Quick verdict — which should you choose?
For established venues with an existing POS: Tyro is the clear winner — 450+ POS integrations, Tap & Save least-cost routing and purpose-built hospitality features. For new venues wanting simplicity: Zeller Terminal has no monthly fee and a clean 1.4% flat rate. For venues already on Square POS: Square Payments is bundled in — but review whether it's still the right POS at your revenue level.
| Provider | Monthly fee | Tap rate | Keyed-in | Least-cost routing | POS integrations | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyro Pro | $29/terminal | From 1.4% | Higher | ✓ Tap & Save | 450+ AU systems | Established venues |
| Zeller Terminal | $0 | 1.4% | 1.7% | ✗ | Limited | New venues, simplicity |
| Square Payments | $0 | 1.6% | 2.2% | ✗ | Square POS only | Square POS users |
| Commonwealth Bank | $30–$60/month | 1.1–1.8% | 1.8–2.5% | ⚡ Varies | Most major POS | Existing bank customers |
| ANZ | $30–$50/month | 1.1–1.7% | Varies | ⚡ Varies | Most major POS | Existing ANZ customers |
| Tyro Go (handheld) | $0 (buy $39) | 1.4% | 1.8% | ✗ | With Tyro Pro | Tableside, backup terminal |
Least-cost routing — what it is and why it matters
Least-cost routing (LCR) is one of the most important — and least understood — payment features for Australian hospitality. Around 70% of Australian card transactions are made on dual-network debit cards (Visa Debit, Debit Mastercard) that can be processed through either the international network or the domestic eftpos network. The domestic eftpos network typically charges merchants less.
Without LCR, your EFTPOS terminal defaults to the more expensive international network on most tap-and-go transactions. With LCR enabled, the terminal automatically routes each transaction through whichever network costs less. Tyro's Tap & Save feature saves an average of 8.1% on eligible debit transactions — that's approximately $1,100/year for a venue processing $15,000/week.
Zeller Terminal and most bank-owned terminals do not offer genuine least-cost routing. Square does not offer it. This is one of Tyro's most concrete financial advantages for high-volume venues.
The October 2026 surcharge ban — your action plan
From 1 October 2026, venues cannot surcharge customers for consumer eftpos, Mastercard or Visa transactions. This is confirmed RBA policy. Here is your action plan by provider:
| Your current setup | Current annual fee at $15k/wk | Action before October 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Square (1.6%, currently surcharged) | $12,480 | Switch to zero-commission POS or raise menu prices by ~1.6% |
| Tyro (1.4%, currently surcharged) | $10,920 | Enable Tap & Save to reduce effective rate, then reprice menu |
| Tyro (1.4%, not surcharged) | $10,920 (already absorbed) | Review Tap & Save — ensure LCR is active to minimise cost |
| Zero-commission POS (Foodhub etc) | $0 POS commission | Still have EFTPOS fees — enable LCR, negotiate rate if >$30k/mo |
Tyro — our top pick
Tyro holds 27% of Australia's established hospitality payments market. Its 450+ POS integrations, Tap & Save least-cost routing, and hospitality-native features (split billing, bar tabs, tipping) make it purpose-built for cafés, restaurants and pubs. Unlike Square or Zeller which are generic payment tools, Tyro was designed specifically for the sector.