Small business · Australia
Compare EFTPOS Machine Fees for Small Business
Small businesses are often quoted headline rates that hide the real monthly cost. We read your statement, work out what you are actually paying per transaction, and outline the options that fit a smaller card volume.
Most enquiries receive a response within 3 hours during business hours.
The problem
Why small-business EFTPOS quotes are hard to compare
Headline percentage rates hide terminal rental, fixed per-transaction fees and minimum monthly charges. For a small business, the lowest all-in monthly cost at your actual volume is the only figure that matters.
- Headline percentage rates ignore terminal rental, fixed fees and minimum monthly charges.
- Long contracts lock small businesses into rates that no longer match their volume.
- Low or seasonal turnover makes minimum monthly fees expensive.
- It is hard to tell whether a blended or interchange-plus plan is cheaper without running the numbers.
Why it matters
What a better EFTPOS setup changes
- The cheapest plan is the one with the lowest all-in monthly cost at your actual volume.
- Short or no-lock-in contracts let you re-compare as your business grows.
- For very small volumes, a simple bundled plan can beat interchange-plus.
- Compliant surcharging can remove card acceptance cost entirely for some businesses.
Fee breakdown
The six charges that make up your EFTPOS cost
Merchant service fee
A percentage of every card sale, often blended across card types. This is usually the largest line on a statement and the one worth comparing first.
Terminal rental or hire
A fixed monthly cost for the EFTPOS machine itself. Some providers bundle it into the transaction rate, others bill it separately.
Interchange and scheme fees
Costs set by the card schemes and passed through to you. Interchange-plus pricing shows them separately; blended pricing hides them inside one rate.
Fixed per-transaction fee
A cents-per-tap charge. On low-value convenience-store baskets this can matter more than the percentage rate.
Minimum monthly fee
A floor charged when your card volume is low. Seasonal and regional sites should check this carefully.
Surcharging (zero-cost EFTPOS)
Passing the cost of card acceptance to the customer within the RBA surcharging rules, so the fee sits with the transaction rather than your margin.
Comparison checklist
What to compare before you switch EFTPOS provider
| What to compare | Why it matters | Ask the provider |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Blended rates are simple but can hide expensive card mixes. | Is this blended or interchange-plus, and what does each card type cost? |
| Total monthly cost | A low rate with high rental can cost more than the reverse. | What is my all-in monthly cost at my current card volume? |
| Contract term | Long lock-ins remove your ability to re-compare later. | What is the term, and what does early exit cost? |
| Settlement time | Same-day settlement changes your working capital. | When do funds land, and does that change on weekends? |
| Surcharge support | Zero-cost setups must stay inside RBA surcharging rules. | Can the terminal surcharge compliantly, and who configures it? |
| Support and replacement | A dead terminal in a convenience store stops trade immediately. | What are support hours and the replacement turnaround? |
How it works
A small-business fee review in four steps
- 1
Send your latest statement
One recent month shows your real card volume, average sale and every fee line.
- 2
Calculate your true cost
We add merchant service fees, rental, fixed fees and any minimum monthly charge into one per-transaction and one monthly figure.
- 3
Match models to small-business volume
You see whether bundled, interchange-plus or zero-cost surcharging suits your size.
- 4
Choose, or do nothing
If your current deal is already fair, we tell you straight. No obligation.
Enquire
Ask about cheaper EFTPOS fees for your business
Tell us your business type, state and rough monthly card turnover.
Questions
Small business EFTPOS FAQ
What is the cheapest EFTPOS machine for a small business?
The cheapest option depends on your card volume and average sale. A low headline rate with high fixed fees can cost more than a higher rate with no rental. The only reliable answer comes from comparing your own statement.
Can a small business get out of an EFTPOS contract early?
Most contracts have an early-exit fee. We review your current agreement and factor the exit cost into any comparison so you know the true switching cost.
Is zero-cost EFTPOS legal for small business?
Yes, if the surcharge does not exceed your actual cost of acceptance and is clearly disclosed. RBA rules apply, and the surcharge must be reviewed when your underlying rates change.
How long does a fee review take?
We usually reply within one business day of receiving your merchant statement. The review itself is a short written comparison with no sales pressure.
By state
Compare EFTPOS fees in your state
- EFTPOS fees NSWCompare merchant rates for New South Wales businesses.
- EFTPOS fees VICCompare merchant rates for Victoria businesses.
- EFTPOS fees QLDCompare merchant rates for Queensland businesses.
- EFTPOS fees WACompare merchant rates for Western Australia businesses.
- EFTPOS fees SACompare merchant rates for South Australia businesses.
- EFTPOS fees TASCompare merchant rates for Tasmania businesses.
- EFTPOS fees ACTCompare merchant rates for Australian Capital Territory businesses.
- EFTPOS fees NTCompare merchant rates for Northern Territory businesses.
EFTPOS topics
More EFTPOS fee comparisons
- EFTPOS Fees for Convenience Stores & Mini-MartsCompare EFTPOS machine fees for Australian convenience stores and mini-marts. Low-basket, high-volume sites often pay more in fixed per-tap fees than percentage rates.
- EFTPOS Fees for Petrol & Service StationsCompare EFTPOS machine fees for Australian petrol stations, roadhouses and service stations. High card volumes and mixed forecourt/shop sales need the right pricing model.
- Zero Cost EFTPOS & Compliant SurchargingLearn how zero-cost EFTPOS works in Australia. Pass card acceptance costs to customers within RBA surcharging rules and compare terminal options.
- EFTPOS Fees for Cafes, Restaurants & TakeawayCompare EFTPOS machine fees for Australian cafes, restaurants and takeaway venues. Small average sales make per-transaction fees the cost that matters most.
- EFTPOS Fees for Retail Stores & ShopsCompare EFTPOS machine fees for Australian retail stores and shops. Review merchant rates, terminal rental and surcharging against your real card mix.
Want to know what your business is really paying?
Send a recent merchant statement or call 0412 025 552 — Mon–Fri 8:30am – 7:30pm AEST · Online enquiries 24/7.