Australia POS Market By Terminal Type (Fixed POS, Mobile POS), By Deployment Mode (On-Premises, Cloud), By Operating System (Windows, Android, iOS), By End User (Retail, Travel & Hospitality, Government, BFSI, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Media & Entertainment, Transportation, Logistics, and Others), By Region, Competition, Forecast and Opportunities, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Australia POS Market was valued at USD 615.71 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1,258.11 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 12.48% during the forecast period.

The Australia Point of Sale (POS) market is witnessing substantial growth, driven by the country’s increasing adoption of digital payment technologies and the rapid evolution of retail and hospitality sectors. Businesses across Australia are increasingly investing in POS systems to streamline operations, enhance customer experience, and improve transaction accuracy. The proliferation of mobile and cloud-based POS solutions is reshaping how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operate, offering greater flexibility, cost-efficiency, and scalability. Additionally, Australia's tech-savvy consumer base and widespread internet penetration have created a conducive environment for retailers and service providers to adopt sophisticated POS technologies. The Australian government’s push toward a cashless economy and digital transformation initiatives have further accelerated the deployment of advanced POS terminals in both urban and regional areas.

Retail, hospitality, and food service industries are the primary end users of POS systems in Australia. These sectors rely heavily on robust POS infrastructure to manage high volumes of transactions, inventory control, and customer engagement. Cloud-based POS systems are particularly gaining traction due to their real-time data capabilities, ease of access, and integration with other business tools such as CRM and accounting software. Furthermore, innovations such as contactless payments, QR code-based transactions, mobile wallets, and integration with e-commerce platforms are fostering the demand for next-generation POS solutions.

The rise in e-commerce and omni-channel retail strategies has led many brick-and-mortar businesses to upgrade their POS infrastructure to ensure a seamless shopping experience both online and offline. Moreover, the growing emphasis on data analytics, customer behavior insights, and loyalty programs has positioned POS systems as strategic assets rather than just transaction tools. The increasing adoption of AI and machine learning into POS platforms is also enabling businesses to deliver personalized services and optimize operations.

Despite its growth potential, the Australian POS market faces challenges such as cybersecurity concerns, high initial setup costs for advanced systems, and the need for regular system updates and staff training. However, the competitive landscape comprising global and local players, along with the emergence of start-ups offering customized solutions for niche markets, continues to drive innovation and affordability. As digital transformation becomes a strategic priority across industries, the POS market in Australia is expected to expand steadily, offering opportunities for technology providers, software developers, and system integrators to capitalize on the country’s evolving business environment.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Adoption of Contactless and Mobile POS Systems

Australia is witnessing a rapid transition to contactless and mobile POS (mPOS) systems, primarily driven by consumer preference for faster and safer payment methods. Over 95% of in-store card transactions in the country are now contactless. Mobile payments using smartphones or wearables account for nearly 35% of all card transactions. Among users aged 18–34, contactless adoption exceeds 85%, highlighting the tech-savvy behavior of younger demographics. Approximately 48% of payments under AUD 10 are made using tap-to-pay methods, a significant increase from just 24% five years ago. Furthermore, nearly 12% of Australian retailers have shifted entirely to mobile-based POS platforms for faster checkout and enhanced mobility.

This growing demand compels retailers to upgrade traditional POS systems with NFC-enabled and mPOS solutions. Mobile POS not only reduces queue time but also enables sales from anywhere within a store, food truck, or pop-up event. Retailers and hospitality players are increasingly integrating wireless terminals that sync directly with cloud-based inventory and CRM systems. The shift also supports remote operations, a feature embraced by over 60% of small businesses post-pandemic. As consumer confidence in digital payments continues to grow, POS vendors are leveraging this trend to offer compact, portable, and cost-effective systems tailored for both SMEs and enterprise-scale clients.

Expansion of Mobile Wallet Usage and Real-Time Payments

The explosive growth of mobile wallets and real-time payments is a key driver of POS system upgrades across Australia. Mobile wallet transaction volumes have grown by over 50% year-on-year. In 2024 alone, mobile wallet payments reached nearly 500 million transactions nationwide. Among Australians aged 18–29, over 65% regularly use mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. Nearly half of all debit and credit card users have at least one card linked to a mobile wallet. Additionally, real-time payment platforms like PayID and Osko are used by over 25 million registered users across the country.

This shift in payment behavior has pushed businesses to adopt POS systems that support seamless mobile wallet integration. POS terminals are now expected to recognize and process digital wallets instantly, with encryption and tokenization ensuring secure transactions. Around 70% of businesses in urban centers have upgraded to terminals compatible with real-time settlement methods. As real-time payments gain traction in B2C and B2B transactions, POS vendors must ensure interoperability across payment types. Businesses benefit from faster fund access, lower transaction fees, and improved cash flow, while consumers enjoy convenience and transparency. This trend has become critical to POS innovation and vendor competitiveness.

Growth of Omnichannel Retailing and Cloud Integration

Australia’s retail landscape is shifting toward omnichannel strategies, creating a strong need for integrated POS solutions. Over 68% of Australian consumers interact with both online and offline platforms before completing a purchase. Online payments now account for approximately 18% of all consumer transactions. Cloud-based POS adoption has grown by over 40% since 2020, driven by retailers seeking real-time inventory management and customer insights. Nearly 60% of small-to-medium retailers now use POS systems that integrate with e-commerce platforms. Furthermore, 75% of consumers expect a seamless transition between physical and digital touchpoints.

This convergence of channels demands robust, cloud-enabled POS systems that unify in-store sales, online orders, customer data, and inventory tracking. POS solutions are increasingly required to support order fulfillment from multiple sources, offer centralized dashboards, and enable remote access for owners and managers. Integrated loyalty programs and real-time customer engagement tools further enhance customer retention. As retail and food service providers strive to personalize experiences and improve service levels, integrated POS systems serve as the backbone of these efforts. The ability to synchronize all operational components under one system is now a competitive necessity rather than a luxury.

Surge in Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Integration

The rising popularity of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services is reshaping payment preferences and POS system requirements. Over 10 million Australians have used BNPL services, representing nearly 40% of the adult population. BNPL transactions accounted for nearly AUD 20 billion in consumer spending in 2023. Among Gen Z and millennials, usage penetration exceeds 65%. Approximately 60% of major retailers have integrated at least one BNPL provider into their POS system. In physical stores, BNPL purchases have increased by over 45% in the past two years.

BNPL integration at POS enables merchants to offer flexible payment options without the need for traditional credit facilities. POS systems that support BNPL services enhance customer affordability and drive higher average order values. Consumers are more likely to complete a purchase when flexible payment terms are presented at checkout. POS providers are now embedding BNPL APIs into their systems, allowing real-time credit checks and transaction approvals within seconds. For merchants, this drives conversion rates and builds brand loyalty. As the BNPL sector continues to grow, POS systems must keep pace with dynamic financing models to maintain relevance in a highly competitive retail environment.

Increasing Focus on Cybersecurity and Regulatory Compliance

Cybersecurity and data protection have become top priorities in the Australian POS market. In the past year, card fraud losses in Australia exceeded AUD 500 million (USD 323.37 million), prompting stricter security compliance requirements. Over 70% of businesses consider payment security a critical factor in selecting POS systems. More than 85% of POS transactions now use EMV chip technology, which significantly reduces counterfeit fraud. Nearly 90% of new POS systems include end-to-end encryption and tokenization features. Additionally, government mandates have pushed over 95% of businesses to comply with PCI DSS standards for secure transaction handling.

This heightened awareness has influenced the design and selection of POS solutions across all business types. Enterprises are prioritizing systems with advanced fraud detection, biometric authentication, and secure data storage. The retail and hospitality sectors, which handle high volumes of consumer data, are particularly focused on upgrading legacy systems to meet evolving compliance standards. Cloud-based POS platforms now offer centralized security patches and automated backups to mitigate risk. For vendors, offering secure and compliant solutions has become a key differentiator in the market. Security-focused POS infrastructure not only protects businesses but also fosters consumer trust and long-term loyalty.

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Key Market Challenges

Legacy Technology & Integration Hurdles

Many Australian retailers still rely on outdated or proprietary POS systems that are hard to integrate with modern platforms. Surveys indicate that 60–70% of small businesses find it difficult to unify new payment methods (like mobile wallets or QR payments) with legacy POS hardware. Around 40% report frequent service interruptions or data sync issues during integration. Custom interfacing work often adds 20–30% to implementation costs. As a result, 45% of merchants delay upgrades due to fear of disrupting daily operations. This tech inertia slows innovation, forcing merchants to choose between continuity and capability. POS vendors face the challenge of offering retrofit-friendly solutions and smooth migration paths to avoid alienating this large customer segment.

High Upfront & Ongoing Costs for SMEs

Modern POS systems—with cloud, AI analytics, and mobile POS—come at a steep price. Initial setup costs are 2–3× that of basic systems, typically ranging from AUD 5,000–15,000 for multi-store retailers. Annual subscription or licensing fees can reach AUD 1,500–3,000 per location. Hardware refresh cycles (every 3–5 years) and regular software upgrades add another 10–20% annually. Transaction fees and maintenance further burden small operators, with 30–40% stating cost is a primary barrier. For 25% of micro-businesses, these combined costs outweigh perceived benefits, deterring POS innovations. Vendors must create tiered pricing, hardware leasing, and modular add-ons to reduce financial pressure, particularly for solo proprietors and startups.

Cybersecurity Threats & Regulatory Pressure

With digital payments now dominant (~90% of transactions), cybersecurity vulnerabilities are in sharp focus. Over 85% of new POS devices now feature EMV encryption, yet 70% of merchants worry about fraud exposure. Card fraud recently exceeded AUD 500 million annually, prompting banks and POS vendors to mandate PCI DSS and NDB compliance—costing merchants AUD 2,000–5,000 annually for audits and infrastructure. Ransomware and insider threats are on the rise; 45% of small businesses had at least one breach or attempted breach last year. Ongoing software patches and staff training add another 15–25% to operational costs. POS solution providers must invest in secure architecture, real-time threat monitoring, and compliance support to stay ahead.

Connectivity & Downtime Risks, Especially in Remote Areas

Australia’s size means connectivity is varied: many rural stores struggle with reliable internet. Around 20% of remote businesses report monthly downtime affecting POS operations, disrupting sales and customer service. During nationwide outages (e.g., Telco failures), 30–50% of merchant terminals lose connectivity, forcing cash-only workarounds or manual records. Approximately 35% of small merchants lack robust connectivity backups, exposing them to risk. Redundancy options (dual-SIM, wired fallback) exist but add another AUD 40–200/month. POS vendors must offer offline transaction modes, smart syncing, and connectivity solutions to win trust from geographically dispersed merchants.

Exclusion & Social Equity Concerns as Cash Usage Declines

As Australia moves toward a cashless future—with cash representing just 6% of in-person POS value—concerns arise about equity and accessibility. About 25% of consumers still prefer cash, especially seniors and low-income households. Many supermarkets now operate only one or two cash-enabled self-checkouts, forcing others to wait 10–40 minutes. 97% of consumers believe essential businesses should accept cash. With bank branches and ATMs halved in 7 years, the “digital divide” grows. If POS systems phase out cash acceptance, merchants risk reputational damage and alienating vulnerable demographics. Vendors must ensure POS solutions remain fully multi-modal—supporting cash, cards, and digital wallets—to maintain social inclusivity.

Key Market Trends

Rise of Contactless and Mobile Payments

Australia has become one of the global leaders in contactless payment adoption, and this consumer behavior is driving a parallel transformation in the POS landscape. Contactless payments, including tap-to-pay cards and mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, now represent the vast majority of in-store transactions. This shift is pushing retailers and service providers to upgrade POS terminals to support near-field communication (NFC) technology.

Mobile wallets are no longer a luxury feature but a consumer expectation. Businesses that don’t accept contactless payments risk losing sales. In response, POS vendors are focusing on NFC-enabled terminals and mobile-first systems that ensure quick, secure, and convenient checkout experiences.

This trend has also extended into traditionally cash-heavy industries such as food trucks, salons, and market stalls, where mobile POS devices are replacing traditional cash registers. The portability and low setup cost of mobile POS make them ideal for small, location-flexible businesses that want to offer a modern payment experience.

Furthermore, health and hygiene concerns, amplified during the pandemic, made contactless payments the preferred option for both consumers and merchants. Now, even post-COVID, this behavior persists, reinforcing the need for POS systems that support fast, secure, and frictionless payment processing.

As contactless payment volumes continue to grow, businesses will increasingly demand POS systems that support digital wallets, QR code payments, and secure tap-to-pay features. This is not only about transaction processing—it’s about improving customer experience and maintaining competitiveness in an evolving retail environment.

Integration with Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Platforms

The explosive growth of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services is significantly influencing the Australia POS market. Consumers, especially millennials and Gen Z, increasingly prefer flexible payment options over traditional credit cards. BNPL platforms such as Afterpay, Zip, and Klarna have become mainstream, prompting businesses to integrate these services into their point-of-sale systems.

The integration of BNPL directly into the POS checkout process provides customers with instant credit approval, thereby improving conversion rates and increasing average transaction values. For merchants, it means broader reach and increased customer loyalty, especially in sectors like fashion, electronics, and home goods.

As a result, POS vendors are embedding APIs from BNPL providers to allow for smooth, real-time financing at the point of sale—both in-store and online. Businesses that adopt this trend can offer greater payment flexibility without taking on credit risk themselves, as BNPL providers handle the risk and repayment process.

Additionally, regulatory changes are on the horizon that will require BNPL providers to comply with credit licensing and consumer protection laws. POS providers that offer built-in compliance tools will become more attractive to merchants seeking to stay ahead of evolving regulations.

This trend is also expanding into smaller businesses, where affordable cloud POS systems now come pre-equipped with BNPL integrations. As consumer demand for flexible financing continues to grow, POS systems that support a wide range of payment methods—including BNPL—will dominate market demand.

Growing Adoption of Omnichannel POS Solutions

The demand for omnichannel retailing is transforming how Australian businesses approach their point-of-sale systems. Consumers now expect seamless integration between online and offline shopping experiences, including unified payment options, shared loyalty programs, and consistent product availability. This has led to a rising demand for POS systems that can manage sales, inventory, and customer data across all channels from a single platform.

Modern omnichannel POS systems allow businesses to offer services like click-and-collect, ship-from-store, and real-time inventory visibility. This is especially critical in retail segments like fashion, electronics, and groceries, where convenience and personalization directly impact customer loyalty.

In response, POS vendors are designing systems with built-in integrations to e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce. They also connect with ERP and CRM tools, enabling centralized control over customer engagement, supply chain, and sales performance.

Omnichannel POS adoption has accelerated particularly among medium and large retailers who operate across multiple touchpoints. It enables businesses to collect rich customer data, track purchase history, and deliver targeted promotions—enhancing the overall shopping experience.

Additionally, during promotional campaigns or high-traffic periods, omnichannel POS systems ensure that businesses can handle transactions from multiple platforms without system lags or data inconsistencies. As customer journeys become more complex, businesses that lack integrated POS systems risk operational inefficiencies and lost sales.

This trend is expected to intensify as more consumers rely on a mix of digital and physical shopping. The future of POS lies in its ability to unify all channels and provide a consistent, data-driven customer experience.

Enhanced Security and Regulatory Compliance Features

Security and compliance have become major concerns in the Australian POS market. With the sharp rise in digital transactions, businesses are facing increasing risks related to data breaches, fraud, and cyberattacks. This is driving demand for POS systems equipped with advanced security features such as end-to-end encryption, tokenization, and biometric authentication.

Australian businesses are now prioritizing solutions that comply with standards like PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations. Secure transaction processing and data storage are not only essential for protecting customer information but also for maintaining brand reputation and trust.

Additionally, with the government placing a stronger emphasis on consumer data rights and digital identity frameworks, businesses must ensure that their POS systems support secure data handling and real-time compliance updates. Fines for non-compliance and breaches can be substantial, incentivizing companies to invest in secure, certified POS solutions.

Many POS vendors are integrating real-time fraud detection powered by AI and machine learning. These systems analyze transaction patterns to detect anomalies and block suspicious activity instantly, adding a layer of proactive defense.

Furthermore, compliance is no longer limited to payments alone. Integrated POS systems now help businesses manage tax reporting, digital receipts, and secure employee logins—providing a holistic compliance environment.

As threats grow in complexity, POS security will remain a top trend. Vendors that offer robust, secure, and regulatory-ready solutions will gain a competitive edge in an increasingly risk-sensitive market.

Segmental Insights

Terminal Type Insights

Mobile POS segment dominated in the Australia POS market in 2024 due to its flexibility, cost-efficiency, and alignment with evolving consumer behaviors and retail formats. As Australian businesses prioritize mobility and speed, mPOS solutions—offering payments via smartphones, tablets, or portable terminals—have become critical tools across industries such as retail, hospitality, food services, and events. These systems eliminate the need for bulky cash registers and fixed checkout counters, enabling sales associates or service staff to complete transactions from anywhere within a store or off-site location.

One of the key drivers behind mPOS dominance is the increasing consumer preference for contactless and mobile payments, which account for over 90% of in-store card transactions in Australia. mPOS devices are natively designed to handle NFC payments, QR code scanning, and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, which have surged in popularity across all age groups. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), mPOS provides an accessible, low-cost entry into digital payments—often with hardware starting below AUD 500 and no complex installation required.

Additionally, mPOS systems support cloud-based integration, enabling real-time syncing with inventory management, customer loyalty programs, and sales analytics. This allows businesses to gain deeper insights into consumer behavior and improve operational efficiency. Mobile POS adoption has grown particularly fast in cafés, quick-service restaurants, and mobile service providers, where line-busting, on-the-go billing, and faster turnaround are crucial to customer satisfaction.

From a business continuity standpoint, mPOS also provides resilience. With optional SIM-based connectivity or offline transaction capabilities, mPOS systems ensure uninterrupted service during internet outages. Their plug-and-play nature allows easy scaling, making them ideal for pop-up shops, seasonal markets, and expanding franchises. As Australian businesses continue to seek agile, customer-centric solutions, the mPOS segment remains the preferred choice for modern, digitally enabled commerce in 2024.

Deployment Mode Insights

Cloud segment dominated the Australia POS market in 2024 due to its scalability, cost-effectiveness, and remote accessibility. Australian businesses increasingly prefer cloud-based POS systems for real-time data synchronization, multi-location management, and seamless integration with e-commerce, CRM, and accounting platforms. Over 60% of retailers adopted cloud POS to support omnichannel operations and centralized control. Its subscription-based pricing model reduces upfront investment, making it attractive to SMEs. Additionally, cloud POS offers automatic updates, enhanced data security, and remote access, enabling businesses to monitor performance from anywhere. This flexibility and efficiency have solidified cloud’s leadership in the evolving Australian POS ecosystem.

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Region Insights

Largest Region

New South Wales dominated the Australia POS market in 2024 due to its strong economic base, dense urban population, and rapid adoption of advanced technologies across key sectors. As Australia’s most populous state and home to Sydney—its largest metropolitan city—NSW offers a high concentration of retail, hospitality, and service-based businesses. This urban density creates consistent demand for modern, scalable POS systems capable of managing large transaction volumes and supporting omnichannel operations.

NSW’s retail and hospitality sectors are among the most dynamic in the country, with a constant push for customer experience enhancement and operational efficiency. Businesses in the region are increasingly adopting cloud-based and integrated POS platforms to streamline inventory, payment processing, and customer engagement. From large chain stores to boutique outlets and quick-service restaurants, companies are investing in POS systems that provide real-time analytics, mobile payment support, and loyalty program integration.

In addition, NSW’s strong digital infrastructure and entrepreneurial ecosystem make it a hub for early technology adoption. A growing number of fintech startups and innovation-driven enterprises in the region are accelerating the shift toward cashless transactions and smart POS systems. This trend is reinforced by a consumer base that is highly tech-savvy and increasingly prefers contactless and mobile payment methods, prompting businesses to upgrade their POS capabilities to stay competitive.

Moreover, NSW’s government continues to invest in digital transformation initiatives that enhance connectivity, cybersecurity, and cloud adoption. These efforts provide businesses with the necessary support to modernize their systems and adopt emerging POS technologies more easily than in other regions.

Emerging Region

Victoria was the emerging region in the Australia POS market in the coming period due to its booming digital ecosystem, tech-savvy workforce, and strong government backing. The state’s tech workforce grew by 9.75% in 2023, outpacing the national average, and is forecast to reach over 393,000 by 2030, with a 70% surge in tech job growth since 2015. Melbourne hosts over 3,400 startups and scaleups valued at around AUD 103 billion, with 20% of Australia’s AI ventures and numerous SaaS, fintech, and cloud companies . The Victorian government’s A$626 million digital investments and strong cloud infrastructure further boost POS readiness. These factors position Victoria as a fast-rising hub for advanced, cloud-based, and AI-integrated POS adoption.

Recent Developments

• In April 2025, Fiserv introduced its Clover point-of-sale (POS) platform to the Australian market, targeting small and medium-sized businesses seeking greater operational efficiency. This expansion marks Clover’s entry into its 11th global market and strengthens its international footprint, with over 3.5 million devices deployed worldwide. The launch underscores Clover’s role as a comprehensive commerce and payments solution, combining advanced functionality with user-friendly design to support growing business needs. Fiserv’s move reflects rising demand in Australia for integrated, cloud-based POS systems that streamline transactions, inventory, and customer engagement in a single platform to improve business agility and competitiveness.
• In November 2024, Lightspeed, a leading global POS and eCommerce platform, entered a strategic partnership with Doshii, an Australian middleware provider specializing in hospitality POS integration. This collaboration enables Lightspeed clients in Australia and New Zealand to seamlessly connect a wider range of third-party applications—including delivery, table ordering, reservations, and staff scheduling—directly through their POS systems. The integration supports hospitality operators navigating post-lockdown recovery, addressing staffing challenges and rising operational costs through automation and efficiency. The partnership enhances Lightspeed’s ecosystem, offering businesses increased flexibility and scalability while reinforcing Doshii’s position as a key enabler of connected hospitality technology.

Key Market Players

• Zeller      
• Lightspeed (formerly Kounta)
• Square (Square Australia Pty Ltd)
• Epos Now
• Hike POS
• Retail Express
• PBSA POS
• Impos
• Clover
• Toast POS  

Report Scope:

In this report, the Australia POS Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Australia POS Market, By Terminal Type:

o   Fixed POS

o   Mobile POS

• Australia POS Market, By Deployment Mode:

o   On-Premises

o   Cloud

• Australia POS Market, By Operating System:

o   Windows

o   Android

o   iOS

• Australia POS Market, By End User:

o   Retail

o   Travel & Hospitality

o   Government

o   BFSI

o   Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals

o   Media & Entertainment

o   Transportation

o   Logistics

o   Others

• Australia POS Market, By Region:

o   New South Wales

o   Victoria

o   Queensland

o   Western Australia

o   South Australia

o   Tasmania

o   Australian Capital Territory

o   Northern Territory

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Australia POS Market.

Available Customizations:

Australia POS Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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