Introduction

For New Zealand small businesses, finding a card reader without monthly fees can make the difference between profitable transactions and costly overhead. Contactless payments have become the preferred payment method in New Zealand, used as much as EFTPOS and twice as much as cash (Smartpay). With more New Zealand businesses adopting contactless payment technology to make checkouts quicker and payments simpler (Smartpay), choosing the right card reader becomes crucial for your bottom line.

This comprehensive guide examines every mainstream card reader that waives fixed rental or subscription costs, comparing hardware prices, transaction rates, payout speeds, and built-in business tools. We'll benchmark options like HitPay's WisePad 3, Square Reader, and Zeller Terminal to help you make an informed decision based on real-world costs and features.

Card readers with no monthly fees at a glance

*Square's new rates effective March 27, 2025

Why choose a no-monthly-fee card reader?

Predictable costs for small businesses

No-monthly-fee card readers operate on a pay-per-use model, meaning you only pay when you process transactions. This approach eliminates the risk of paying fixed costs during slow months and makes budgeting more predictable for seasonal businesses.

Lower barrier to entry

Without upfront monthly commitments, small businesses can start accepting card payments immediately. This is particularly valuable for new businesses, market stalls, or service providers who need flexibility in their payment processing setup.

Scalability without penalties

As your business grows, transaction-based pricing scales naturally with your revenue. You won't face the common problem of outgrowing a monthly plan and needing to upgrade to a more expensive tier before you're ready.

Detailed provider comparison

HitPay: The local payment specialist

Why choose HitPay: As a Singapore-based, omni-channel payments platform regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), HitPay specializes in local payment methods across Asia-Pacific. For New Zealand businesses, this means access to not just traditional card payments but also cross-border payment options that can help expand into Asian markets.

Hardware options:

• WisePad 3: NZ$100

• Portable, contactless-enabled

• Long battery life for mobile businesses

Pricing structure:

• Domestic cards: 1.9%

• International cards: 3.4% + $0.30

• No setup fees or monthly charges

• Same-day or next-day payouts in most markets

Key advantages:

• Access to 700+ local payment methods across Asia-Pacific

• No-code integration options for quick setup

• Comprehensive business tools including invoicing, payment links, and online store builder

• PCI-DSS compliant with enterprise-grade security

• Real-time transaction alerts and unified reporting

Best for: Businesses looking to expand internationally, especially into Asian markets, or those needing comprehensive payment and business management tools in one platform.

Square: The ecosystem player

Hardware options:
Square offers multiple hardware solutions, with the Square Reader being their most affordable option at approximately NZ$70. The new Square Reader maintains enhanced features, longer battery life, and seamless payments (Square). The 2nd generation Square Reader can take EFTPOS card and mobile wallet payments with a quick tap and allows customers to insert chip + PIN cards for larger transactions (Square).

For businesses needing more comprehensive functionality, the Square Terminal is available at $329.00, with financing options at $28.00 per month (Square). The Square Terminal is compatible with various software including Square Point of Sale, Square for Restaurants, Square for Retail, and Square Appointments (Square).

Pricing structure (effective March 27, 2025):

• Card-present transactions: 2.6% + $0.15

• Card-not-present transactions: 2.2% (Square)

• No setup or monthly fees

• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees (Square)

Key advantages:

• Comprehensive business ecosystem (POS, inventory, staff management)

• Strong integration with e-commerce platforms

• Robust reporting and analytics

• Free Square Point of Sale app integration

• Established brand with extensive support resources

Best for: Retail businesses needing comprehensive POS functionality, restaurants, or businesses wanting an all-in-one solution with strong ecosystem integration.

Stripe: The developer's choice

Hardware requirements:
Stripe requires compatible terminals from third-party providers, which can increase initial hardware costs. However, their platform offers extensive customization options for businesses with specific integration needs.

Pricing structure:
Stripe offers simple, pay-as-you-go pricing with no setup fees, monthly fees, or hidden fees (Stripe). The standard pricing for domestic cards is 2.7% + NZ$0.30 per transaction, while international cards are charged at 3.7% + NZ$0.30 per transaction (Stripe).

Key advantages:

• Extensive API and integration capabilities

• Support for numerous payment methods

• Strong developer documentation and tools

• Global payment processing capabilities

• Advanced fraud protection features

Best for: Tech-savvy businesses, e-commerce platforms, or companies needing custom payment integrations and advanced developer tools.

Zeller: The business banking integration

Hardware options:
The Zeller Terminal is priced at AU$259.00 and accepts all major cards quickly and securely (Zeller). The terminal offers competitive transaction rates and integrates with Zeller's business banking services.

Pricing structure:

• Domestic cards: 1.4%

• Next business day payouts

• No monthly fees

Key advantages:

• Competitive transaction rates

• Business banking integration

• Next-day settlement

• Australian-based support

Best for: Businesses looking for competitive rates and integrated banking services, particularly those operating primarily in the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Real-world cost calculations

Monthly sales volume: $5,000

HitPay (assuming 80% domestic, 20% international):

• Domestic: $4,000 × 1.9% = $76

• International: $1,000 × 3.4% + ($0.30 × transactions) = $34 + fees

• Total monthly cost: ~$110-120

Square (new rates from March 27, 2025):

• Card-present: $5,000 × 2.6% + ($0.15 × transactions) = $130 + per-transaction fees

• Total monthly cost: ~$140-150

Stripe:

• Domestic: $4,000 × 2.7% + ($0.30 × transactions) = $108 + fees

• International: $1,000 × 3.7% + ($0.30 × transactions) = $37 + fees

• Total monthly cost: ~$155-165

Monthly sales volume: $20,000

HitPay:

• Total monthly cost: ~$440-480

Square:

• Total monthly cost: ~$560-600

Stripe:

• Total monthly cost: ~$620-660

These calculations demonstrate how transaction-based pricing scales with business growth, with HitPay offering competitive rates particularly for businesses processing mixed domestic and international transactions.

Key features comparison

Payment method support

HitPay excels in payment method diversity, offering access to 700+ local payment methods across Asia-Pacific. In New Zealand, this includes Visa, Mastercard, Amex, UnionPay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayNow, PayID, and cross-border QR codes including QRIS, QRPH, PromptPay, and VietQR.

Square focuses on traditional card payments and mobile wallets, with strong support for contactless payments that align with New Zealand's preference for tap-and-go transactions.

Stripe supports a wide range of payment methods including credit and debit cards, prepaid cards, and various digital wallets (Stripe).

Business tools integration

HitPay provides comprehensive business tools including:

• Point of Sale (POS) system

• Online store builder

• Invoicing and billing

• Recurring billing and subscription management

• Payment links and hosted checkout pages

• E-commerce plugins for Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix, Xero, and more

Square offers an extensive ecosystem including inventory management, staff scheduling, customer relationship management, and detailed analytics through their integrated platform.

Stripe provides powerful APIs and developer tools but requires more technical expertise to implement comprehensive business management features.

Security and compliance

All providers offer enterprise-grade security features. HitPay is PCI-DSS compliant and uses Stripe's fraud protection (Radar) technology. Square maintains transparent pricing with no hidden fees and robust security measures (Square). Stripe offers advanced fraud protection and extensive security features as part of their platform (Stripe).

Hardware considerations

Portability and battery life

For mobile businesses, battery life becomes crucial. The HitPay WisePad 3 offers long battery life suitable for market stalls, food trucks, or service providers. The Square Reader also provides enhanced battery life in its 2nd generation model (Square).

Connectivity options

Modern card readers support multiple connectivity options. For example, the Verifone T650p can connect via Wi-Fi, 4G, or directly to a router via Bluetooth base (Eftpos NZ), though this particular model may come with monthly fees depending on the provider.

Receipt printing

Some businesses require built-in receipt printing. The Verifone T650p features a built-in receipt printer (Eftpos NZ), while other solutions may require separate receipt printers or rely on digital receipts.

Making the right choice for your business

For international expansion

If your business plans to expand into Asian markets or serve international customers, HitPay's 700+ local payment methods and cross-border capabilities provide significant advantages. The platform's expertise in Asia-Pacific payment methods can help unlock new revenue streams.

For comprehensive retail operations

Square's ecosystem approach works well for businesses needing integrated inventory management, staff scheduling, and customer relationship tools. The platform's compatibility with various software solutions makes it suitable for complex retail operations (Square).

For custom integrations

Businesses with specific technical requirements or custom e-commerce platforms may benefit from Stripe's extensive API capabilities and developer-friendly approach (Stripe).

For competitive rates

Zeller offers some of the most competitive domestic transaction rates at 1.4%, making it attractive for businesses processing primarily domestic transactions (Zeller).

Implementation timeline and setup

Quick start options

HitPay offers no-code integration options that allow businesses to start accepting payments within minutes. The platform's instant onboarding and quick verification process minimize setup time.

Square's Point of Sale app can be connected to the Square Reader for immediate payment processing (Square), creating an integrated payments and point-of-sale system quickly.

Technical requirements

Most modern card readers require minimal technical setup. However, businesses should ensure their mobile devices or tablets are compatible with their chosen solution and have reliable internet connectivity for transaction processing.

Future-proofing your payment setup

Emerging payment trends

With contactless payments becoming increasingly popular in New Zealand (Smartpay), choosing a provider that stays current with payment technology trends is important for long-term success.

Scalability considerations

As your business grows, your payment processing needs may evolve. Providers like HitPay offer scalable solutions that can grow from simple card processing to comprehensive business management platforms without requiring system changes.

Cross-border opportunities

New Zealand's position in the Asia-Pacific region presents opportunities for cross-border commerce. HitPay's expertise in local payment methods across the region positions businesses well for international expansion.

Conclusion

Choosing the right card reader without monthly fees depends on your specific business needs, transaction volumes, and growth plans. HitPay offers competitive rates at 1.9% for domestic transactions and provides access to 700+ payment methods, making it ideal for businesses with international ambitions or those needing comprehensive business tools.

Square provides a robust ecosystem with transparent pricing and no hidden fees (Square), though their rates increase to 2.6% + $0.15 from March 27, 2025. Stripe offers extensive customization options at 2.7% + $0.30 for domestic cards (Stripe), while Zeller provides competitive rates at 1.4% for domestic transactions (Zeller).

For most New Zealand small businesses, the combination of competitive pricing, comprehensive features, and international payment capabilities makes HitPay a strong choice. However, businesses should evaluate their specific needs, transaction patterns, and growth plans to make the best decision for their unique situation.

Remember that with contactless payments being the preferred method in New Zealand (Smartpay), ensuring your chosen solution supports modern payment preferences is crucial for customer satisfaction and business success.

FAQ

What are the best card readers with no monthly fees in New Zealand?

The top card readers with no monthly fees in New Zealand include Square Reader (1.6% per transaction), Stripe Terminal (2.7% + NZ$0.30), and HitPay (0.65% + S$0.30 for higher value transactions). All offer transparent pay-per-transaction pricing without setup fees, monthly subscriptions, or hidden costs.

How much does the Square Terminal cost in New Zealand?

The Square Terminal costs $329.00 upfront with financing available at $28.00 per month. It charges 1.6% per card-present transaction and 2.2% for card-not-present payments. The terminal is an all-in-one solution compatible with Square Point of Sale, Square for Restaurants, and other Square software.

Why are contactless payments important for New Zealand businesses?

Contactless payments (payWave) are the preferred payment method in New Zealand, used as much as EFTPOS and twice as much as cash according to Smartpay. More New Zealand businesses are adopting contactless technology because it makes checkouts quicker and payments simpler for customers.

What's the difference between card-present and card-not-present transaction fees?

Card-present transactions (when customers physically tap or insert their card) typically have lower fees because they're considered lower risk. For example, Square charges 1.6% for card-present payments but 2.2% for card-not-present transactions like manually entered details, online payments, or invoices.

Does Stripe charge monthly fees for card readers in New Zealand?

No, Stripe offers a complete payments platform with no setup fees, monthly fees, or hidden fees. They use simple pay-as-you-go pricing at 2.7% + NZ$0.30 per domestic card transaction and 3.7% + NZ$0.30 for international cards.

How does HitPay's pricing compare to other providers?

HitPay offers competitive rates with no rental, subscription, or hidden fees. For PayNow transactions, they charge 0.65% + S$0.30 for transactions S$100 and above, and 0.9% for smaller transactions (minimum S$0.20). This can be significantly lower than traditional providers for higher-value transactions.

Citations

1. https://eftpos.co.nz/eftpos-terminals/mobile/t650p

2. https://shop.myzeller.com/zeller-terminal-white/

3. https://squareup.com/au/en/payments/our-fees

4. https://squareup.com/au/en/the-bottom-line/inside-square/accept-tap-and-go-with-the-square-contactless-and-chip-reader

5. https://squareup.com/shop/hardware/au/en/products/terminal-credit-card-machine-au

6. https://stripe.com/nz/pricing

7. https://www.smartpay.co.nz/blog/how-does-paywave-work/