Compare the best EFTPOS and payment terminals for Australian tradies. Zeller, Square and Tyro compared on fees, hardware cost and what tradies actually need.
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Getting paid on the spot — rather than chasing invoices for 30 days — transforms a tradie's cash flow. The right payment terminal lets clients tap their card the moment the job's done. Here's how the main options compare for Australian tradies.
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Quick Verdict
Best for most tradies: Zeller — competitive transaction fees, no monthly fee, excellent app and the Zeller business account is genuinely useful for managing money.
Best for tradies who need simple and instant: Square — dead simple setup, no contract, pays out daily, and the app is excellent for on-site invoicing too.
Best for tradies processing large volumes: Tyro — integrates with most MYOB and Xero setups, good rates at volume, but has a monthly fee and requires a contract.
Zeller — Best Overall
Zeller ⭐ Top Pick
No monthly fee, great app, built-in business accountZeller launched in Australia in 2021 and has taken significant market share from Square. The transaction fee is competitive, there's no monthly subscription, and the Zeller Terminal is a solid piece of hardware. The included Zeller business account and Zeller Debit Mastercard mean you can keep all your business money in one ecosystem — useful for tradies who want to simplify their finances.
- 1.4% flat transaction fee on all card types
- No monthly fee, no lock-in contract
- Terminal hardware: $199 (Zeller Terminal 2)
- Funds in your Zeller account next business day
- Integrates with Xero
Square — Best for Simplicity
Square
Instant setup, daily payouts, excellent app ecosystemSquare is the original card reader for small businesses and tradies. The setup is instant, there's no contract, and you can start taking payments within minutes of signing up. The Square Reader starts at $65 (the cheapest entry point) and the full Square Terminal is $399. Square also has an excellent invoicing app, so you can create and send invoices from your phone on-site.
- 1.6% flat rate (or 1.9% for manually entered cards)
- Reader from $65, Terminal $399
- Daily payouts to your bank account
- Excellent invoicing features built in
Tyro — Best for High Volume
Tyro
Best rates at high volume, strong MYOB/Xero integrationTyro is well-established in Australia and offers competitive rates for higher-volume businesses. They integrate directly with MYOB and Xero, making reconciliation straightforward. The downside is a monthly terminal rental fee and the fact they require a formal application — less plug-and-play than Square or Zeller.
Full Comparison
| Provider | Transaction Fee | Hardware Cost | Monthly Fee | Payouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zeller ⭐ | 1.4% | $199 | None | Next business day |
| Square | 1.6% | $65–$399 | None | Daily (next day) |
| Tyro | From 1.2% | Rental | Yes (~$29) | Next business day |
Do payment terminal fees count as a tax deduction?
Yes — transaction fees, hardware costs and any monthly fees for your payment terminal are tax deductible business expenses. Keep your monthly statements as your records.
Which is cheapest for a tradie processing $10,000/month?
At $10,000/month: Zeller costs $140/month in fees. Square costs $160/month. Tyro costs approximately $120–$150 plus the monthly fee, so similar or slightly more depending on their quoted rate. Zeller generally wins for most tradie use cases.
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