2024's Top NZ Card Machines: Stripe, Zettle, Square, HitPay, Shopify

A credit card machine, also known as a payment terminal, is a device that allows businesses to process credit and debit card payments.

Credit card machines are typically used in retail stores, restaurants, and other businesses where customers need to be able to pay for goods or services with a credit or debit card.

Top 5 Credit Card Machines for New Zealand Businesses in 2024

1. Stripe POS
2. PayPal Zettle
3. Square
4. HitPay
5. Shopify POS

Top 5 Credit Card Machines for New Zealand Businesses in 2024 (Detailed View)

1) Stripe POS

Stripe POS is a credit card machine that is designed for omnichannel businesses. It allows businesses to process in-person, online, and mobile payments all in one place. Stripe POS also allows businesses to send invoices and set up recurring payments.

Pros

• No monthly fee
• Works with 135+ currencies
• 24/7 support via phone, chat, and email

Cons

• Steeper learning curve compared to other credit card machines
• Expensive and complicated processing fees

Pricing

• BBPOS WisePOS E: NZ$49
• BBPOS WisePad 3: NZ$99

Stripe POS is a good option for omnichannel businesses that are looking for a credit card machine that can process payments from all channels. However, it is important to note that Stripe POS has a steeper learning curve and more expensive processing fees than some of its competitors.

2) PayPal Zettle

PayPal Zettle is a credit card machine that is designed for mobile businesses. It comes with a free app that allows businesses to accept credit and debit card payments.

The hardware also makes it easy to accept contactless payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Additionally, PayPal Zettle allows businesses to send invoices and record cash and check payments.

Pros

• Has manual card entry for phone orders
• Can send receipts via SMS or text
• Powers up in two seconds and contactless payments take five seconds

Cons

• Only one credit card machine option, though it has full POS systems
• PayPal is notorious for siding with the customer in disputes

Pricing

PayPal Zettle is a credit card machine that does not require a monthly fee. Instead, you pay for the hardware and processing fees. The Zetle Reader 2, which costs $79, accepts both contactless and card payments.

PayPal Zettle is a good option for mobile businesses that are looking for an all-in-one solution for credit card processing, invoicing, and payments.

3) Square

Square is a credit card machine that is easy to use and does not require a monthly fee. It allows businesses to accept credit and debit card payments, as well as contactless payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Square also allows businesses to send invoices and track their sales and inventory all in one place. For an additional fee, businesses can manage payroll, email marketing, and loyalty programs through Square.

Pros

• No monthly fee
• Plug-and-play
• Access your money the next business day, or same day for a 1.75% fee

Cons

• No chat support
• No custom processing rate unless you are pulling more than $250,000 in sales per year

Pricing

• Free for the first card reader
• $10 for each additional card reader

Square is a good option for businesses of all sizes that are looking for a credit card machine that is easy to use and does not require a monthly fee.

However, it is important to note that there is no chat support and that businesses do not get a custom processing rate unless they are bringing in more than $250,000 in sales per year.

4) HitPay

HitPay offers a variety of credit card terminals to suit the needs of businesses of all sizes. They are reliable, secure, and easy to use. HitPay credit card terminals come integrated with free HitPay POS software, which offers a variety of features to help you manage your business.

Pros:

• Fast and secure transactions
• Cost-effective solution
• No minimum-term contracts
• Free POS software
• Fast onboarding and delivery
• Lightweight and portable
• Customizable branding
• Real-time transaction monitoring

Cons:

• Fewer features given it is a new entrant into the market (although growing fast)

Pricing:

• No rental fees
• Pay per transaction

Overall, HitPay credit card terminals are a great option for businesses of all sizes. They offer a reliable, secure, and cost-effective way to accept payments.

5) Shopify POS

Shopify POS is a credit card machine that is designed for omnichannel businesses. It allows businesses to process orders in-person at pop-up shops or farmers' markets, or on the go.

Shopify POS is included in the Shopify plan fee, but businesses must pay processing fees. For an additional $89 per month per location, businesses can upgrade to Shopify POS Pro. Businesses can also turn their iPhone into a credit card machine with Shopify POS.

Pros

• Basic plan is included in regular Shopify subscription
• Intuitive and easy to use
• First two months are just $1

Cons

• No completely free option
• Businesses pay a monthly fee whether or not they make any sales

Pricing

• Shopify POS Go: $39
• Mobile card readers: $39-$429
• Contactless payments via iPhone: $0

Shopify POS is a good option for omnichannel businesses that are looking for a credit card machine that is easy to use and can be used in-person or on the go. However, it is important to note that there is no completely free option and that businesses must pay a monthly fee, even if they do not make any sales.

Benefits of a credit card terminal

Credit card machines offer a number of benefits to businesses, including:

• They allow businesses to accept credit and debit card payments, which is a convenient payment option for many customers.
• They help to reduce fraud by verifying the information on the customer's credit or debit card before authorizing the transaction.
• They can help to speed up the checkout process, which can improve customer service.
• They can provide businesses with valuable data about their customers' spending habits.

If you are a business owner, you should consider investing in a credit card machine to make it easier for your customers to pay for goods or services. Credit card machines are a convenient and secure way to process payments, and they can help you to improve your customer service and grow your business.

How do credit card machines work?

Credit card machines work by reading the information on a customer's credit or debit card and then transmitting that information to a payment processor.

The payment processor then verifies the information and authorizes the transaction. Once the transaction is authorized, the funds are transferred from the customer's bank account to the merchant's bank account.

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how credit card machines work:

1. A customer inserts their credit or debit card into the credit card machine.
2. The credit card machine reads the information on the card, such as the card number, expiration date, and CVV number.
3. The credit card machine transmits the information to a payment processor.
4. The payment processor verifies the information on the card and ensures that the customer has sufficient funds available.
5. The payment processor authorizes the transaction and sends a signal back to the credit card machine.
6. The credit card machine prints a receipt for the customer.
7. The funds are transferred from the customer's bank account to the merchant's bank account, typically within two to three business days.

Credit card machines use a variety of security features to protect customer data and prevent fraud. These features include:

• Encryption: Credit card machines encrypt the information on the customer's credit or debit card before it is transmitted to the payment processor. This helps to protect the data from unauthorized access.
• Tokenization: Credit card machines often use tokenization to replace the customer's actual credit or debit card number with a unique token. This token is used to process the transaction, but it does not contain any of the customer's personal information.
• Fraud detection: Credit card machines use a variety of fraud detection techniques to identify and prevent fraudulent transactions. These techniques include looking for suspicious patterns of activity and verifying the customer's identity.

Credit card machines are a secure and convenient way to process payments. They offer a number of benefits to businesses and customers alike, and they play an important role in the global economy.

How to Choose the Best Credit Card Machine for Your Business

When choosing a credit card machine for your business, there are a number of factors to consider, including the type of business you have, the features you need, your budget, and the following:

• Type of credit card machine: There are four main types of credit card machines: traditional terminals, wireless terminals, mobile card readers, and virtual terminals. Choose a credit card machine that is designed for the type of business you have and the needs of your customers.
• Features: Credit card machines can offer a variety of features, such as the ability to accept contactless payments, support for multiple currencies, and integration with accounting software. Make a list of the features that are important to you and choose a credit card machine that offers those features.
• Cost: Credit card machines can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Compare the prices of different credit card machines before you make a purchase.
• Processing fees: Different credit card machines charge different processing fees. Make sure to choose a credit card machine that has processing fees that you can afford.
• Customer support: In case you have any problems with your credit card machine, you will want to be able to get help from the provider. Choose a credit card machine that offers good customer support.
• Warranty: Most credit card machines come with a warranty. Make sure to choose a credit card machine that has a warranty that you are comfortable with.
• Security: Credit card machines use a variety of security features to protect customer data and prevent fraud. Choose a credit card machine that offers the security features that are important to you.
• Ease of use: Credit card machines should be easy to set up and use for both you and your employees. Choose a credit card machine that has a user-friendly interface.
• Compatibility: Make sure that the credit card machine you choose is compatible with your existing payment processing system and any other software or hardware that you use.

Additional tips:

• Read reviews of different credit card machines before you make a purchase. This can help you to avoid buying a credit card machine that is not reliable or that does not meet your needs.
• Consider the cost of ownership. This includes the purchase price of the credit card machine, the monthly or per-transaction fees, and the cost of any additional features or services that you need.
• Think about the future. If you plan to grow your business, choose a credit card machine that can scale with you.

How Much Does a Credit Card Machine Cost?

The cost of a credit card machine can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of machine, the features it offers, and the provider you choose.

In general, you can expect to pay between NZ$100 and NZ$1,000 for a credit card machine. However, some high-end machines can cost upwards of NZ$2,000.

Here are some of the factors that can affect the cost of a credit card machine:

• Type of machine: There are two main types of credit card machines: mobile and terminal. Mobile credit card machines are smaller and more portable, while terminal credit card machines are larger and more stationary. Mobile credit card machines are generally more expensive than terminal credit card machines.
• Features: Credit card machines can offer a variety of features, such as the ability to accept contactless payments, support for multiple currencies, and integration with accounting software. The more features a credit card machine offers, the more expensive it is likely to be.
• Provider: There are a number of different providers that offer credit card machines. The price of a credit card machine can vary depending on the provider you choose.

It is important to compare the prices of different credit card machines before you make a purchase. You should also consider the features that are important to you and choose a machine that offers the features you need at a price you can afford.

Conclusion: What credit card terminal should you choose in New Zealand?

In conclusion, when New Zealand businesses assess their payment processing options for 2024, factors like cost, simplicity, and adaptability stand front and center.

Among the top contenders, HitPay offers a compelling suite with its transaction-based fees and fast, user-friendly setup—qualities that small and growing businesses may find particularly attractive.

While the final choice of a credit card machine hinges on a variety of individual business needs, HitPay’s offering is worth considering for those seeking a balance between functionality and affordability.

Have questions about HitPay?

If you're a customer who has questions about paying with HitPay, feel free to contact us on our website.

Are you a merchant who wants to offer more payment methods with HitPay's secure payment gateway?
Set up an account for free or find out more with a 1-on-1 demo.

Read also:

• New Zealand Payment Gateway Comparison: Shopify vs. Stripe, PayPal and HitPay
• Sell Digital Products Online with the HitPay Online Store

About HitPay
HitPay is a one-stop commerce platform that aims to empower SMEs with no code, full-stack payment gateway solutions. Thousands of merchants have grown with HitPay's products, helping them receive in-person and online contactless payments with ease. Join our growing merchant community today!