Square vs Tyro vs Zeller: Choosing an EFTPOS Provider
Square, Tyro and Zeller are three of the most talked-about EFTPOS options in Australia. We compare who each one suits, how they handle hardware, settlement and integrations, and how to work out their real cost for your business.
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Square, Tyro and Zeller come up in almost every conversation we have with small business owners about EFTPOS. All three are well established in Australia, all three accept the cards and digital wallets your customers use, and all three can get you taking payments quickly. The differences are in who they are built for, how they fit with the rest of your business, and how you pay for them.
This guide compares them qualitatively. You won't find a table of rates here, and that's deliberate. Transaction fees change, providers run different plans for different businesses, and the rate you're offered depends on your turnover, average sale, card mix and industry. The only reliable way to compare is against your own numbers, which we explain at the end.
The Short Version
Square
Suits
New and smaller businesses, market stalls, mobile traders and anyone who wants a simple, self-serve system with a POS app, online store and invoicing in one place.
Tyro
Suits
Established hospitality, retail and health businesses that want an Australian bank behind their EFTPOS, with terminals that integrate with their existing POS or practice software.
Zeller
Suits
Small businesses that want a modern smart terminal, a business account and quick access to their money, with straightforward self-serve setup.
These are generalisations. Plenty of businesses use each provider outside these profiles, so treat them as a starting point rather than a rule.
Square
Square is part of Block, Inc., a global payments company, and it takes an app-first approach. You can start with a small card reader that pairs with a phone or tablet, then move to Square's countertop or all-in-one terminals as you grow.
Strengths
- Self-serve sign-up and setup, so you can usually get started quickly.
- One ecosystem for in-person sales, an online store, invoices and bookings.
- Typically no lock-in contract, with hardware bought outright rather than rented.
Things to check
- Square works best when you run your business inside Square's own software. If you already use a separate POS, confirm it integrates with Square in Australia before you commit.
- Square's support is geared towards self-serve help online. Check what help you can get, and when, particularly if you trade on weekends or at night.
- Simple flat pricing is easy to understand, but simple isn't always cheapest once your volume grows. Compare it against your statement.
Tyro
Tyro is an Australian company that holds an Australian banking licence. It built its reputation on integrated EFTPOS, connecting its terminals to a long list of POS and practice-management systems so the sale amount goes straight from the POS to the terminal.
Strengths
- Deep integrations, particularly for hospitality and health businesses. Tyro has a strong following among health practitioners thanks to its health claiming options.
- A range of countertop and portable terminals, plus tap-on-mobile and payment links.
- Local, Australian-based support.
- Faster settlement options when you settle into a Tyro account.
Things to check
- Terminals are commonly rented monthly, so include terminal fees in your total cost, not just transaction fees.
- Pricing plans vary, so ask which plan suits your volume and card mix.
- Read the agreement for minimum terms, exit conditions and equipment return requirements.
KBServices is an authorised Tyro partner, so we can set up and support Tyro terminals for your business. We also work with other providers, which means we're happy to tell you when Tyro isn't the right fit.
Zeller
Zeller is a Melbourne-based Australian fintech that combines an EFTPOS terminal with a business account, cards and a mobile app. Its terminal is an Android-based smart device with a built-in receipt printer, and you can also take contactless payments on a phone.
Strengths
- A modern, all-in-one terminal and a clean app and online dashboard.
- Quick access to funds when you settle into a Zeller account.
- Typically no lock-in contract, with the terminal bought outright.
Things to check
- The list of POS integrations is growing, but confirm your POS is supported before you switch.
- As with Square, check that the support channels and hours suit the way you trade.
- If you keep your main banking elsewhere, check how settlement to an external bank account works and how long it takes.
How They Compare on What Matters
At a glance
| Square | Tyro | Zeller | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardware | Card readers that pair with your own device, plus countertop and all-in-one terminals | A range of dedicated countertop and portable terminals | An all-in-one Android smart terminal with a built-in printer |
| Settlement | Fastest when you settle into the provider's own account | Faster options when you settle into a Tyro account | Quick access when you settle into a Zeller account |
| Integrations | Works best inside Square's own software | Deep integrations, especially hospitality and health | A growing list; confirm your POS is supported |
| Support | Geared towards self-serve help online | Local, Australian-based support | Check the channels and hours suit how you trade |
| Contracts | Typically no lock-in; hardware bought outright | Terminals commonly rented monthly | Typically no lock-in; terminal bought outright |
Hardware
- Square Card readers that pair with your own device, plus countertop and all-in-one terminals
- Tyro A range of dedicated countertop and portable terminals
- Zeller An all-in-one Android smart terminal with a built-in printer
Settlement
- Square Fastest when you settle into the provider's own account
- Tyro Faster options when you settle into a Tyro account
- Zeller Quick access when you settle into a Zeller account
Integrations
- Square Works best inside Square's own software
- Tyro Deep integrations, especially hospitality and health
- Zeller A growing list; confirm your POS is supported
Support
- Square Geared towards self-serve help online
- Tyro Local, Australian-based support
- Zeller Check the channels and hours suit how you trade
Contracts
- Square Typically no lock-in; hardware bought outright
- Tyro Terminals commonly rented monthly
- Zeller Typically no lock-in; terminal bought outright
Hardware
All three accept contactless, chip and PIN, and digital wallets. Square leans towards card readers paired with your own device, Tyro offers a range of dedicated terminals, and Zeller focuses on an all-in-one smart terminal. Think about where you actually take payments: at a counter, at the table, or on the move. If your internet drops out, a terminal with 4G backup can save a busy day.
Settlement
How quickly money lands in your account affects cash flow. With all three providers, the fastest settlement generally depends on settling into the provider's own account. If you want to keep your existing bank, ask exactly when funds arrive, including on weekends and public holidays.
Integrations
If you run a POS, integration is often the single biggest factor. Integrated EFTPOS sends the exact amount to the terminal, which cuts keying errors and makes end-of-day reconciliation much easier. Ask your POS supplier which providers are fully integrated, not just "compatible".
Support
When a terminal fails on a Saturday morning, who do you call, and how quickly can you get a replacement? Ask each provider about phone support, hours and hardware swaps before you need them.
Contracts
Square and Zeller typically sell hardware outright with no lock-in. Tyro commonly rents terminals. Neither model is automatically better: buying outright means a bigger upfront cost, while renting spreads the cost and may include replacements. Read the terms either way.
How to Compare the Real Cost
Ignore headline rates and work from your own data:
- Gather your last three months of merchant statements.
- Add up every fee: transaction fees, terminal fees, monthly fees, chargeback fees and anything else listed.
- Divide the total fees by your total card sales. That is your effective rate.
- Ask each provider to quote on your actual turnover, average sale and card mix, including how they handle debit cards through least-cost routing.
- Compare the total monthly cost, then weigh it up against integration, settlement and support.
Card surcharges on eftpos, Mastercard and Visa ended on 1 October 2026, so you can no longer pass card fees on to customers as a separate surcharge. That makes your cost of acceptance more important than ever. Our updated surcharge ban guide explains the change.
Send us a statement, see what you could saveWe'll compare your current costs with the options that suit your business.Compare my costsGet a Second Opinion
Choosing between Square, Tyro and Zeller doesn't have to be guesswork. Send us a recent statement and the KBServices team will compare your current costs with the options that suit your business, including Tyro and our own KBServices Payment terminals. Terminals through us come with $0 setup, and your quote shows the monthly terminal rental alongside the rate, so you can compare like for like. We'll explain the trade-offs in plain English, and if your current setup is already a good fit, we'll tell you.
See how much you could save on EFTPOS, contact us or call 1300 578 527.
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