New Zealand has two payment networks: the Verifone network and Paymark. Your terminal connects to one of them to authorise every card transaction. Eftpos NZ operates the Verifone network and supplies terminals that can run on either. The practical differences are how quickly updates reach your terminal, how support works, and what you pay each month.A payment network is also called a switch or a gateway. Switch refers to the servers and software that run the network. Gateway refers to the links from that network out to front-end processors and acquiring banks. In day-to-day use, merchants tend to use all three terms interchangeably. Paymark was known as Worldline NZ between 2021 and its acquisition by Cuscal in 2026, when the Paymark name returned. If you have older paperwork or terminal documentation referring to Worldline, it is describing the same network.
Eftpos NZ is the only EFTPOS terminal provider in New Zealand that also operates a payment network. The Verifone network processes over 700 million transactions a year across more than 115,000 connections at over 90,000 business locations.
How can I tell which EFTPOS network my Verifone terminal is connected to?
Look at your terminal's screen. The two networks run different payment applications, so the interface itself tells you which network you are on.
If your terminal is on the Verifone network, the present card and purchase amount screens will look similar to this:
If your terminal is on Paymark, the present card and purchase amount screens will look similar to this:
If your terminal is connected to a point of sale system, the screen may be locked and showing the POS interface instead. In that case, call our helpdesk and we can confirm your network connection from your terminal ID.
What are the key differences between the Verifone network and Paymark?
Verifone terminals can connect to either network, and both networks authorise transactions to the same card scheme standards. The differences show up in how the terminal is managed.
Configuration changes happen live on the Verifone network
For terminals on Paymark, most changes to functionality and features are applied overnight. If your Verifone terminal is supplied by Eftpos NZ and connected to the Verifone network, we can push configuration changes to the terminal on demand. In practice, that covers the settings merchants ask us to change most often:
- Turning surcharging on or off, and adjusting your surcharge rate
- Enabling or disabling cashout
- Changing the receipt header and footer, including your trading name and contact details
- Enabling transaction types such as refunds, pre-authorisation, or manual entry
- Setting or resetting refund and void passwords
- Enabling additional payment methods such as Alipay, WeChat Pay, or Payap
- Setting up multi-merchant, so more than one business can trade from the same terminal
Updates arrive through Social Call or Auto Update
Social Call is a Verifone network feature. The terminal periodically contacts our Terminal Management System to check for newly enabled functionality and updates, then installs the latest settings, software, and card scheme standards automatically. You can set how often this happens and schedule it around your trading hours, which is why we recommend leaving your terminal switched on.
Auto Update is the equivalent built into the payment application on Verifone terminals connected to Paymark. The terminal checks for updates periodically and downloads them, keeping the EMV kernel current with Paymark and card scheme standards.
Support routing differs
With an Eftpos NZ Verifone terminal on the Verifone network, one helpdesk covers both your terminal and your network. Our network is monitored 24/7 by our engineers, which work alongside our Technical Helpdesk. Because those teams sit together, issues can be quickly identified and addressed. Paymark also operates a New Zealand-based helpdesk. We work with Paymark directly, so if your Verifone terminal is connected to their network we can still support you and provide updates during a Paymark outage.
Where the split shows up is in day-to-day admin. If your terminal connects to Paymark, you will need to contact Paymark directly to:
- Change or amend your settlement time or settlement window
- Request transaction lists
- Change your receipt header information
- Change your refund password
If your Eftpos NZ Verifone terminal is connected to the Verifone network, you have one easy-to-remember phone number to call for all things EFTPOS, 0800 EFTPOS (0800 338 767).
Compliance is managed differently, but guaranteed either way
Every payment device and software version released in New Zealand enters a lifecycle governed by Payments NZ. When a device or software version reaches its sunset date, it is no longer compliant and cannot connect to a payment network. Paymark generally does not supply EFTPOS terminals. It provides a network for terminal resellers to connect their customers' terminals to, which is why compliance upgrades on that network are handled by your terminal provider rather than by Paymark.
We guarantee the compliance of our customers' payment solutions on either network. On the Verifone network, we upgrade your software through a Social Call. On Paymark, we use Auto Update or a device swap-out. If your terminal is approaching its sunset date, we will proactively upgrade it so you can keep transacting.
Monthly fees are not the same
Paymark charges an admin fee of $18.90 plus GST per terminal, per month. We charge a network fee of $15.00 plus GST per terminal, per month for connection to the Verifone network. Connecting a Verifone terminal to the Verifone network also lets you bundle your terminal subscription and network connection into one contract and one monthly payment.
Which network does Victa connect to?
Victa, our Android-based terminal range, runs on the Verifone network. That means Victa terminals get live configuration changes, Social Call updates, and single-helpdesk support as standard.
Because Victa is built as a platform rather than a fixed-function terminal, new payment types and applications can be added over the air without swapping hardware. That delivery model depends on the network being able to push changes to the terminal on demand, which is why Victa and the Verifone network are designed to work together.
If you are on Paymark today and considering an upgrade, moving to Victa involves a network change as part of the same process. Your acquiring bank relationship and settlement arrangements stay as they are.
How do I change EFTPOS networks in New Zealand?
Switching networks is handled by your terminal provider, not by the network itself. Talk to your terminal provider about what a switch involves for your setup. Your provider arranges the new network connection and the terminal configuration or swap required. Your acquiring bank and settlement arrangements continue unchanged, because the network is separate from acquiring
Your merchant facility stays with your bank throughout. Changing networks does not require changing banks. If you want to talk through which network suits your business, our team can walk you through it. Talk to an EFTPOS specialist
Frequently asked questions
What payment networks are available in New Zealand?
There are two: the Verifone network, operated by Eftpos NZ, and Paymark, owned by Cuscal. Every EFTPOS terminal in New Zealand connects to one of them to authorise card transactions.
Is Paymark the same as Worldline?
Yes. Paymark traded as Worldline NZ from 2021 until the business was acquired by Cuscal and returned to the Paymark name. It is the same network under a different brand.
Does the network affect how fast my transactions process?
Not meaningfully. Both networks authorise transactions at broadly similar speeds. The biggest factor in how quickly your terminal processes a payment is your broadband or Wi-Fi connection.
Can a Verifone terminal run on the Paymark network?
Yes. Verifone terminals can connect to either network. Eftpos NZ supports customers on both, though terminal configuration and updates are faster on the Verifone network.
What does each EFTPOS network cost per month?
Paymark charges an admin fee of $18.90 plus GST per terminal, per month. Eftpos NZ charges a network fee of $15.00 plus GST per terminal, per month, which can be bundled with your terminal subscription.
Do I need to change banks to change EFTPOS networks?
No. Your acquiring bank and merchant facility are separate from your network connection. You can change networks and keep your existing bank.
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