💳 Save money on credit card processing with one of our top 5 picks for 2025
Learn how much POS systems really cost and see what factors influence your total monthly price.
WRITTEN & RESEARCHED BY
Editor & Senior Staff Writer
Last updated onUpdated
REVIEWED BY
Expert Contributor
The cost of a POS system depends on several key factors, including your software plan, hardware setup, and payment processing fees.
In this guide, we’ll break down what goes into POS pricing so you know what to expect before you buy. If you’re ready to compare actual numbers and vendor options, check out our list of the best POS systems for small businesses.
Table of Contents
POS system costs vary significantly. Here’s a general overview of what most small businesses can expect to pay:
| POS Feature | Pricing |
|---|---|
| Overall software | $0 – $300+ per month |
| Card reader | $49 – $59 |
| Mobile card processor | $199 – $299 |
| Standalone system | $799 – $3000+ |
| Kitchen Display System | $600 – $1500 |
| Loyalty program | $0 – $49/month |
| Payment processing | 1.9% – 3.5% + $0.00 – $0.35 per transaction |
| Receipt printers | $180 – $800 |
| Scanners | $125 – $250 |
Note: These ranges represent common small business setups; actual costs vary based on features, number of registers, and business type.
Most POS systems fall between $0 and $300 per month for software, depending on your plan and the tools you need. Free POS systems are available that work well for very small businesses, but they usually offer only basic inventory management and reporting.
At the higher end, all-in-one systems include advanced features like loyalty programs, marketing tools, or built-in eCommerce capabilities that may otherwise be sold separately.
Hardware costs also vary widely based on your setup:
Many vendors offer payment plans or hardware financing, but it’s best to avoid long-term leases. They often cost more over time and limit your flexibility.
Extra features such as loyalty programs, marketing tools, or online stores can also add to your ongoing monthly costs.
Several key factors influence how much you’ll pay for a POS system — whether you’re paying monthly or annually.
POS software costs vary based on how many registers or features you need.
Keep in mind that some systems charge additional monthly fees for third-party software integrations or premium add-ons.
Credit card processing rates also add to your overall costs.
Small businesses often benefit from flat-rate processing because it’s predictable and easy to manage. Businesses with high transaction volumes or large average ticket sizes may save more with interchange-plus pricing.
For a deeper breakdown, see our full guide on POS transaction fees.
Hardware prices can vary widely depending on your setup and business type.
| Hardware Type | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Card Reader | $49 – $59 | Entry-level chip or tap readers for simple card payments. |
| Mobile POS Device | $200 – $300 | Great for tableside or mobile checkout. |
| Countertop POS Station | $800 – $1,500 | All-in-one systems like Square Register or Clover Station. |
| Add-ons (KDS, Printers, Scanners) | $125 – $1,000 | Optional hardware that supports advanced setups. |
If you don’t want to purchase separate equipment, many providers now offer mobile POS systems that let you accept payments directly from your smartphone or tablet.
Most vendors also provide hardware financing or payment plans, but avoid long-term leases whenever possible. They often cost more in the long run and leave you without ownership once payments end.
Financing or using a small business loan to purchase your POS hardware is almost always the better option.
Leasing might look affordable at first, but it typically comes with higher monthly payments, added interest, and no hardware ownership. Financing your purchase means that once it’s paid off, your equipment is yours to keep.
If you need help purchasing hardware outright, check out our guides to the best small business loans and the best equipment financing companies — both can help you buy what you need without relying on a lease.
Your total POS cost depends on what your business needs today and what it might need as you grow. If you’re just starting out or working with a tight budget, check out our picks for the best free POS systems to get essential tools without upfront costs.
To keep expenses manageable, look for a POS provider that offers scalable pricing plans or a single plan with all features included. This flexibility makes it easier to adjust your setup as your business evolves.
Before you commit, take advantage of free trials and demos. Test the software, reach out to customer support, and get feedback from the employees who’ll use the system every day. And as always, read your merchant contract carefully before signing — understanding your terms upfront can save you headaches and hidden fees later.
Get Your Free Credit Card Reader
Square  |
|---|
Square is an industry-leading point-of-sale and payment processing provider. Sign up for a free account and get a complimentary card reader for use with Square POS. Start For Free.
Get Your Free Credit Card Reader
Square |
|---|
Square is an industry-leading point-of-sale and payment processing provider. Sign up for a free account and get a complimentary card reader for use with Square POS. Start For Free.
Want to help shape the future of the Merchant Maverick website? Join our testing and survey community!
By providing feedback on how we can improve, you can earn gift cards and get early access to new features.
Square POS is an intuitive and simple point of sale platform. It offers customizable tools and a variety of add-ons to fit your business needs and reach your goals.
Get Started
Help us to improve by providing some feedback on your experience today.
The vendors that appear on this list were chosen by subject matter experts on the basis of product quality, wide usage and availability, and positive reputation.
Merchant Maverick’s ratings are editorial in nature, and are not aggregated from user reviews. Each staff reviewer at Merchant Maverick is a subject matter expert with experience researching, testing, and evaluating small business software and services. The rating of this company or service is based on the author’s expert opinion and analysis of the product, and assessed and seconded by another subject matter expert on staff before publication. Merchant Maverick’s ratings are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Our unbiased reviews and content are supported in part by affiliate partnerships, and we adhere to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity. The editorial content on this page is not provided by any of the companies mentioned and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone.
Square POS is an intuitive and simple point of sale platform. It offers customizable tools and a variety of add-ons to fit your business needs and reach your goals.
Get Started
