Understanding EPOS Costs in the UK: Full Breakdown of EPOS Pricing & Fees (2026 Guide)
Quick answer
EPOS systems in the UK typically cost £20-£150 per month for software, plus £500-£2,500 for hardware. Additional costs may include transaction fees, setup, support, and optional add-ons.
If you would like to read more information or learn more about the pricing of EPOS Systems, you can do so here.
Contents
Hardware Costs
Software Costs
Transaction Fees
Installation Costs
Maintenance/Support
Leasing/Buying
Addons/Upgrades
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Authored by: Ally Cox (Business Technology & B2B Services Specialist 10+ Years’ Experience)
Reviewed by: James Ward (Telecoms Specialist, 12+ Years Experience)
Last Updated: January 2026
Key Takeaways
EPOS costs include hardware, software, transaction fees and support
Most UK businesses pay £20-£150 per month for EPOS software
Hardware costs usually range from £500-£2,500
Card transaction fees average 1%-2.5% per sale
Leasing reduces upfront costs but increases long-term spend
Add-ons and integrations can raise monthly costs
. Hardware Costs
Usually, the largest initial expense when setting up an EPOS system is the hardware. The good news? The type and amount of hardware you need will depend on the size and nature of your business – so if you run a very small startup you may not have to invest much right away. With that being said, the core equipment generally includes:
Touchscreen terminals
These terminals range from £300 to £1,500 depending on the brand, size, and features.
Receipt printers
A good-quality receipt printer will set you back between £100 and £300.
Cash drawers
These are relatively inexpensive, ranging from £50 to £150.
Barcode scanners
Barcode scanners cost anywhere from £50 to £400, depending on whether you opt for a basic model or a more advanced option.
Card payment terminals
Payment terminals for processing card transactions usually cost between £30 and £150 if purchased outright.
Our advice:
For a small business in the UK, expect to spend between £500 and £2,500 on EPOS hardware depending on your specific needs.
2. Software Costs
The software component of an EPOS system is typically sold on a subscription basis, but will again depend on your business needs and the provider you choose to go with. If you do go with a subscription, it will give you to access updates and new features as they are released.
This is a general ballpark, but a good way to get a rough idea of what you’ll be looking at:
Basic software plans
Starting at £20 to £50 per month, these plans are suitable for small businesses with limited requirements, offering essential functions like transaction processing and basic reporting.
Advanced software plans
These plans, which can range from £50 to £150 per month, often include more robust features such as inventory management, customer loyalty programs, and integration with accounting software.
Our advice:
Some providers offer customised pricing depending on the number of locations and users, so we think it’s really important to choose the plan that best fits your business model.
3. Transaction Fees
In our experience, transaction fees are one of the most overlooked costs when investing in an EPOS system – these fees apply to card payments processed through the system and vary depending on the payment provider.
In the UK, most EPOS providers charge a percentage fee per transaction, usually between 1% and 2.5%, but some may also charge a small flat fee, such as 10p per transaction.
Our advice:
We think it’s critical to shop around and negotiate rates with payment providers to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your individual business needs.
4. Installation and Setup Costs
Some EPOS systems, especially more complex or tailored ones, may require professional installation, and setup fees typically range from £100 to £500 (depending on the provider and the complexity of the system!)
Our advice:
For businesses that need to train staff on how to use the system, some providers also offer training packages, and while these may add to your upfront costs, we think they can be a worthwhile investment if you have an intricate system, or large team.
5. Maintenance and Support
Many EPOS providers offer ongoing support and maintenance packages to ensure your system runs smoothly,which we think is particularly important for businesses that rely on their EPOS system for critical functions (e.g. sales reporting and inventory tracking).
Our advice:
Maintenance and support fees typically range from £10 to £50 per month depending on the level of service and premium support, which includes 24/7 assistance and on-site repair, is usually more again.
6. Leasing vs. Buying
If your business is just starting out or if the upfront cost of EPOS hardware is too high, leasing can be a more affordable option and one worth considering!
7. Add-Ons and Upgrades
As your business grows, you may need to upgrade your EPOS system or add new features.
Our advice:
Expect to pay £10 to £50 per month for most add-ons, depending on the provider and the functionality offered.
We also suggest making sure your chosen provider gives you these options before making any initial investments to avoid having to change providers before you’d like to.
8. EPOS Costs Summary
Cost Type
Typical UK Cost
Hardware
£500- £2,500
Software
Transaction fees
Setup & installation
£100- £500
Support & maintenance
Leasing (optional)
Add-ons & upgrades
Here is a Handy Youtube Video About EPOS Costs
EPOS Costs – Other useful links:
FAQs
1. How much does an EPOS system cost in the UK?
Most EPOS systems cost £20-£150 per month, plus optional hardware costs between £500 and £2,500.
2. Are EPOS transaction fees mandatory?
Yes. Card payments usually incur fees of 1%–2.5% per transaction, depending on the provider.
3. Is EPOS hardware a one-off cost?
If you buy outright, yes. If you lease, hardware costs are spread across monthly payments.
4. What hidden EPOS costs should I watch out for?
Common hidden costs include setup fees, extra user licences, integrations, software upgrades and premium support.
5. Is leasing an EPOS system cheaper than buying?
Leasing has lower upfront costs but usually costs more over time compared to buying outright.
6. Do EPOS systems require ongoing support fees?
Many providers charge £10-£50 per month for support, though basic support may be included.
7. Can EPOS costs increase as my business grows?
Yes. Additional locations, users, integrations and advanced reporting can all increase costs.
Related EPOS Guides
If you’re researching EPOS systems, the guides below cover costs, business types, providers, hardware and future trends in more detail.
EPOS costs & pricing
Understand how EPOS pricing works in the UK, including rental, software fees and hidden charges:
EPOS by business type
Different industries need very different EPOS features. These guides focus on sector-specific requirements:
EPOS hardware & technology
Learn how EPOS hardware, devices and system architecture affect performance and cost:
EPOS providers & software (full reviews)
Detailed, provider-specific reviews are covered separately to keep comparisons unbiased:
Integrations, data & advanced use
For businesses needing deeper integrations and reporting:
EPOS comparisons & future trends
Understand how EPOS systems are evolving and how to compare options fairly:
Compare EPOS systems
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Hi, I’m Ally Cox , a senior copywriter and blogger at CompareYourBusinessCosts.co.uk, the UK’s trusted platform for comparing business services.
With over a decade of experience in the B2B sector, I specialise in simplifying complex topics like leased lines, VoIP, business energy, HR and payroll solutions, accounting software, and EPOS systems .
Before joining CompareYourBusinessCosts, I worked across various industries, gaining hands-on experience in HR, copywriting, and business operations- from clocking-in systems to card machines and office technology .
My goal is simple: to help UK businesses make informed, confident decisions when choosing products and services that improve efficiency and save money.