till or Nuvei how its pricing will work after the surcharge rules change.

Till pricing

You can check the latest details on the Till pricing page.

6. Shift4 (Formerly Smartpay): Best EFTPOS Machine for Businesses Comparing Fee-Free Models

Why we include Shift4

Smartpay has long been known in Australia and New Zealand for EFTPOS solutions, but the business has changed. Smartpay is now trading as Shift4 in Australia, with local product pages focused on its Low Cost EFTPOS plans that let businesses either pass fees to customers or pay the fees themselves.

For this reason, small businesses should treat older Smartpay reviews and pricing references with caution and check the latest Shift4 Australia terms directly before signing.

Shift4’s key EFTPOS features

• Formerly Smartpay: Shift4’s Australian EFTPOS offer builds on Smartpay’s local EFTPOS presence.
• Two main plan routes: Shift4 lists Low Cost EFTPOS – Pass Fees and Low Cost EFTPOS – Pay Fees as current options.
• Portable terminal focus: The provider is relevant for businesses that want a portable, business-grade EFTPOS terminal.
• Connectivity: Shift4 advertises free 4G multi-network SIM and Wi-Fi connectivity.
• No lock-in contracts: Shift4 advertises no lock-in contracts, though businesses should still check notice periods and exit terms.
• Local support: Shift4 advertises 24/7 locally based support.
• Payment acceptance: Shift4 says its terminals process major debit and credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, eftpos and American Express.

Where Shift4 is strongest

Shift4 may suit businesses that want a traditional EFTPOS terminal and are comfortable comparing custom merchant pricing. It may also be relevant if you were already considering Smartpay and want to understand what the provider offers under the Shift4 name.

It is particularly worth comparing if your business processes enough card volume to make a fee-passing or low-cost EFTPOS model attractive.

Where Shift4 may not suit

Shift4 is harder to recommend for very small businesses that want quick, transparent costs. Square and Zeller are easier to compare because their core hardware and transaction pricing are published clearly.

You should also scrutinise any monthly minimums, notice periods and fee-free terms. Shift4 states that a minimum monthly fee of $100 + GST applies if the amount of merchant service fees paid by you or passed to cardholders for the month is lower than that amount.

Shift4 pricing

Shift4’s Australian EFTPOS pricing is quote-led. Before signing, ask for:

• Plan type: Are you on Low Cost EFTPOS – Pass Fees or Low Cost EFTPOS – Pay Fees?
• Monthly minimum fees: Especially if your turnover varies by season
• Transaction rates: For eftpos, Visa, Mastercard, Amex and international cards
• Terminal costs: Rental, replacement and return fees
• Surcharge changes: How fees will be handled from October 2026
• Cancellation rules: Notice periods and early exit fees

You can check the latest details on the Shift4 Australia site.

Do Small Businesses Need To Take Card Payments in 2026?

Yes, most Australian small businesses should accept card payments in 2026 because customers expect to pay by card or digital wallet, and card payments reduce friction at checkout.

Cash still matters, but it is no longer the default payment method. The RBA’s 2025 Consumer Payments Survey found that around 15% of all payments were made in cash, while around half of Australians used cash in a typical week. That means cash-only businesses can still serve some customers, but they risk frustrating many more.

Why taking card payments helps small businesses

• Faster checkout: Tap-and-go payments reduce queues and make counter service smoother.
• Higher customer convenience: Customers can pay by debit card, credit card, phone, watch or wallet.
• Cleaner records: EFTPOS payments create digital transaction data for reconciliation and reporting.
• Less cash handling: You reduce the time and risk involved in counting, storing, depositing and managing change.
• Better sales visibility: Many EFTPOS and POS systems show sales by product, staff member, location or time of day.

Why cash still matters

Cash acceptance should not be ignored. Some customers rely on cash for budgeting, privacy, accessibility or resilience when digital payments fail.

From 1 January 2026, some supermarkets and fuel retailers must accept cash for in-person transactions of $500 or less between 7am and 9pm. The ACCC says these rules do not apply to every industry and some small businesses are exempt.

For most small businesses, the practical answer is simple: take card payments, but have a sensible cash policy. Make sure customers can see which payment methods you accept before they reach the till.

What Do You Need To Start Taking Card Payments?

To start taking card payments in Australia, most small businesses need an EFTPOS machine or card reader, a payment provider account, and a bank account or transaction account where settlements can be deposited.

You may also need POS software, a payment gateway or a virtual terminal, depending on how you sell.

Basic in-person setup

• EFTPOS machine or card reader: This is the device used to accept tap, insert and swipe for cards and digital wallet payments.
• Merchant services provider: This processes payments and charges transaction fees.
• Settlement account: Funds are deposited into your bank account, provider account or business transaction account.
• Internet connection: Most devices need Wi-Fi, mobile data, Ethernet or a connected phone.
• Receipt option: Some devices print receipts, while others send email or SMS receipts.

Additional tools for larger setups

• POS system: Useful if you need product menus, stock tracking, staff permissions, tables, customer profiles or multi-location reports.
• Payment gateway: Needed if you want to take card payments through a website or online checkout.
• Virtual terminal: Needed if your team manually enters card details for phone or mail-order payments.
• Accounting integration: Useful if you want payments, fees and invoices to reconcile more quickly in software such as Xero.

For more information on wider sales systems, read our guide to the best POS systems in Australia.

What Types of EFTPOS Machines Are Available?

The right EFTPOS machine depends on where you sell, how reliable your internet is, and whether you need a full POS system or a simple way to take payments.

Mobile EFTPOS machines

Mobile EFTPOS machines are best for businesses that sell away from a fixed counter. They usually connect through a SIM, Wi-Fi or a smartphone app.

Best for:

• Market stalls
• Food trucks
• Tradespeople
• Mobile beauty and wellness services
• Events and pop-ups

Portable EFTPOS machines

Portable EFTPOS machines are best for businesses that need to move around the premises, such as restaurants, pubs, cafés and clinics. Staff can take the terminal to the customer rather than bringing the customer to the counter.

Best for:

• Restaurants
• Cafés
• Bars and pubs
• Medical clinics
• Salons and spas

Countertop EFTPOS machines

Countertop EFTPOS machines are best for businesses with a fixed checkout. They are usually the most stable option because they are always in one place, often connected to a power source, and can be paired with a cash drawer, scanner or receipt printer.

Best for:

• Retail shops
• Newsagents
• Takeaway counters
• Pharmacies
• Reception desks

Tap to Pay on phone

Tap to Pay lets you accept contactless payments on a compatible smartphone, without a separate EFTPOS terminal. It is useful for microbusinesses, tradespeople and backup payment taking, but it may not feel as professional or durable as a dedicated terminal.

Best for:

• Sole traders
• Very low-volume sellers
• Mobile businesses
• Backup payment taking

How To Choose the Best EFTPOS Machine for Your Business

The best EFTPOS machine is not always the one with the lowest advertised fee. You need to compare your expected monthly card turnover, hardware needs, payout speed, contract terms and whether the provider will still be good value after card surcharging changes in October 2026.

Use this checklist before choosing a provider

• Compare effective card fees: Look at your real mix of eftpos, Visa, Mastercard, Amex, digital wallet, international and card-not-present transactions.
• Check surcharge dependency: Avoid choosing purely because you can pass fees to customers, as surcharge rules are changing.
• Ask about least-cost routing: This can reduce costs on eligible dual-network debit card payments.
• Match the machine to your sales environment: A market stall, restaurant and fixed retail counter need different hardware.
• Check payout speed: Same-day or next-day settlement can make a material difference to cashflow.
• Check contract terms: Look for rental commitments, early exit fees, terminal return fees and monthly minimums.
• Consider POS features: If you need inventory, staff, table management, or customer profiles, choose a provider with stronger POS tools.
• Plan for outages: Ask whether the device supports offline payments, 4G fallback or another backup route.

Which provider should you choose?

• Choose Square if you want the easiest all-round starting point and strong free POS tools.
• Choose Zeller if low flat fees and fast access to funds matter most.
• Choose Tyro if you run an established venue and need POS-integrated EFTPOS.
• Choose Clover if you want a payment terminal that can grow into a more complete POS system.
• Choose Till if you want tailored pricing and multi-channel payment options.
• Compare Shift4 if you were considering Smartpay or a fee-free EFTPOS model, but check minimum fees carefully.

How To Switch to a New EFTPOS Machine Provider

Switching EFTPOS providers is usually straightforward, but the cost depends on your current contract. Before you move, check whether you own your terminal, rent it or need to return it.

Follow these steps before switching

1. Check your current agreement: Look for cancellation fees, notice periods, monthly minimums and terminal return rules.
2. Download your payment data: Export transaction history, settlement reports, chargeback records and fee statements.
3. Compare your effective rate: Use your recent statements to calculate what you actually pay after monthly fees, rentals and transaction charges.
4. Confirm your new provider’s payout timing: Make sure settlement speed works for your cashflow.
5. Set up and test the new machine: Run a small transaction, refund, receipt and end-of-day reconciliation before relying on it during trading hours.
6. Return old hardware: If you leased or rented your old terminal, confirm the return process in writing.

If you’re unsure which provider is cheapest for your business, use our free comparison tool to receive tailored quotes from suppliers that operate in Australia.