Eftpos NZ vs Shift4

Comparing EFTPOS providers?

Considering Shift4 (formerly Smartpay)? Try Eftpos NZ instead
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Trusted by thousands of NZ businesses
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Eftpos NZ VS Shift4 

 

Looking for the best EFTPOS for your business? Not all payment providers are the same.

A 'free' EFTPOS
terminal doesn’t mean payments are free. The costs show up somewhere else.

  • Payments that should be free to process start costing you

  • You aren't able to recover costs through surcharging

  • Minimum monthly turnover thresholds apply

  • Gaps in functionality your business relies on now, or will need as it grows
 
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Shift4
$0 EFTPOS
Free inserted debit card payments
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Optional surcharging
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Pay only for what you process
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Choose your own merchant services
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Offline mode
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Free installation
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In-person support
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Contract

What to check before you choose

Minimum monthly fees
Shift4 includes a fixed monthly fee for transaction processing, whether you use it or not. That can make sense at higher volumes, but for smaller or variable businesses, you may end up paying for transactions you haven’t taken.

Transaction thresholds
Some pricing only applies up to a set limit (e.g. the first $4,000–$12,000 per month). Once you exceed that, additional fees apply, so your effective rate can change as you grow.

Surcharging
Shift4 doesn’t support surcharging. That means you must absorb the cost of accepting contactless and credit card payments, rather than choosing to pass it on.

Swiped debit
You'll need to set up a separate arrangement with Worldline and pay an additional network fee, plus it adds an extra step at the point of payment. If your terminal is integrated with your POS, it can't process swiped debit. Shift4 provides a separate standalone terminal so you'll have two devices on your counter.  

Flexibility
Shift4 bundles terminal, network, and processing into one contract. That can simplify things upfront, but it also means less flexibility to change providers or negotiate rates over time. To accept swiped debit, you'll also need a separate Worldline arrangement, so it's not quite one provider after all.

Features and functionality

Shift4 is a newer entrant to the NZ market. Before you sign a 36-month contract, check that the terminal can do everything your business needs today and that there's a clear roadmap for what's coming. Their low cost Android solution doesn't have multi-merchant for example.

Why businesses choose
Eftpos NZ over Shift4

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More control over your payments 

Compare merchant service providers to find the best rates for your business and stay flexible as your business grows

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Keep more of each transaction

Debit transactions stay on the EFTPOS network, helping avoid unnecessary fees. Optional surcharging helps you recoup costs

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No extra steps at checkout

Tap, insert, or swipe without extra prompts or additional terminals. Your customers get a consistent checkout experience every time, and your staff don't have to manage workarounds at the counter

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Support that shows up

Award winning 24/7 Technical Helpdesk, dedicated Customer Service team, Live Chat, online resources and in-person support for set up and troubleshooting

Eftpos NZ

Experience Eftpos NZ

Every business is different. That’s why a one-size-fits-all setup doesn’t work. EFTPOS NZ gives you a more flexible, future-ready approach so your payment setup works for your business today and keeps up as you grow.

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Devices

Reliable, proven Android EFTPOS

Wide range of fast, durable Android EFTPOS terminals designed for everyday performance. Choose from portable devices with long battery life or countertop options with large screens and flexible keypad configurations. 

Features

More control, smarter tools

  • All your payments in one place
    View in-store and online transactions in a single, centralised reporting platform
  • Receipts your way
    Customise receipts and offer digital options like e-receipts
  • Flexible cost control
    Optional surcharging, including contactless surcharging
  • Faster, more secure refunds
    Matched refunds with advanced transaction search, and built-in security features
  • Features
    We build our own solutions in-house and work with partners to bring you an expanding range of payment capabilities, including tipping, split payments, pre-authorisation, offline mode, MOTO, buy-now pay-later, open banking, loyalty, and on-device POS.
  • Always up to date
    New features and software updates delivered remotely in real time
  • Compliance handled for you
    We take care of PCI requirements in the background so you don’t have to think about it

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Accept every payment

  • Accept contactless, chip and magstripe cards
  • Supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, Payap, WeChat pay, and Alipay+
  • Accessibility for blind and low-vision cardholders

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Get the right payment setup for your business

Whether you're thinking about switching providers or setting up EFTPOS for the first time, we’ll help you find the right solution

What our customers say about us

Eftpos NZ vs Shift4 $0 EFTPOS

Frequently Asked Questions

Which solution is cheaper?

It depends on how your business takes payments. Shift4 bundles fees into a minimum monthly charge and applies rates after a transaction threshold. With Eftpos NZ, costs are more transparent. You pay for your terminal and network separately, and you’re free to choose your merchant provider, so you can optimise your setup over time.

What does Eftpos NZ do?

Eftpos NZ provides EFTPOS terminals, online payment tools, and secure payment network services to New Zealand businesses. We help retailers, cafés, service providers, and more accept in-store and online payments with 24/7 local support.

How long does it take to get set up?

Setup is fast and straightforward. Once you’re ready to go, our team will guide you through the process with your preferred bank to get your terminal up and running as quickly as possible. Most businesses are ready within a few weeks.

What costs can I expect?

You’ll pay a monthly service fee for your terminal and a $15 + GST monthly fee for connection to the Verifone Network. Your bank may charge a one-off setup fee for your merchant facility, and processing fees depending on the payment types you accept. Get a quick quote for a more detailed cost breakdown.

Can I accept payment online with Eftpos NZ?

Yes, we have eCommerce payment solutions built to fit every business need, growth stage and development capacity.

What support is available?

Eftpos NZ provides ongoing, comprehensive technical support for our subscription customers, including:

  • Award winning, local 24/7 Technical Helpdesk
  • Nationwide network of Field Service technicians
  • Dedicated Customer Services team
  • Online Help Centre with Help articles
  • Overnight terminal replacement if required
  • Same-day terminal replacement via our network of Rescue Locations
  •  Optional backup SIM for when Wi-Fi is down
  • Software updates and security upgrades
  • Terminal configuration changes
  • Offline mode (Electronic Offline Vouchers) for temporary offline processing
  • Swap Box spare terminal add-on service for instant swap-outs
  • Terminal Plus add-on service to help cover the cost of repair and replacement for damaged devices

Ready to see how we stack up?