The 7 best POS systems in Australia

Key takeaways

• The best POS systems in Australia include Airwallex, Square, Lightspeed, Shopify POS, Zeller, Tyro and CommBank – the right one depends on your card volume, where you sell and whether you need full POS software or just an EFTPOS terminal.

• Card fees matter – surcharges on eftpos, Mastercard and Visa ended on 1 October 2026, so businesses absorb the full cost unless you bake it into your pricing.

• Airwallex is the pick for businesses that sell online, locally and globally – one platform for online checkout, Payment Links and (launching soon in Australia) in-store payments, settling into multi-currency accounts.

The best POS system in Australia for your business generally comes down to two things: what you'll pay in fees and how much setup you need. From 1 October 2026, businesses can no longer charge surcharges on eftpos, Mastercard or Visa, so transaction fees and overall system costs have never mattered more. 

In this guide, we compare seven options – Airwallex, Square, Lightspeed, Shopify POS, Zeller, Tyro and CommBank – side by side.

What is a POS system and how does it work?

A POS (point of sale) system is the software and hardware a business uses to complete a sale. It records what's sold, takes the customer's payment, updates stock levels and logs every transaction for reporting – whether you sell from a counter, a mobile device or online.

Most POS systems are made up of four parts:

• POS software: The app or cloud platform where you manage items, prices, sales, stock and reports.

• Card terminal or reader: The device customers tap, insert or swipe to pay. Some providers also let you take tap-to-pay payments on a phone.

• Hardware peripherals: Optional extras such as a tablet stand, receipt printer, barcode scanner and cash drawer.

• Payment processing: The service that authorises each card payment and settles the funds into your account.

Here's how a sale flows. An item is scanned or selected in the POS software, and the total is sent to the terminal. The customer taps their card or phone, the payment is authorised by their card issuer, and the funds settle into your account – usually the same day, next day or within two business days, depending on the provider.

POS system vs EFTPOS terminal

• An eftpos terminal only takes payments. Tyro and CommBank sell EFTPOS terminals that integrate with separate POS software.

• A full POS system combines software and payments. Square, Lightspeed, Shopify POS and Zeller offer both together.

• If you already use POS software you like, an integrated EFTPOS terminal may be all you need. If you're starting fresh, an all-in-one system means fewer providers to manage.

The best POS systems in Australia compared

*Airwallex Explore tier is A$0 per month if you deposit A$5k per month or hold a deposit of A$10k, otherwise it is A$29 per month.

In-depth: Features of the best POS systems in Australia

We assess each platform on fees, hardware, settlement, and pros and cons, so you can compare them on the same terms.

Airwallex

Airwallex is an all-in-one financial platform that lets you accept customer payments globally – with online checkout, Payment Links and eCommerce plugins available today, and POS Payments launching in Australia soon. As a top POS system option, it's built for businesses selling across channels and borders. Airwallex works alongside your existing POS software rather than replacing it, connecting payments to your systems through APIs and SDKs.

Fees

• Explore plan: A$0 or A$29/month – A$0 when you deposit A$5,000+ a month or hold a A$10,000+ balance (see Airwallex pricing)

• Online domestic cards: 1.65% + A$0.30 per transaction

• Online international cards: 3.45% + A$0.30 per transaction

• In-person rates: to be confirmed at Australian launch

Pros

• Accept online payments in 130+ currencies and 160+ local payment methods.

• Settle like-for-like in 20+ currencies into a Global Account, so you can hold and spend the currency you earn.

• Built-in AI to optimise payment outcomes with Optimize 360, and offer faster checkout with saved payment details through Airi.

Cons

• POS Payments isn't live in Australia yet.

• No built-in inventory or menu software – Airwallex connects to your POS, OMS or ERP via API/SDK, so it suits businesses with a developer or platform partner.

Square

Square is a POS system that combines free POS software with card payments and a wide range of hardware. It's an option if you want to start with no monthly fee and one flat rate for every card. Square also sells its own hardware range, from a A$65 card reader to a full countertop register, so you can buy everything from one provider.

Fees

• Free plan: $0/month; Plus from $109/month per location (Square for Retail)

• In person: 1.6% for all cards 

• Online and keyed-in: 2.2%

• Instant transfers: 1.5%

• Hardware: Reader A$65, Terminal A$329, Handheld A$349, Register A$1,099; Tap to Pay free

Pros

• No monthly fee to start, with one flat rate across Visa, Mastercard, eftpos and Amex.

• Multiple terminal options to suit different ways of selling, from a phone to a full countertop register.

• Next-day transfers to your bank account, including weekends, plus offline payments if your connection drops.

Cons

• 2.2% rate for online and keyed-in payments.

• Advanced inventory tools need the paid Plus plan.

Lightspeed

Lightspeed is a POS system with separate retail and hospitality products, each with deep inventory and multi-location tools. It's a candidate for businesses with complex stock or several sites that are comfortable with a higher monthly fee. Lightspeed Payments is built into the POS, so sales and payments reconcile in one place.

Fees

• Retail: Basic A$129, Core A$229, Plus A$329/month (billed annually)

• Retail card-present rate: 1.5% with Lightspeed Payments

• Restaurant: Starter A$79, Essential A$179, Premium A$359/month

• Add-ons: e.g. additional register A$39/month (Restaurant)

• Chargebacks: A$15

Pros

• Deep inventory and multi-location management tools.

• Offline mode keeps checkout running during internet outages.

• Separate products for retail and hospitality, each with its own feature set.

Cons

• Higher monthly fees than most options here, and hardware is sold separately.

• Standard payouts usually arrive within two business days (same-day and instant payouts are available to eligible merchants).

Shopify POS

Shopify POS is the in-person selling tool built into Shopify's eCommerce platform. It may be a fit for businesses that already sell online with Shopify and want one inventory across online and in-store channels. Shopify POS runs on an iPhone, iPad or Android device, and in-person rates drop as you move to higher plans.

Fees

• Basic: A$56/month – 1.85% in person, 1.7% + A$0.30 online

• Grow: $149/month – 1.75% in person, 1.55% + A$0.30 online

• Advanced: $575/month – 1.65% in person, 1.35% + A$0.30 online

• POS Pro: A$129/month per location

• Third-party gateway fee: 0.6%–2% by plan if you don't use Shopify Payments

• Hardware: WisePad 3 A$79, POS Terminal A$419

Pros

• Online store and in-store inventory managed in one place.

• No third-party gateway fees when you use Shopify Payments.

• Large app ecosystem, with plans that scale as you grow.

Cons

• Highest in-person rates in this list.

• POS Pro is an extra cost on top of your Shopify plan.

Zeller

Zeller is an EFTPOS provider that bundles a free POS app with its terminals. It's a POS system option for businesses that want a low flat rate, no monthly fee and no lock-in contract. Zeller terminals include the Zeller POS app, which lets you create items, build orders and take payment on the same device.

Fees

• A$0 monthly, no lock-in contract

• In person: 1.4% for all cards, including Amex

• With Zeller POS (integrated payments): 1.2%

• Phone payments (MOTO): 1.7%

• Virtual Terminal: 1.75% + A$0.25 (domestic cards)

• Hardware: Zeller Terminal A$99 (currently discounted from A$199)

Pros

• Flat rate with no monthly fee, plus a free Zeller POS app.

• Nightly settlement into a free Zeller Transaction Account.

• Integrates with Xero and 600+ POS platforms, with no lock-in contracts.

Cons

• Doesn't accept Diners Club cards.

• No built-in online checkout to combine eCommerce and in-store sales.

Tyro

Tyro is an Australian EFTPOS provider whose terminals integrate with hundreds of POS systems. It may be a POS system that suits businesses which already have POS software and want fast settlement and local support. Tyro also offers a BYO app, so you can take tap-to-pay payments on a compatible phone with no terminal rental.

Fees

• Transaction fee: 1.3% (custom quotes available above $20,000/month)

• Terminal rental: A$29/month (Pro Touch, Pro Key), A$19/month (Pro Lite), A$0 (BYO app / Tap to Pay)

• Intro offer: 1% transaction fee until 31 March 2027 for eligible new merchants (T&Cs apply)

• Payment Links: 1.4%

• No joining, lock-in or cancellation fees

Pros

• Settlement 7 days a week into a Tyro Transaction Account.

• Integrates with hundreds of POS systems, with least-cost routing (Tap & Save) on eligible debit cards.

• Australian-based support, available 24/7.

Cons

• EFTPOS only – you'll still need separate POS software.

• Online checkout rate isn't published on the pricing page.

CommBank

CommBank offers EFTPOS terminals that work standalone or integrate with POS software. It's a best POS system pairing for businesses that bank with CommBank and want the lowest headline in-person rate. CommBank's terminal range covers portable, countertop and hardwired options, with the 0.99% rate applying across its Smart range.

Fees

• 0.99% flat rate from 1 October 2026 on Smart, Smart Mini and Smart Integrated (customers on the previous 1.1% standard rate moved automatically)

• Smart terminal: A$29.50/month rental

• Smart Mini: A$59 to buy outright

• No lock-in contract (30 days' notice to cancel)

Pros

• Lowest headline in-person rate in this list.

• Same-day settlement with a linked CommBank Business Transaction Account, plus 24/7 support and terminal replacement within four business hours outside remote areas.

• Integrates with 150–750+ POS systems, depending on the terminal.

Cons

• EFTPOS only – you'll need separate POS software.

• CommBank does not offer phone-only Tap to Pay; Smart Mini pairs with a phone or tablet but still requires the CommBank reader.

Features to look for in a POS system

The six features to look for in a POS system are transparent card fees, fast settlement, integrations, omnichannel selling, offline capability and reliable support.

Transparent card fees

Card fees are a significant ongoing cost of a POS system, because surcharging can no longer offset them. Check whether a provider charges a flat rate or interchange-plus pricing, and compare the total monthly cost – rate plus terminal rental and software fees – rather than the rate alone. Our guide to credit card processing explains how each fee is made up.

Fast settlement

Settlement speed affects your cash flow, particularly processing payments for small businesses. Providers in this list include same-day settlement options from CommBank and Tyro, next-day transfers from Square and Zeller to an external account, and provider-specific Lightspeed payout timing, including same-day and instant options for eligible merchants. Many providers settle fastest into their own transaction account, so check where your money lands.

Integrations

A POS system should connect to the tools you already use, such as Xero for accounting, your eCommerce platform and your inventory software. If you choose an EFTPOS-only provider, confirm the terminal integrates with your POS software so totals are sent to the terminal automatically.

Omnichannel selling

Omnichannel selling means your online and in-store sales, stock and reporting sit in one place. Square, Lightspeed and Shopify POS support online and in-store selling. Airwallex supports online payments today, with POS Payments coming soon in Australia.

Reliability and offline mode

A reliable POS system keeps taking payments when the internet drops and gets you back up fast when hardware fails. Look for offline payments, quick terminal replacement and support hours that match your trading hours. Ask each provider how long a terminal replacement takes in your area, because times can be longer outside metro locations.

Least-cost routing

Least-cost routing sends dual-network debit card payments through the cheaper network, usually eftpos, to lower your fees. The Reserve Bank of Australia's review kept its existing expectations-based approach to least-cost routing, so ask your provider whether it's switched on for your terminal.

What the card surcharging ban means for your POS

From 1 October 2026, Australian businesses can no longer add a surcharge to eftpos, Mastercard or Visa card payments. The surcharging change means businesses must manage these card costs through their overall pricing and margins rather than adding a separate surcharge.

What changes under the Reserve Bank of Australia's review:

• No surcharges on eftpos, Mastercard or Visa – across debit, prepaid and credit cards.

• Lower caps on interchange fees for domestic consumer credit and debit card payments.

• A new cap on interchange fees for foreign-issued cards, from 1 April 2027.

• Weekend and public holiday surcharges are separate and aren't covered by the ban.

To prepare, review your current rate against the providers above and remove card-surcharge settings from your POS, terminals, checkout and integrations. Some providers may switch settings off automatically, but custom payment logic still needs review. Then check whether least-cost routing is switched on to reduce your debit card costs. 

Why businesses choose Airwallex to accept customer payments

Airwallex lets businesses accept payments online today and settle funds like-for-like in supported currencies; POS Payments is coming soon in Australia.

• One platform, every channel: Accept online payments with checkout, Payment Links and eCommerce plugins today, with POS Payments launching in Australia.

• Accept how your customers pay: Offer 160+ local payment methods online, with major cards, digital wallets, and BNPL, all accepted. 

• Settle in the currency you earn: Settle like-for-like in 20+ currencies into Global Accounts, and convert at 0.5% above interbank on major currencies.

• Transparent pricing: Start on the Explore plan for A$0 or A$29/month and accept domestic card payments online from 1.65% + A$0.30. 

Frequently asked questions

What is the most reliable POS system?

The most reliable POS system has strong uptime, offline mode, fast hardware replacement and support when you trade. Airwallex delivers 99.999% global uptime across its payment platform, with POS Payments launching in Australia. Square and Lightspeed offer offline payments, and CommBank replaces terminals within four business hours outside remote areas.

Is there a better POS than Square?

Whether there's a better POS than Square depends on how and where you sell. Airwallex accepts 160+ payment methods and 130+ currencies, and settles like-for-like in 20+ currencies. Its Optimize 360 AI tool lifts approval rates by up to 2.6%. For lower in-person rates, look at CommBank (0.99%), Tyro (1.3%) and Zeller (1.2%–1.4%).

Can a POS system accept international payments?

Most POS systems accept international cards, but few let you settle in foreign currencies. Airwallex accepts 130+ currencies and 160+ payment methods, settling like-for-like in 20+ currencies into Global Accounts. Square, Zeller, Tyro and CommBank settle in AUD. International cards on Airwallex cost 3.45% + A$0.30 online.

What's the difference between a POS system and an EFTPOS terminal?

A POS system manages the whole sale, including items, stock, reporting and payment. An EFTPOS terminal only takes the card payment. Tyro and CommBank sell EFTPOS terminals that connect to separate POS software. Square, Lightspeed, Shopify POS and Zeller combine both. Airwallex connects payments to your existing POS through APIs and SDKs, with POS Payments launching in Australia.

Sources

1. https://www.rba.gov.au/payments-and-infrastructure/review-of-retail-payments-regulation/2026-03/ 

2. https://squareup.com/au/en/pricing 

3. https://squareup.com/au/en/point-of-sale/retail/pricing 

4. https://www.lightspeedhq.com/au/pos/retail/pricing/ 

5. https://www.lightspeedhq.com/au/pos/restaurant/pricing/ 

6. https://www.lightspeedhq.com/au/pos/retail/payments/ 

7. https://www.shopify.com/au/pricing 

8. https://www.shopify.com/au/pos/hardware 

9. https://www.myzeller.com/au/pricing 

10. https://www.tyro.com/merchant-payment-costs/ 

11. https://www.commbank.com.au/business/payments/eftpos-terminals.html