EFTPOS machine cost is one of the most searched payment topics in Australia — because the answer is rarely straightforward. Providers advertise low terminal prices but bury the real costs in transaction fees, monthly charges, and contract penalties. This guide breaks down every cost component so you can calculate what you will actually pay.
Terminal Hardware Costs
There are two models: buy outright or rent monthly. Buying eliminates ongoing hardware costs but requires upfront investment. Square Reader: $59 (phone-paired, basic). Zeller Terminal 1x: ~$99 (promotional price). Zeller Terminal 2: $199 (full-featured). Square Terminal: $299 (standalone with screen). Renting avoids upfront cost but adds a monthly fee. Tyro Pro: $29/month ($348/year). Bank terminals (NAB, Westpac): $19-$39/month ($228-$468/year). Bendigo Bank: $19-$29/month. Over three years, a $199 Zeller terminal costs $199 total. A $29/month Tyro rental costs $1,044. The maths is clear for long-term use.
Transaction Fees — The Biggest Cost
Transaction fees are charged as a percentage of every card payment you process. They are your biggest ongoing EFTPOS cost and the area where the most money is saved or wasted. Square: 1.6 per cent flat. Zeller: 1.4 per cent flat. Tyro: ~1.4 per cent (negotiated). Bank terminals: 0.8-1.5 per cent (negotiated, varies widely). BuzzPay: competitive rates, transparent pricing — call 1300 289 972 for a tailored quote.
To put this in context: on $15,000 per month in card sales ($180,000/year), the difference between 1.4 per cent and 1.6 per cent is $360 per year. Over five years, that is $1,800. Small percentages matter at scale.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Some providers charge fees that are not obvious upfront. Setup fees: most modern providers do not charge these, but some banks still do. Minimum monthly fees: a minimum charge if you do not process enough transactions — common with bank terminals. Early termination fees: penalties for cancelling a contract early — check the fine print. Chargeback fees: fees for disputed transactions — typically $15-$25 per incident. Paper roll costs: $5-$10 per pack for printed receipts. Replacement/repair fees: charges if your terminal is damaged or lost. BuzzPay does not charge setup fees, minimum monthly fees, or early termination fees. What we quote is what you pay.
Calculating Your Total Annual Cost
Here is a formula: Total Annual Cost = Terminal Cost (purchase or 12 months rental) + (Monthly Card Turnover × 12 × Transaction Fee Rate) + Any Monthly Fees × 12. Example for a cafe processing $10,000/month in cards: With BuzzPay (competitive rate, terminal purchase): ~$199 + $10,000 × 12 × rate. With Square (1.6 per cent, $299 terminal): $299 + $120,000 × 0.016 = $299 + $1,920 = $2,219. With Tyro (1.4 per cent, $29/month rental): $348 + $120,000 × 0.014 = $348 + $1,680 = $2,028. With Zeller (1.4 per cent, $199 terminal): $199 + $120,000 × 0.014 = $199 + $1,680 = $1,879.
