Summary
SoftPOS (Software Point of Sale) and mPOS (Mobile Point of Sale) are transforming how Australian businesses accept payments by removing bulky hardware, lowering costs and delivering unmatched mobility. In a nation where 94 per cent of in-store card transactions are now contactless, and mobile wallets account for 44 per cent of device-present payments, these software-driven solutions are perfectly timed to meet consumer demand, geographic challenges and SME budgets (Reserve Bank of Australia Reserve Bank of Australia).
Understanding SoftPOS and mPOS
SoftPOS turns any NFC-enabled smartphone or tablet into a fully certified payment terminal—no dongle or dedicated device required (Nexxtap - Merchant Payments App).
mPOS pairs a smart device with a lightweight card reader to process contactless, chip & PIN and even magstripe payments on the move (PYMNTS.com).
Australia’s Digital Payments Landscape
Australia’s shift away from cash accelerated during the pandemic: cash’s share of transactions fell from 70 per cent in 2007 to just 13 per cent by number in 2022 (Retail Banker International). Today, 94 per cent of in-person card payments are contactless, with 54 per cent via contactless cards and 44 per cent via mobile wallets (Reserve Bank of Australia). The total card payments market is projected to hit AUD 1.1 trillion in 2025, growing at 6.3 per cent year-on-year (Forbes).
Australia’s vast geography from CBD cafés to remote cattle stations relies heavily on mobile coverage rather than fixed EFTPOS, making portable payment solutions essential for national reach (news).
Why SoftPOS Matters
1. Zero Hardware Costs
SoftPOS eliminates the need to purchase or rent dedicated terminals, reducing upfront investment and ongoing maintenance (Nexxtap - Merchant Payments App).
2. Instant Setup
Merchants can install a SoftPOS app, complete registration and start taking payments in minutes (depending on app), ideal for pop-up markets or tradies on site (novatti.com).
3. Robust Security
Modern smartphones include secure elements, biometric locks and end-to-end encryption, meeting or exceeding PCI DSS standards (Australian FinTech).
4. Scalability & Sustainability
Adding new users is as simple as downloading an app, allowing franchises and large teams to scale rapidly with minimal e-waste (insights.flagshipadvisorypartners.com).
mPOS Making a Splash
Queue-Busting Service
Equipped with tablets or phones and readers, staff can roam café tables or shop floors, speeding up transactions and improving customer satisfaction (PYMNTS.com).
Affordable Growth
Operators can start with a single reader and scale as the business grows, no large capital outlay necessary.
SoftPOS vs mPOS: Quick Comparison
| Feature |
SoftPOS |
mPOS |
| Hardware |
Android & IOS with NFC Capabilities |
Device + lightweight reader |
| Setup |
Minutes* (app & registration) |
Minutes* (pair reader & app) |
| Cost |
Transaction fees only |
Reader purchase or rental |
| Mobility |
Anywhere with internet connection |
Very mobile—reader must be carried |
| Payment Types |
Contactless cards, digital wallets |
Contactless, chip & PIN, magstripe |
| Security |
Device encryption, software encryption & biometrics |
Reader encryption & device PIN |
* Each SoftPOS app has a different onboarding process and timeline. While some providers may offer faster sign-ups, a quicker process isn’t always better, it can increase the risk of withheld funds due to less thorough risk management. At Nexxtap, our comprehensive onboarding process is designed to minimise these disruptions, giving your business greater security and peace of mind.
How is SoftPOS and mPOS Shaping Payments in Australia?
SoftPOS and mPOS are reshaping the payments landscape in Australia by offering businesses faster, more flexible, and more affordable ways to accept card and mobile wallet payments. As Australians embrace a near-cashless society, with contactless transactions making up the overwhelming majority of in-person payments, these technologies provide a smart alternative to traditional point-of-sale systems. SoftPOS allows merchants to accept payments directly on an NFC-enabled smartphone or tablet without the need for additional hardware, making it perfect for mobile businesses, pop-up stores, and tradies on the move. Meanwhile, mPOS solutions give retailers the freedom to serve customers anywhere on the shop floor, improving service speed and reducing queues. Together, SoftPOS and mPOS are driving innovation in Australia’s payment ecosystem, empowering businesses of all sizes to meet modern consumer expectations for fast, secure, and convenient transactions, from bustling city cafés to regional market stalls.
Future Outlook
Juniper Research forecasts over 34.5 million merchants worldwide will adopt SoftPOS by 2027, up from 6 million in 2022; driven by hardware-cost savings and flexibility (Forbes). In Australia, SoftPOS and mPOS are poised to capture the explosive growth in mobile wallet usage and contactless adoption, helping businesses of all sizes stay competitive.
Conclusion
With Australians overwhelmingly preferring tap-and-go payments, and with mobile networks covering everything from urban centres to remote farms, SoftPOS and mPOS offer cost-effective, secure and highly flexible payment solutions. For any Australian merchant from pop-up cafés to national retailers these technologies represent the next wave of digital payments.