Point of Sale System Cost: Startup & Ongoing Costs

A point of sale (POS) system is the hardware and software a business uses to ring up sales and take payments. The total cost has three parts: the equipment, a monthly software plan, and the fees the payment processor takes from each card sale. Many small businesses pay little or nothing on the software side and more on hardware, while restaurants and larger retailers often pay for higher software tiers.

The hardware headline range reflects Clover prices reported by NerdWallet, checked on Oct 13, 2026. Software prices for Square come from Square. Vendors change their prices and promotions, so confirm the current numbers on each provider's official site before you buy.

Plan for three separate line items:

1. Hardware: a one-time cost for readers, tablets, terminals or full countertop systems.
2. Software: a monthly subscription that sets which features you get, from a free tier to premium plans.
3. Payment processing: a percentage plus a small fixed amount on each card transaction, charged by the processor. These rates differ by provider and by how the card is taken (in person, online or keyed in), so they are not in the tables below.

At the low end, a Square Reader that accepts contactless and chip cards costs $59. A Square Stand that turns an iPad into a register is $149, and the Square Terminal, a mobile card reader with a built-in printer, is $299. Square's two-screen Register ranges $799 – $899.

Clover's lineup starts with the Clover Go card reader at $199. The Clover Flex mobile POS is $749, the Clover Mini is $849, the Clover Station Solo is $1,799, and the Station Duo is $1,899. Your own iPad or phone can lower the hardware bill if the system supports it, though you may still need a card reader.

Square's software plans are priced per location. Square Plus is $49/mo and Square Premium is $149/mo. Square also has a free tier, which is why a small shop can start with only a reader.

Toast's Point of Sale plan is $69/mo, and Toast also lists a starter kit with no monthly fee. Clover's monthly software costs vary by industry and tier. The Retail Advanced plan is $104.90/mo, and the Full-Service Dining Advanced plan is $129.85/mo. Clover also offers lower tiers, some at no monthly charge.

Plan names and what they include change often, so compare the current feature list for your business type before you pick.

• Business type: Restaurants usually need kitchen displays, table management and tipping, which push you toward higher software tiers and extra hardware. Retail shops need inventory tools and barcode scanning.
• Number of registers and locations: Plans are priced per location, and hardware is bought per station.
• Features: Inventory, employee management, loyalty programs and integrations can sit in higher tiers or cost extra.
• Hardware choice: A card reader paired with a phone costs far less than a full countertop station.
• Processing rates: A low software price can come with higher processing rates, and the reverse. Add both together at your expected sales volume.
• Contracts: Some providers run promotions tied to a multi-year contract, which can mean early termination fees. Square's free plan, by comparison, is described as having no long-term contract.

A free tier suits a food truck, market stall or very small shop that wants to take cards and track sales. Paid tiers add things like lower processing rates, better reporting, staff permissions and deeper inventory control. If you are unsure, start on the free or lowest tier and upgrade after you know what you actually use. Check that you can downgrade or leave without a fee.

• Receipt printers and cash drawers sold separately from the main device.
• Kitchen displays or self-order kiosks in restaurants, often with their own monthly fees.
• Installation or menu setup from some providers.
• Router or network equipment if your system depends on a stable connection.
• Add-on software such as payroll, marketing or online ordering.
• Taxes on hardware, depending on your state.

1. What is the total monthly cost at my expected sales volume, including processing?
2. Is there a contract, and what does it cost to cancel?
3. Which hardware do I own, and which is leased?
4. Can I take my customer and sales data with me if I leave?
5. What support is included, and when is it available?