With dozens of EFTPOS providers in the Australian market, choosing the right machine can feel overwhelming. This guide cuts through the noise with a practical framework for making the right decision based on your business type, transaction volume, and priorities.
Step 1: Understand Your Transaction Volume
Your monthly card turnover determines which pricing model suits you best. Under $5,000 per month: flat-rate providers like Square (1.6 per cent) or Zeller (1.4 per cent) are simplest — no negotiation needed. Between $5,000 and $20,000 per month: compare BuzzPay, Zeller, and Tyro for competitive rates without lock-in. Over $20,000 per month: you have negotiating power — contact BuzzPay or Tyro for volume-based pricing, or talk to your bank.
Step 2: Choose Your Terminal Type
Match the terminal to how your business operates. Fixed checkout counter (retail, pharmacy): countertop terminal with Ethernet connection for maximum reliability. Table service (cafe, restaurant): portable terminal with Wi-Fi for table-side payments. On the move (tradie, delivery, market): wireless terminal with 4G SIM or mobile card reader. Lowest cost entry: Tap to Phone with your existing smartphone.
Step 3: Check POS Integration
If you already use a POS system, your EFTPOS terminal must integrate with it. BuzzPay integrates with 900+ POS systems. Tyro integrates with 450+. Square and Zeller integrate with fewer third-party systems but offer their own POS software. Check compatibility before committing.
Step 4: Read the Contract Terms
Avoid lock-in contracts unless you are getting a significantly better rate in return. BuzzPay, Square, and Zeller offer no lock-in. Banks often require 12-24 month terms. Tyro’s terminal rental is month-to-month but adds $29 per month ongoing. Ask specifically about: early termination fees, minimum monthly transaction requirements, and automatic renewal clauses.
Step 5: Test the Support
Call the provider’s support number before signing up. See how long it takes to reach a human. Ask a specific question about terminal setup or fees. If it takes 20 minutes to reach someone before you are even a customer, imagine what happens when your terminal fails on a Friday night. BuzzPay answers 24/7 on 1300 289 972 — real people, not chatbots.
Calculate Total Cost of Ownership
Do not compare terminal prices alone. Calculate the total 12-month cost including hardware (purchase or rental), monthly fees, and transaction fees based on your actual card turnover. A cheaper terminal with higher transaction fees often costs more over a year than a slightly more expensive terminal with lower fees.
