Overview
The payments landscape is changing at an extraordinary pace, and the rise of SoftPOS is at the forefront of this shift. According to the latest market research from Juniper Research, the global transaction value of SoftPOS terminals is projected to skyrocket by 2,150% between 2025 and 2030, reaching a staggering $540 billion by the end of the decade (Juniper Research, 2025).
This growth represents more than just impressive stats, it reflects a global movement toward more accessible, flexible, and cost-effective payment solutions. For fintech innovators like Nexxtap, this confirms what we already know: the future of payments doesn’t require clunky legacy terminals or dongles. It’s already in your hand.
What Is SoftPOS, and Why Does It Matter?
SoftPOS (Software Point of Sale) allows any NFC-enabled smartphone or tablet to securely accept contactless payments, without the need for additional hardware. That means tap-to-pay cards, digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and even wearables can all be accepted on a device most business owners already use daily: their phone.
For small businesses, this removes barriers. No more upfront costs for hardware. No more waiting for terminals to arrive. Just download, sign up, and start accepting payments. Nexxtap was built to enable exactly this kind of flexibility, putting enterprise-grade payments into the hands of everyday Aussie businesses.
The $540 Billion Opportunity
Let’s put that growth into perspective. While the total mobile POS (mPOS) terminal market is forecast to hit $4.9 trillion in transactions by 2030, SoftPOS will account for $540 billion of that—up from just $23.9 billion in 2025 (Juniper Research, 2025). That’s a tidal wave of growth, and it’s coming fast.
What’s fuelling this shift? A few key trends:
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Global smartphone and digital wallet adoption
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Support from tech giants like Apple enabling SoftPOS on their platforms
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The drive to eliminate cash, particularly among micro and small businesses
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Cost savings and ease of access compared to traditional payment hardware
Small Business, Big Impact
According to Juniper Research, SoftPOS is more than just a payments tool, it’s a business enabler. When bundled with software for inventory, sales insights, and loyalty programs, it becomes a complete point-of-sale solution that helps small businesses scale efficiently.
At Nexxtap, we’re already building on this opportunity. Our platform not only processes payments but also supports the tools small businesses need to stay competitive, without locking them into expensive systems or hardware upgrades.
As research author Daniel Bedford put it, “Bundled POS software reduces financial barriers; making advanced technology more accessible and helping businesses scale efficiently” (Juniper Research, 2025). That’s exactly the kind of accessibility Nexxtap aims to deliver; making taking payments easier for Australian businesses.
Australia’s Role in the SoftPOS Boom
Australia is well positioned to be a SoftPOS success story. With high smartphone penetration, a strong tap-to-pay culture, and a growing number of small business owners seeking flexible, low-cost solutions, the local market is primed for adoption.
Whether it’s tradies, food truck operators, market stallholders, or mobile professionals, Australian businesses are ready to ditch the dongle. With the backing of this new global research, there’s never been a better time to Nexxtap it.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just another fintech trend. It’s a genuine shift in how the world transacts, with 2,150% growth predicted over five years, SoftPOS represents one of the most exciting opportunities in the payments space today. For businesses, the message is clear, there is a shift in technology and time to consider if SoftPOS is right for your business.
References:
Juniper Research. (2025). Soft POS Transactions to Accelerate by 2,150% in Value by 2030; Redefining On-the-go Transactions for Small Businesses [Press release]. Retrieved from https://www.juniperresearch.com/press/soft-pos-transactions-to-accelerate-by-2150/
Juniper Research. (2025). Global mPOS Terminals & Soft POS Market 2025–2030 [Market Research Report]. Retrieved from https://www.juniperresearch.com/research/fintech-payments/core-payments/mpos-terminals-soft-pos-research-report/