What's an EFTPOS terminal & how does it work?

What’s an EFTPOS terminal? 

An EFTPOS terminal is a device that lets customers pay for goods and services directly from their bank account or credit  issuer, using a physical or digital card.

What does EFTPOS stand for?  

EFTPOS stands for Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale (POS) and is the technology that makes fast, reliable card payments possible in-store.

How does an EFTPOS terminal work? 

When a customer taps, swipes or inserts their card or digital wallet, the EFTPOS terminal securely communicates with their bank to authorise the transaction. Once approved, that payment is processed and funds are transferred to your business account. 

Benefits of EFTPOS for businesses 

An EFTPOS terminal can do more than just process payments – it can improve the way your business runs day to day. 

• Get paid quickly: same day settlement on sales,¹ 365 days a year, helping you keep cash flow moving.
• Track sales easily: integrated EFTPOS terminals sync with your POS, making reporting and reconciliation simpler.
• Faster checkout experience: queues remain short and service smooth, even during busy periods.

Benefits of EFTPOS for customers 

For your customers, EFTPOS delivers a hassle-free experience that makes purchasing smoother.

• Convenience: pay with a simple tap, swipe or insert using their preferred card or digital device. 
• Safe and secure payments: transactions are encrypted by bank-level security, compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS) to protect cardholder data.
• Payment flexibility: most cards are accepted so customers can choose the payment method that suits them.

What cards can be accepted with EFTPOS terminals? 

One of the biggest advantages of using EFTPOS is the flexibility it gives your customers at checkout. Most major debit and credit cards are accepted. 

Integrated vs non-integrated terminals 

EFTPOS terminals come in two main types: integrated and non-integrated.

Integrated terminals

Integrated terminals connect directly with your POS system. This means transaction details automatically flow from the terminal to your POS, reducing errors and speeding up checkout.

Non-integrated (standalone) terminals

Non-integrated terminals work independently. You’ll need to manually add in transaction amounts into the terminal, which can take longer and increase the risk of mistakes.

For most businesses, integrated EFTPOS offer greater efficiency, but standalone can be useful for simple setups, mobile use, or when there’s a POS outage. 

Types of EFTPOS machines 

We offer a range of EFTPOS terminals to suit different business needs. Each machine has unique features, from portable options for mobile businesses to fully integrated solutions, including:

Smart: A customisable wireless terminal that can be used in standalone or integrated mode and comes with a real-time reporting dashboard. Ideal for most small businesses, including retail, hospitality and professional services. 

Smart Mini: Compact and lightweight, Smart Mini is ideal for businesses always on the go. It connects to the Smart Mini app on your phone using Bluetooth. 

Essential Plus: Ideal for large businesses, such as hotels, councils and supermarkets, Essential Plus integrates with your POS and comes with 4G backup. 

Smart Integrated: A hardwired terminal with a physical PIN pad, the Smart integrated terminal is great for large retailers, gyms, venues and bars. Built to handle large transaction volumes with a reliable broadband connectivity. 

We’ve also got some custom industry solutions, including hospitality, healthcare or a not-for-profits.