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.






.png)
.png)
