Technically, no: there’s no such thing as a completely free payment terminal. All payment terminals on the market charge a transaction fee ranging from 0.4% to 2.89%, depending on the plan. What’s “free” is usually the hardware—the cost is simply shifted elsewhere: to the transaction fee, a subscription fee, or a contractual commitment.
So the right question to ask isn't "Is it free?" but "Under what conditions is it free, and for how long?"
The 3 types of "free point-of-sale systems" you'll come across
The "free in exchange for a long-term commitment" model
The best-known example is Flatpay: the terminal is provided free of charge, but its use is subject to a 36-month contract and a minimum monthly transaction volume of €1,300. If this threshold is not met, a penalty of €50 (excluding tax) applies for the month in question. The transaction fee is a flat rate of 1.29% on all cards.
For a restaurant with stable business and an established customer base, this model can be competitive. For a seasonal establishment—one that opens an outdoor patio in the summer, is testing a new concept, or is going through a slower period—the 36-month commitment becomes a risk: it’s impossible to switch providers or cancel the service without continuing to pay.
The "free once a certain activity threshold is reached" model
Conversely, some services, such as Stancer, offer the terminal for free only if a certain activity threshold is met (150 transactions per month), with a lower commission (0.7%) but a €15/month subscription fee if the threshold is not reached. There is no minimum contract term here, but there is a monthly activity requirement.
The Easytransac model: free terminal, no commitment, transparent pricing
At Easytransac, the payment terminal is provided free of charge, with no equipment purchase required. The difference from the models mentioned above: there’s no long-term commitment. In exchange, there’s a maintenance and support subscription starting at €29 (excluding tax) per month, and a commission of 0.55% + €0.07 per transaction—one of the lowest rates on the market for this type of service.
In practical terms, a restaurant owner can terminate or modify their contract without incurring a penalty related to a minimum term, which is particularly well-suited to seasonal businesses (outdoor dining areas, festivals, newly opened establishments) or to establishments that simply want to keep their costs under control without having to plan for an exit strategy three years down the line.
Comparison of Free/Complimentary POS Systems for Restaurant Owners (2026)
How much does a "free" point-of-sale system actually cost a restaurant over the course of a month?
Let's take a restaurant that processes €8,000 per month in credit card payments, with an average check of €30—that's about 267 transactions.
- Easytransac : (€8,000 × 0.55%) + (267 × €0.07) + €29 subscription fee = €44 + €18.69 + €29 = ≈ €91.70/month
- Flatpay: €8,000 × 1.29% = ≈ €103.20/month, with no subscription fee, but a 36-month commitment required. Please note that Flatpay does not accept the Carte Bancaire (CB) network.
- SumUp (no subscription): €8,000 × 1.75% = ≈ €140/month, no commitment required. Note: SumUp does not accept the Carte Bancaire (CB) network.
At this volume, the difference between Easytransac and a higher-commission option could amount to several hundred euros per year—not to mention the financial risk of a 36-month commitment if the restaurant’s business were to change.
Meal Vouchers and Free TPE: A Point Not to Be Overlooked
Not all “free” microbusiness payment terminal offers handle digital meal vouchers in the same way: some require a separate contract with each issuer (Edenred, Pluxee, Swile, Up, Bimpli), while others are processed centrally through the CONECS network. This is something you should check before signing up, just as you would the commitment terms and minimum threshold—especially if meal vouchers account for a significant portion of your weekday revenue.
Our recommendation
Don't just look for the word "free"—check the total cost over the actual term of your contract, including penalties and thresholds. Three questions to ask yourself before signing:
- Can I cancel or switch to a different plan at no cost if my business changes?
- What happens if I don't meet the minimum volume in a given month?
- Is the commission rate shown the same all year round, or does it vary depending on the type of card?
At Easytransac, the answer to all three questions is simple: no commitment, a fixed commission of 0.55% + €0.07 per transaction (with a sliding scale if your monthly volume exceeds €50,000), and a maintenance and support subscription starting at €29 (excl. tax) per month—with no hidden fees.
FAQ
Are there any free point-of-sale systems available for restaurant owners?
No, not strictly speaking: the equipment may be provided free of charge, but a per-transaction fee still applies, and sometimes a subscription or a minimum contract term is required in return.
What are the pitfalls of free small business plans that require a commitment?
Themain pitfall is the contract term (often 36 months) combined with a minimum volume requirement: in the event of a decline in business or a temporary closure, monthly penalties may apply even if no payments are received.
Is the free Easytransac POS system really no-obligation?
Yes, the Easytransac plan has no minimum contract term: only a commission of 0.55% + €0.07 per transaction and a maintenance fee starting at €29 per month (excluding tax) apply. >> Get a quote
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