When it comes to payment terminals, one question often comes up: is there such a thing as a commission-free terminal? A terminal that allows you to cash your card without paying anything back to anyone. Spoiler: it's a bit more complicated than that. But don't panic, we'll break it all down here.
1. What exactly are the "costs" of a VSE?
When we talk about "commission", we often think of the percentage charged on each transaction (between 0.3% and 1.8%).
But in reality, terminal fees can come from several sources:
- Terminalpurchase or rental
- Commissions on payments (card, mobile, contactless, etc.)
- Monthly subscriptions, sometimes compulsory
- Maintenance, after-sales service or hidden commitments
So when we say "commission-free VSE", we really need to look at the details. Because often, if one fee is zero, another compensates for it.
2. Is it really possible to cash in without commission?
Technically? No.
Why? Because every transaction goes through a banking network, and there ' s always a share paid to these intermediaries: Visa, Mastercard, the acquiring bank... In short, even if it's not visible to you, someone's bound to pay something.
So how can some offers advertise "0% commission"?
👉 Either the commission is included elsewhere (for example in a higher monthly subscription)
👉 Or the offer is only valid during a test period, or above a certain volume
👉 Or it's just vague marketing that forgets to specify the conditions.
3. The real question: which model is best for you?
Rather than looking for a "free" solution, it's better to ask yourself the right questions:
- Would I prefer a cheaper VSE with high commissions?
- Or pay for a more comprehensive package, with a reduced commission?
- Do I have an occasional or regular activity?
- Am I looking for flexibility or volume performance?
A concrete example:
Option 1: Low-cost VSEs
- Rental: €49/month
- Commission: 1.75
- Volume collected: €5,000/month
- 👉 Monthly fee = €49 + €87.50 commission = €136.50/month
Option 2: TPE "pro
- Rental: €150/month
- Commission: 0.55
- Volume collected: €5,000/month
- 👉 Monthly fee = €150 + €27.50 commission = €177.50/month
And if you cash in more? (Example at €10,000)
- Low-cost = €49 + €175 = €224/month
- Pro = €150 + €55 = €205/month
🔍 Conclusion :
- Below €5,000/month, the "low-cost" model remains interesting if you're looking to limit fixed costs.
- From €8,000-10,000, the "pro" model becomes more cost-effective and more stable, especially if you want a more complete, faster and more robust solution in the field.
💡 It's not just a question of price, it's also a question of tools, support and long-term vision.
The idea is to strike a balance between :
- Commission deducted on each collection
- Cost of equipment (purchase or rental)
- Flexibility of use (commitment, multi-users, autonomy...)
4. What we offer at Easytransac
At Easytransacwe prefer to be clear:
- You choose whether to buy or rent, depending on your business
- You benefit from adjustable commissions (the more you earn, the better) >>. SEE RATES
- No surprise charges or hidden commitments
- And a host of additional options are included: mobile payment(SoftPOS), payment link, QR code, etc.
In short, you choose the model that's right for you, with complete transparency.
5. To remember
No, a 100% free VSE doesn 't really exist. But you can clearly :
- Find the right offer for your business
- Reduce costs by optimizing your model
- And avoid unpleasant surprises by reading the fine print
The key is to compare what you pay VS what you earn. And if you want to discuss it with someone who's not selling you a marketed dream, but a tool that works, that's what we're here for. Don't hesitate to contact our teams for more information about your project.
