How Much Does a POS System Cost in Australia in 2026?

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: $0–$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 starts at $69.95/month for the Starter plan, $149/month for Pro. There's also a free plan with full functionality for venues getting started.

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: 1.4%–1.9% per transaction
• Interchange-plus pricing: Base interchange rate + 0.2%–0.5% margin

On $50,000/month in card revenue, a 1.7% rate costs $850/month — over $10,000/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 offers a free 30-day trial with no lock-in contract. Free 30-day trial. payflo.com.au.