Mobile EFTPOS in New Zealand costs from $35 + GST per terminal per month to lease, plus a payment network fee of $15.00 to $18.90 + GST per terminal per month. If your terminal runs on mobile data rather than Wi-Fi, a SIM adds about $12.00 + GST per month.
Key takeaways
- A mobile EFTPOS terminal leases from $35 + GST per terminal per month, about the same as a countertop terminal.
- The payment network adds $15.00 to $18.90 + GST per terminal per month, and a data SIM about $12.00 + GST if you’re not on Wi-Fi.
- Standard EFTPOS debit is free to process. Merchant service fees apply to credit card and contactless payments.
Pricing last reviewed: October 2026.
What is mobile EFTPOS?
Mobile EFTPOS is a full EFTPOS terminal that connects over Wi-Fi or a mobile data SIM instead of a fixed line, so you can take payments wherever you trade: at the table, on a job site, or at a market. It does everything a countertop terminal does, including receipt printing, contactless, and POS integration.
What is the difference between mobile EFTPOS and mPOS?
A mobile EFTPOS terminal is a full standalone device with its own screen, card reader, and receipt printer. An mPOS device is a smaller reader that pairs with your phone or tablet, usually with no printer, no charging cradle, and lighter functionality.
The gap between the two has narrowed. Where a business on the go once had to settle for a cut-down mPOS reader, most New Zealand banks now offer full mobile EFTPOS terminals at a similar monthly cost. For most businesses taking more than a handful of payments a day, a full mobile terminal is the better fit.
How much does mobile EFTPOS cost per month?
A mobile EFTPOS terminal leases from $35 + GST per terminal per month, about the same as a countertop one. The price depends on the model, the support level, and the contract length.
| Cost | Typical price | Who you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal lease | From $35 + GST per terminal per month | Your terminal provider |
| Payment network | $15.00 (Verifone) to $18.90 (Paymark) + GST per terminal per month | The network provider |
| SIM connectivity | About $13.00 + GST per terminal per month, unless included in your plan | Your terminal provider |
| Merchant service fee | A percentage of each credit card and contactless transaction | Your acquiring bank |
Across the main New Zealand banks, full mobile EFTPOS device fees average around $30 to $40 + GST per month depending on the terminal and plan.
Does mobile EFTPOS cost more than a countertop terminal?
No. Mobile and countertop terminals lease for a similar monthly price, from $35 + GST. The main difference in running cost is connectivity: a mobile terminal on a data SIM adds about $12.00 + GST per month, while a countertop terminal on your existing broadband adds nothing.
What are merchant service fees on mobile EFTPOS?
The same merchant service fees apply to mobile EFTPOS as to any terminal. A merchant service fee (MSF) is a percentage of each credit card or contactless transaction, set by your acquiring bank. Standard EFTPOS debit, inserted or swiped, does not attract an MSF.
You can choose to offset these fees by surcharging, which passes the cost of accepting contactless and credit card payments on to customers paying by those methods. In New Zealand, surcharging is legal as long as it reflects your actual cost of acceptance and is disclosed before payment. It’s optional, so you decide whether to apply it. For how card fees work, see why different payment types cost different amounts to accept.
Which mobile EFTPOS terminal is right for my business?
| Business type | Best fit |
|---|---|
| Market stalls, pop-ups, seasonal traders | mPOS device, if volumes are low |
| Cafes, retail, mobile services | Mobile EFTPOS terminal |
| Hospitality with tableside payments | Mobile EFTPOS terminal |
If you need receipt printing, MOTO (card-not-present) payments, or POS integration, a full mobile EFTPOS terminal is the right choice. Eftpos NZ mobile terminals connect over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or 4G and offer a full suite of add-ons and services to suit your unique business needs.
Running a one-off event? Eftpos NZ offers short-term hire for markets, fundraisers, and pop-ups.
For the full breakdown of every EFTPOS cost, see how much an EFTPOS machine costs in NZ. Eftpos NZ quotes set out every cost month by month, so there are no surprises. Get a quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does mobile EFTPOS cost in New Zealand?
Mobile EFTPOS costs from $35 + GST per terminal per month to lease, plus a network fee of $15.00 to $18.90 + GST and, if you use mobile data, about $12.00 + GST for a SIM.
Is mobile EFTPOS more expensive than a countertop terminal?
No. Both lease from a similar monthly price. A mobile terminal on a data SIM adds about $12.00 + GST per month for connectivity, which a countertop terminal on broadband does not.
What is the difference between mobile EFTPOS and mPOS?
A mobile EFTPOS terminal is a full standalone device with a printer and full functionality. An mPOS device is a cut-down reader that pairs with a phone or tablet. Most NZ banks now offer full mobile terminals at a similar cost.
Can I take mobile EFTPOS payments without Wi-Fi?
Yes. A mobile terminal can connect over a mobile data SIM, which costs about $12.00 + GST per month unless it’s included in your plan.
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