When it comes to payments, you can count on total transparency with Smartpay. We’ll be straight-up about your EFTPOS machine cost, and any other cost for that matter!
To keep things crystal clear, we’ve broken down our services in this blog which offer clear, flexible pricing for your business.
You may also be keen to know how much you can expect to pay other providers, versus what you can get from Smartpay. Let’s get into it.
EFTPOS Machine Cost Elements: What to Expect
If you’re a business preparing to take card payments, the typical four costs you can expect to are:
- Terminal rental or outright purchase costs for any equipment
- Network provider costs
- Merchant service fees (percentage charged per card transaction)
- Connectivity costs
Smartpay offers smart, simple and predictable plans to help you minimise or avoid these costs altogether. You can get them all from one place too, to help with your back office. Here’s how we help Kiwis save on payment processing costs.
EFTPOS Terminal Cost
What is it?
This is usually a monthly subscription (or one-off purchase cost) that covers the EFTPOS machine itself and the service that comes with it. This includes hardware, software updates, ongoing compliance, and technical support.
How much does it cost?
Leasing a terminal from most providers typically costs $30–$60 + GST per month, per terminal.
Who do I pay?
Usually your EFTPOS terminal provider.
But with Smartpay?
$0 with our Low Cost Tap & Pay
Payment Network Cost
What is it?
This consists of a monthly fee that connects your terminal to the payment network, enabling it to securely process transactions. There are three networks in NZ: the Smartpay network, the Verifone network and the Worldline network.
How much does it cost?
Network fees typically cost:
- Verifone/ Worldline Network $15.00 – $18.90 + GST per terminal, per month
Who do I pay?
The payment network provider you choose (Verifone or Worldline)
But with Smartpay?
$0 with our Low Cost Tap & Pay
Merchant Service Fees
What is it?
Your terminal needs to be connected to an acquirer (typically one of the banks or us!) to be able to process scheme transactions, such as Visa, Mastercard, and Amex. Smartpay will onboard you as an acquiring merchant so that you can start accepting low cost payments on your terminal.
How much does it cost?
- Merchant Service Fees are charged on a % basis on the transactions you process
- Some acquirers will charge different rates for different cards to ensure they can never lose
- Smartpay will provide a rate to suit your business based on the type of cards you accept and will save you dollars on your monthly statement
Who do I pay?
Usually one of the major banks.
And with Smartpay?
Smartpay’s Low Cost Tap & Pay solution includes Merchant Service Fees that are priced for your business based on the cards you accept.
Feel like you’re paying too much? Get in touch with us and see if we can beat your rate. We suggest getting your current statement ready so that we can help you get the best.
Internet connection Cost
What is it?
Your terminal needs internet access to connect to the payment network. That could be via Wi-Fi, a cable directly plugged into your router, or a mobile SIM card.
How much does it cost?
- Ethernet or Wi-Fi: No additional costs (assuming you already have broadband)
- SIM card (4G): Usually $5 – $13.00 + GST per month
Smartpay’s Low Cost Tap & Pay solution provides a Multi Network SIM included in the price so you can process as many transactions as you like and not have to worry about any additional costs or about any downtime.
Who do I pay?
- Your internet provider (for Ethernet or Wi-Fi)
- Your terminal provider (for SIM cards or mobile data)
With Smartpay?
$0 with our Low Cost Tap & Pay
Costs at a glance
| Individual cost | SP Low Cost Tap &Pay | Standard providers |
| Merchant fee per transaction | ~ 1% | % based on your bank |
| Terminal rental | $0 | $30–$60 + GST per month |
| Payment network | $0 | $15 – $18.90 + GST per terminal |
| Internet connection | $0 | $5 – $13.00 + GST per month |
Low Cost Tap & Pay — ONE cost, ZERO Surprises
When you’re setting up to accept payments it is important to know what you’re actually paying for.
While some providers promote costs for separate items, the beauty of our Low Cost Tap & Pay is that the cost of your terminal, payment network, acquiring and connectivity can be seen in one easy-to-understand fee.
Switching is easy
- Contact our local Payments Specialists —explore plans and get a tailored rate.
- Apply quickly via our easy to use online form.
- Receive your new Android terminal within 5–9 business days.
- Plug and play—it’s that simple!
Final thoughts: what’s the real cost?
Using Smartpay, many businesses have already saved thousands of dollars —especially when using Low Cost Tap & Pay.
Whichever path suits your business, the Smartpay solution makes accepting card payments simple, transparent, and flexible — with zero hidden fees.
