Payment Terminal Singapore: Compare Card Terminals from MAS-Licensed Providers
A payment terminal lets your shop, restaurant or service business accept credit cards, debit cards, mobile wallets and local methods such as NETS and PayNow at the counter or on the go. 1pospay compares terminals and rates from MAS-licensed payment providers and matches you with the one that fits your business.
Which type of payment terminal does your business need?
Most Singapore businesses choose between four set-ups: a countertop terminal for a fixed till, a portable terminal for table-side or mobile payment, SoftPOS on a smartphone for low volumes, or a QR code for PayNow and SGQR payments. Many businesses combine a card terminal with QR acceptance.
| Terminal type | Best for | Connection | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Countertop terminal | Fixed checkout counters in retail shops, minimarts and clinics | Usually Ethernet, Wi-Fi or a cable to the POS system | Stays at the counter; customers come to the till |
| Portable / wireless terminal (including Android smart POS) | Restaurants with table payment, cafes, events and delivery | Wi-Fi and/or mobile data (SIM) | Battery powered; some models print receipts and run POS apps |
| SoftPOS (tap on phone) | Low-volume sellers, mobile services and pop-up stalls | A supported NFC smartphone with mobile data or Wi-Fi | No separate card machine; device and card-type support depends on the provider |
| QR code acceptance (SGQR / PayNow) | Hawkers, small stalls and as an add-on to card acceptance | A printed or on-screen QR code | Accepts QR payments only, not tapped or inserted cards |
How much does a payment terminal cost in Singapore?
The real cost of a card terminal is the transaction fees, not the device. Your total depends on the merchant discount rate (MDR), any fixed fee per transaction, how the terminal is paid for, and the contract terms. Compare full quotes at your expected monthly volume and average ticket size rather than the headline rate alone.
Merchant discount rate (MDR)
A percentage of each card transaction kept by the provider. It usually differs by payment method and by whether the card is local or international.
Fixed per-transaction fee
Some providers add a fixed amount per transaction on top of the MDR. This matters most for small-ticket sales.
Terminal cost
The device may be bought outright, rented monthly or bundled into the rate. Check who replaces it if it fails.
Setup and other fees
Ask about set-up, account, minimum-volume, chargeback and early-termination fees before you sign.
Settlement timing
How many business days until sales reach your bank account. Faster settlement helps cash flow.
Why use a MAS-licensed payment terminal provider?
In Singapore, supplying a payment terminal is usually part of a regulated payment service. Under the Payment Services Act, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) lists merchant acquisition, which is accepting and processing payment transactions for a merchant under a contract, as a payment service. MAS notes that it usually includes a point-of-sale terminal or online payment gateway. Providers need a MAS licence unless they are exempt.
Before you sign, look the provider up in the MAS Financial Institutions Directory. Source: MAS, Types of Payment Services. 1pospay only matches businesses with MAS-licensed payment providers.
How to choose a card terminal: 6-point checklist
- Which payment methods your customers actually use: Visa, Mastercard, Amex, UnionPay, JCB, NETS, PayNow, e-wallets
- Whether the provider is licensed by MAS (or exempt) for merchant acquisition. Check the MAS Financial Institutions Directory
- Total cost at your real monthly volume and average ticket size, not only the headline MDR
- Countertop, portable or SoftPOS, based on where customers pay
- Integration with your POS or ordering system, and whether receipts print
- Settlement time, contract length, and local support if the terminal goes down
How 1pospay matches you with a payment terminal
- 1
Tell us about your business
Your industry, payment methods, monthly card volume and how you sell (counter, table, delivery, online).
- 2
We compare providers
We compare terminals, MDR and fees from MAS-licensed payment providers and explain the trade-offs.
- 3
Apply and go live
We help with the application and documents, so you can start accepting payments.
See terminal set-ups for restaurants and F&B, retail stores, minimarts and other businesses. Selling online as well? See the Fiuu online payment gateway application.
Payment terminal FAQs
What is a payment terminal?
A payment terminal (also called a card terminal or credit card machine) is a device that accepts card and mobile payments at the point of sale. Customers tap, insert or swipe a card or phone, and the provider that supplies the terminal processes the payment and settles the money to the merchant's bank account.
How much does a credit card terminal cost in Singapore?
There is no single price. Your total cost is the MDR on each transaction, any fixed per-transaction fee, the terminal purchase or rental, and any set-up or contract fees. Rates differ by provider, payment method, business type and volume, so compare full quotes at your expected monthly volume. 1pospay can collect quotes from several providers for you.
Does a payment terminal provider need a MAS licence?
MAS lists merchant acquisition, which is accepting and processing payment transactions for a merchant under a contract, as a payment service under the Payment Services Act. MAS notes that this service usually includes a point-of-sale terminal or online payment gateway. Providers need a licence unless exempted, and you can check a provider's status in the MAS Financial Institutions Directory.
Can one terminal accept cards, NETS and PayNow?
Many terminals in Singapore can accept several payment methods, but support depends on the provider and the model. Some accept cards and contactless wallets only, while others also accept NETS or SGQR / PayNow QR. Confirm the exact list of accepted methods in writing before you sign.
What is the difference between a countertop and a portable terminal?
A countertop terminal stays at the checkout and usually connects by cable or Wi-Fi. A portable terminal runs on battery and Wi-Fi or mobile data, so staff can take payment at the table, at the door or at events. Restaurants and mobile businesses usually prefer portable models.
Is SoftPOS (tap on phone) a replacement for a card terminal?
SoftPOS lets a supported NFC smartphone accept contactless cards and wallets without a separate card machine. It suits low-volume or mobile sellers. It can't accept chip-and-PIN insertion or magstripe cards, and supported devices and card types vary by provider.
Get a payment terminal quote
Tell us how your business takes payments and we will compare terminals and rates from MAS-licensed providers for you.
