Why Renting an EFTPOS Machine Could Be Costing Your Business - and the Smarter Australian Alternative

If you run a business in Australia, chances are you’ve searched for EFTPOS machine hire or looked into “rent an EFTPOS machine” at some point. Whether you operate a retail store, hospitality venue, service business or charity, taking card payments is non-negotiable.

But here’s the thing: renting an EFTPOS machine is often far more lengthy, expensive and restrictive than most Aussie businesses realise. Between monthly rental fees, lock-in contracts, maintenance costs, outages and limited flexibility, the “just hire an EFTPOS machine” approach can quietly drain your profits.

In this article, we’ll unpack the true costs of EFTPOS rental, and explore why many Australian businesses - from sole traders to large enterprises, charities to multi-location operators - are moving to Pebl, a flexible, modern EFTPOS alternative that works anywhere, anytime, without bulky terminals.

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The Real Cost of Renting an EFTPOS Machine

On the surface, renting an EFTPOS terminal might seem straightforward. You fill out forms, upload bank statements, sign a contract, pay a monthly fee, wait for delivery, then start accepting payments.

But that monthly fee often comes with:

• Lock-in contracts (12–36 months) with expensive exit penalties
• Rental costs that apply whether you process $50 or $50,000
• Maintenance and replacement fees for faulty terminals
• Extra charges for wireless or integrated models

For many small or seasonal businesses, charities, and event organisers, this is like paying for a gym membership you rarely use - except you can’t pause it when you’re not taking payments.

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When EFTPOS Machine Hire Doesn’t Make Sense

Traditional EFTPOS rental was built for businesses with constant in-store traffic. But in the real world, many Australian organisations don’t operate like that.

Examples include:

1. Teams of Staff & Volunteers – Renting extra terminals for every event volunteer or casual worker is costly and risky.
2. Multi-Location Operators – Franchises, mobile teams, and event crews face headaches shipping and tracking devices nationwide.
3. Low-Traffic Stores – Boutiques, galleries, and salons may only process occasional transactions, making high rental fees wasteful.
4. Charities & Fundraisers – Seasonal events need payments a few times a year - rental fees can exceed donations raised.

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Introducing Pebl - The Smarter Alternative to EFTPOS Machine Hire

Pebl is a 100% Australian-owned EFTPOS app that replaces physical terminals. Instead of renting or buying a device, Pebl turns your smartphone into a secure payment terminal.

With Tap to Pay on iPhone and Android, you can accept contactless card, wallet, or PayID payments instantly - no dongles, readers, or hardware required.

👉 Learn how Pebl works

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Why Pebl Beats EFTPOS Machine Hire

1. No Lock-In Fees - Only pay per transaction. Perfect for seasonal or event-based operations.
2. Instant Setup - Sign up in minutes. No bank statements, no shipping delays.
3. Unlimited Users - Equip entire teams, volunteers, or franchisees at no extra cost.
4. Portable by Nature - If you’ve got your phone, you can take payments anywhere.
5. Flexible Payment Methods - Accept cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayID.
6. Charity-Ready - Real-time reporting makes event fundraising seamless.

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Try Pebl Free Here

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Case Study: How a Epilepsy Action Australia Doubled Donations with Pebl

Epilepsy Action Australia used to rent portable EFTPOS terminals for its annual Purple for Purpose 2025 gala:

• Paid for multiple machines
• Paid courier fees
• Replaced lost or damaged terminals

By switching to Pebl, every volunteer could use their own phone, donations were faster, fees were surcharged to the donor and admin costs dropped. They doubled their donations, making more money with zero overheads.

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Security & Compliance Without the Cost

Pebl meets bank-grade PCI-DSS standards. All payments are encrypted, and no card data is stored on your device. You get the same protection as a traditional EFTPOS terminal, without the hardware headaches.

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How to Switch From EFTPOS to Pebl

1. Download the Pebl App (iPhone or Android).
2. Verify your business details.
3. Start accepting Tap to Pay transactions instantly.

No contracts. No technicians. No shipping delays.

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When EFTPOS Machines Still Make Sense

Large retail or hospitality venues with integrated POS and cash drawers may still require a traditional EFTPOS machine. Pebl complements these setups as a mobile backup, perfect for outages or off-site events.

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The Bottom Line: Stop Renting, Start Earning

If your business has been renting EFTPOS machines out of habit, it’s time to rethink. Pebl gives you flexibility, portability, and cost savings that traditional rentals can’t.

👉 Get started free with Pebl today

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🙋 FAQs

How is Pebl different from a traditional EFTPOS machine?
Pebl turns any smartphone into a payment terminal with no rental costs or lock-in contracts, unlike traditional EFTPOS machines.

Can Pebl handle teams and volunteers?
Yes, Pebl supports unlimited users, making it ideal for charities, franchises, and mobile teams. Each member can accept payments on their own device.

Is Pebl secure and compliant?
Pebl is fully PCI-DSS compliant, using bank-grade encryption to protect all transactions.

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