The real numbers behind POS pricing

If you're running a café, restaurant, pub, or bottle shop in Australia, you've probably been quoted a POS system and wondered if the price was fair. Here's what venues are actually paying in 2026.

Monthly software costs

Most modern cloud POS systems in Australia charge a monthly subscription:

  • Entry-level POS: up to $100/month — basic software, limited features
  • Mid-tier POS: $150–$400/month — covers most full-service venue needs
  • Enterprise POS: $500+/month — multi-venue, advanced reporting, full integrations

Payflo plans start at $39/month for Core, $89/month for Pro and from $55 per venue a month for Group, all ex GST with Payflo Payments. Card rates are competitive and tailored to your venue. Add-ons are priced per venue, so you only pay for what you use, and QR Ordering / Online Ordering, Loyalty, SMS/Email Marketing and Xero integration are included on Pro and Group. Inventory ($89) and Time & Attendance ($39) are paid add-ons on every plan, per venue a month.

Hardware costs

A typical setup for a café or small restaurant includes:

  • iPad or Android tablet: $400–$900
  • EFTPOS terminal: $200–$800 to purchase, or $30–$60/month to rent
  • Receipt printer: $200–$500
  • Cash drawer: $80–$200
  • Kitchen display screen (KDS): $300–$600 per screen

A full hardware setup for a small venue typically runs $1,500–$3,500 upfront. Larger venues can spend $8,000–$20,000 depending on terminals and screens.

EFTPOS transaction fees

Transaction fees vary significantly between providers. Most Australian venues pay:

  • Flat-rate processing: one percentage on every transaction, quoted from your statement
  • Interchange-plus pricing: Base interchange rate plus the provider's margin

For a busy venue, card processing fees can run to thousands of dollars a year. This is the number most venues underestimate when comparing POS systems.

Hidden costs to watch for

  • Per-user fees: Some providers charge $20–$50 per staff member per month
  • Integration fees: Xero, MYOB, or delivery platform connections sometimes cost extra
  • Support fees: Some providers charge for phone support or after-hours help
  • Contract lock-in: 12–36 month contracts with early exit penalties of $500–$2,000
  • Annual price increases: Check if the contract allows rate rises after year one

What to look for beyond price

  • Does it integrate with your accounting software (Xero, MYOB)?
  • Can it handle your peak service period without going down?
  • Does reporting show margin by item, not just total revenue?
  • Is Australian support available when something breaks on a Friday night?

The bottom line

A realistic total cost for a small-to-medium Australian venue is $500–$1,200/month all-in, including software, EFTPOS fees, and amortised hardware. Busy pubs and full-service restaurants can reach $2,000–$4,000/month depending on card volume.

Payflo plans start from $39/month ex GST with no lock-in, and card rates with Payflo Payments are competitive and tailored to your venue. Bring your statement and we'll show you what you'd pay.

About the author
Sarah is dedicated to helping restaurants optimise their booking processes and enhance guest experiences through our integrated POS solutions.
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