This blog post examines 5 of the top POS systems without changing credit card processing available for merchants in 2024. It focuses on solutions that offer flexibility in payment processor integration. We’ll provide a concise overview of each platform, highlighting its key features, target markets, and strengths to help business owners make informed decisions.
Whether you’re a high-risk retailer, a hospitality business, or a restaurant looking for a POS system that doesn’t lock you into a specific payment processor, this review showcases versatile POS solutions tailored to various industry needs.
While many POS systems tie you to their preferred payment processors, these five options – KORONA POS, Bepoz, POS Nation, Lightspeed, and Lavu POS – offer the freedom to choose a new or keep your existing credit card processor. From supporting high-risk businesses to providing strong analytics and catering to size-matrix inventory, these systems deliver functionality without compromising on payment processing flexibility.
Read on for a brief analysis of these processor-agnostic POS solutions to determine which one might best serve your specific requirements.
Key Takeaways: POS System Without Credit Card Processing
- KORONA POS: Best POS system without credit card processing for high-risk retailers
- Bepoz: Best POS system without credit card processing for the hospitality industry
- POS Nation: Best POS system without credit card processing with strong analytics features
- Lightspeed: Best POS system without credit card processing for businesses that need size matrices
- Lavu POS: Best POS system without credit card processing for restaurants
1. KORONA POS: Best POS System Without Credit Card Processing For High-Risk Retailers
KORONA POS overview
KORONA POS is a versatile and scalable cloud-based point of sale system that caters to various industries, including retail, hospitality, and ticketing. One of its main features is its flexibility in integrating with existing credit card processors, making it an attractive option for businesses that do not want to change their credit card processing provider.
Pros
- Unlimited free trial
- Processing-agnostic
- Excellent customer support
- Robust inventory tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Not ideal for complex menus
- No warehouse management
Korona POS Pricing
Core
$59/mo
- Various reporting
- Product data base
- Promotions and gift cards
Retail
$69/mo
- Barcode automation
- Supplier interface integration
- Real-time tracking
Adds-on
From $10 to $50
- KORONA Plus
- KORONA Integration
- KORONA Invoicing
KORONA POS was developed by COMBASE USA, located in Las Vegas, Nevada. The system is designed to serve multiple verticals, including POS solutions for retail stores, cafes, bakeries, wineries, and amusement parks.
The solution allows merchants to choose any credit card processor and find the best available rates. There are no surcharges or fees based on what merchant service provider is chosen.
Key Features
- Processing-agnostic integration: KORONA POS is designed to be processing-agnostic, meaning it can integrate seamlessly with a wide variety of payment processing solutions. This flexibility allows businesses to choose and switch between different merchant service providers without needing to change their POS system. The seamless integration ensures a smooth and efficient payment process for both businesses and their customers. The system’s compatibility with various providers means you won’t face disruptions when switching or upgrading your POS merchant services.
- Cost savings through rate flexibility: By not locking businesses into a specific merchant service provider, KORONA POS enables companies to shop around for the most competitive rates. KORONA POS can help you find the cheapest credit card processing. Businesses can negotiate better rates and terms with different payment processors, optimizing their payment processing costs.
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- Support for high-risk retail businesses: KORONA POS stands out by catering to high-risk retail businesses such as vape shops, smoke shops, and CBD payment processing. These types of businesses often face challenges in finding suitable payment processing solutions. KORONA POS works with several high-risk processors, including Square, Paybotic, and Clearent by Xplor, making it a viable option for businesses that might otherwise struggle to find a compatible POS system.
- Adaptability to business growth and changes: As businesses evolve, their payment processing needs may change. KORONA POS’s processing-agnostic approach allows for easy adaptation to these changing requirements. Whether a business expands, enters new markets, or needs to switch processors for any reason, it can do so without disrupting its POS operations.
KORONA POS Pricing
KORONA POS offers a straightforward and transparent pricing structure. Here is a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with their services:
Hardware
KORONA POS is compatible with most POS hardware. Retailers can use their existing hardware or choose from the options provided by KORONA POS.
Credit card processing
With KORONA POS, there are no credit card transaction fees. Retailers can choose any credit card processor that suits their needs.
No extra fees
KORONA POS does not have long-term contracts, surcharges, signup fees, cancellation fees, or hidden fees. All costs are included in the monthly subscriptions, which also cover 24/7 in-house customer support.
Subscription tiers
KORONA POS offers three main monthly subscription plans: Core, Retail, and Add-Ons. Retailers who pay for yearly subscriptions upfront receive a discount equivalent to one free month.
Core Plan: $59 per month
- Includes all essentials for operating a retail store.
- Provides reporting and analytics tools for sales data insights.
- Offers unlimited POS login profiles and a customizable dashboard.
- Features a native gift card program and eCommerce POS integration.
Retail Plan: $69 per month
- Features an advanced customer relationship management platform.
- Provides a supplier integration interface for seamless inventory and supplier communication.
- Includes smart barcode generation, auto reordering, and real-time tracking for enhanced stock management.
Add-Ons: $10 to $50 per month
- KORONA Plus ($20/month per terminal): Advanced POS reporting features such as order-level optimization, custom ABC analysis, and assortment cleanup for deeper sales data insights.
- KORONA Integration ($45/month per token): Ensures functional compatibility with platform or application integration, assisted by the support team.
- KORONA Invoicing ($10/month per terminal): This allows the consolidation of multiple transactions into a single invoice and sends preliminary cost estimates to customers.
- KORONA Franchise ($30/month per franchise): Centralizes inventory management and configures royalties to fit the franchise’s structure.
Pros
- Comprehensive reporting: This tool offers in-depth analytics, including sales data, retail inventory management, staff performance, and consumer trends, enabling informed business decisions.
- Flexible payment processing: Uniquely processing-agnostic, allowing integration with major payment processors. This gives retailers the freedom to select their preferred provider and negotiate favorable rates.
- Exceptional customer care: It provides 24/7 support via multiple channels (phone, email, chat), minimizing operational interruptions. It also offers remote training for new users and those transitioning from other systems.
- Advanced loyalty program tools: Supports customer retention through integrated marketing features. Manages loyalty schemes, monitors purchase history, and allows for targeted promotions and discounts.
- Adaptable to business growth: Suitable for various business sizes, from single-store setups to multi-location enterprises. Easily expandable to accommodate additional terminals and locations.
Cons
- Complex interface: KORONA POS offers a comprehensive suite of features tailored for various retail environments. While this versatility is beneficial, it can make the system challenging to navigate for newcomers, especially those accustomed to simpler setups or traditional methods.
- Extended onboarding period: The extensive functionality of KORONA POS necessitates a longer learning phase. Businesses may need to allocate substantial time for staff training, which can be problematic during peak seasons or in high-turnover environments.
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2. Bepoz: Best POS System Without Credit Card Processing For Hospitalities
Bepoz overview
Bepoz offers a versatile and powerful POS system with features like advanced reporting, inventory management, and loyalty programs. It is suitable for businesses looking for POS-agnostic solutions. Its modular design allows businesses to choose the features they need and integrate their existing payment processors.
Pros
- Processing-agnostic
- Simple stock control
- Data backup
Cons
- No free trial
- Simple stock control
- Data backup
Bepoz Pricing
$69 per month
Bepoz is based in Northlake, South Carolina. The company serves various industries, including retail, hospitality, and entertainment venues. Bepoz’s comprehensive solutions are designed to improve business operations, streamline processes, and enhance customer engagement, making it a popular choice for diverse business needs.
Key Features
- Flexibility with credit card processors: Bepoz POS stands out because it allows businesses to use any credit card processor they choose. Unlike many other POS systems that require switching to their proprietary or partnered processor, Bepoz can integrate with almost any credit card processing company, covering about 95% of the market.
- Avoidance of high processing fees: Many POS systems offer low initial costs but come with the catch of high credit card processing fees through their designated processors. Bepoz eliminates this issue by letting businesses keep their current processors, which often results in lower and more predictable transaction fees. There are also simple tips to lower merchant fees for credit card processing. Your POS provider should be able to help in this regard.
- Comprehensive feature set: Bepoz POS systems are designed to be feature-rich, unlike some low-cost POS systems that offer limited functionality. By not tying the POS system to a specific processor, Bepoz ensures that businesses have access to all the tools they need to grow and manage their operations effectively. This includes robust reporting, inventory management, customer relationship management, and other advanced POS features that support business growth and efficiency.
- Customer-centric approach: Bepoz emphasizes smoother and less costly business operations for its clients. It prioritizes customers’ needs by offering a POS system that integrates seamlessly with existing credit card processors, thereby reducing operational disruptions and additional costs. This customer-focused philosophy ensures that businesses receive a solution tailored to their unique needs without being forced into expensive and restrictive processing agreements.
- Transparent and fair pricing: With Bepoz, businesses are not enticed by an initially low-cost POS system, only to be burdened with exorbitant credit card processing rates later. Instead, Bepoz offers transparent and fair pricing, allowing businesses to make informed decisions about their POS and payment processing setup.
Learn more about how credit card processing works and save your business money in this free eGuide.
Bepoz Pricing
Bepoz POS offers a flexible and cost-effective point of sale system with a variety of pricing options. The pricing plan for Bepoz POS starts at $69 per month.
This plan includes essential features and support, but additional costs may arise depending on specific needs such as software customization, data migration, POS training, hardware, maintenance, and upgrades. In the end, this may drive up costs significantly.
Pros
- Scalability and customization: Bepoz caters to businesses of various sizes. It offers multiple tiers with features that can grow with your needs. Additionally, Bepoz allows for customization to fit your specific workflow, accommodating different business models like retail, restaurants, and admissions.
- Offline functionality (with limitations): Unlike some purely cloud-based systems, Bepoz allows you to continue basic transactions even if your internet connection drops. This can be a lifesaver for maintaining some level of sales during temporary outages. However, full functionality is restored only when the internet connection resumes.
Cons
- Customer support inconsistency: Reviews regarding Bepoz’s customer support are mixed. While some users praise their responsiveness, others report inconsistent experiences and difficulty reaching technical support. This inconsistency in service can be frustrating for businesses needing timely assistance.
- Potentially higher cost: Bepoz’s pricing starts at $69 per month, which is fairly average. However, considering the feature set and potential need for additional support, especially for complex setups, the overall cost might be higher compared to simpler POS systems with more straightforward pricing structures.
3. POS Nation: Best POS System Without Credit Card Processing With Strong Analytics Features
POS nation overview
POS Nation provides a flexible POS system that can work with various credit card processors, ideal for businesses wanting to keep their current processing arrangements.
The system offers robust inventory management, employee tracking, and customizable reporting features. Its user-friendly interface and adaptability make it a strong contender for businesses seeking a POS system without changing credit card processing.
Pros
- Good customer support
- Age verification
- Great reporting features
Cons
- Not RACS-compliant
- Not too many software integrations
POS Nation Pricing
Flex Monthly
$149/mo
- Lifetime warranty
- 24/7 supports
Freedom Plan
$999/mo
- Year hardware warranty
- Requires POS nation processing agreement – includes free PIN pad
- No long-term contracts
Custom Builds
Custom-built POS
- Multiple payment options in the custom-build POS
- New customers get a one-time discount code
- Requires processing agreement
POS Nation is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. It primarily focuses on the retail and restaurant industries but also offers solutions for other sectors, such as grocery stores and convenience stores. The company is known for its comprehensive support and training services. If you want to learn more about this software, check out our POS Nation review.
Key Features
- Strategic partnerships with leading payment processors: POS Nation has developed strategic partnerships with many leading payment processors, including Mercury Payment Systems, Swipely, Worldpay, Heartland, and Sterling Payment Technologies. These partnerships allow POS Nation to offer a variety of payment processing options, ensuring that businesses can find the best fit for their specific needs. The experience and reliability of these partners contribute to the overall quality and security of the POS Nation system.
- Security and PCI compliance: Security is a top priority for POS Nation. Their payment processing partners, including Mercury Payment Systems, Swipely, Worldpay, Heartland, and Sterling Payment Technologies, offer top-of-the-line card data security to mitigate the risk of data breaches. POS Nation ensures that every POS system is PCI compliant and equipped with the latest security measures, providing peace of mind to businesses and their customers.
- Dual pricing option POS Nation offers a dual pricing option, allowing businesses to pass the cost of accepting credit cards onto their customers. This feature, previously known as cash discounting, can significantly reduce the merchant’s expenses related to credit card processing, thereby increasing their profitability.
- No long-term processing contracts POS Nation does not require customers to sign long-term contracts for payment processing. This flexibility allows businesses to switch processors if they find a better rate or service without being tied down by lengthy agreements.
- Processing-agnostic integration POS Nation stands out by offering processing-agnostic integration, meaning it can seamlessly integrate with any payment processing solution.
POS Nation Pricing
POS Nation’s pricing structure is straightforward. They offer multiple software subscription levels and several all-in-one hardware packages for those seeking a comprehensive POS setup.
- Starter: This plan costs $69 per month and is designed for small retail stores. It includes basic features like sales and inventory management, reporting, and mobile access.
- Growth: This plan is priced at $99 per month and is suitable for growing businesses. It includes everything in the Starter plan, plus employee management tools, customer loyalty features, and more advanced inventory management functionalities.
- Premium: This top-tier plan costs $149 per month and caters to complex multi-location businesses. It offers all the features of the Growth plan, along with additional functionalities like multi-site transfers and advanced customer marketing tools.
Retailers can opt to retain their existing processor, select a third-party processor, or utilize POS Nation’s integrated processing. The effective rates for businesses using their in-house processing range from 2% to 2.5%.
Pros
- Scalable and feature-rich: POS Nation boasts a comprehensive suite of features that can cater to various business needs. From inventory management with functionalities like mix and match and case breaking to customer loyalty programs and reporting tools, it offers a lot under one hood.
- Comprehensive support and training: POS Nation provides extensive support and training to ensure that businesses can fully utilize their POS system. This includes 24/7 customer support, setup assistance, and ongoing training resources.
- Customization and flexibility: POS Nation offers a high degree of customization to cater to various business needs. This flexibility is crucial for businesses with unique requirements, such as specialized inventory tracking or specific reporting formats. POS Nation caters to the following verticals: restaurants and food services, Retail Stores, Specialty Retail, and Service-Based Businesses.
Cons
- Steeper learning curve: The abundance of features in POS Nation can translate to a steeper learning curve for users, especially those unfamiliar with complex POS systems. This might require additional training time for your staff to become comfortable using all the functionalities effectively.
- Limited free trial options: Unlike some competitors that offer free trials, POS Nation doesn’t have this option. This can be a drawback for businesses that want to test the software before committing to a paid plan.
- Inconsistent customer service reports: While POS Nation advertises excellent customer POS support, user reviews paint a mixed picture. Some users praise the helpfulness and professionalism of the support team, while others report frustration with long wait times, difficulty scheduling appointments, and encountering representatives unfamiliar with the system itself.
4. Lightspeed: Best POS System Without Credit Card Processing For Size-Matrix Businesses
Lightspeed overview
Lightspeed is a highly regarded POS system known for its advanced features like inventory management, multi-location capabilities, and detailed analytics.
For businesses looking for a POS system without changing credit card processing, Lightspeed offers the flexibility to integrate with various payment processors. Though Lightspeed does charge a premium monthly fee for merchants who do not use their native processing solution.
Pros
- Great reporting features
- Easy user-friendly interface
- Specific inventory features for clothing stores
Cons
- Poor customer support
- Not much flexibility in payment processing
Lightspeed Pricing
Lightspeed Retail
$109–289/mo
- Inventory management
- Onboarding and professional service options
- Accounting, eCommerce
Lightspeed Restaurantt
$69/mo to custom pricing
- Customizable POS
- Menu management
- Floor plans
Lightspeed Hardware
Custom
- iPads
- Mac desktops
- Windows devices
Lightspeed Payment Processing
2.6% plus $0.10 for in-house processing
- Lightspeed Payments
- Third-party payment processors
Lightspeed is based in Montreal, Canada, and has offices worldwide. The company serves various industries, including retail, restaurants, golf courses, and eCommerce. It is known for its innovative approach to POS solutions and its focus on empowering independent businesses. If you want to learn more about this software, check out our Lightspeed POS review.
Key Features
- Maintain your processor: Lightspeed offers seamless integration with a variety of payment processors. It also allows you to use other payment processors but charges a fee for doing so. You will pay more than if you use the payment processor offered by Lightspeed. It supports major POS payments like credit cards, debit cards, mobile payments (like Apple Pay and Google Pay), and even contactless payments, ensuring customers have multiple options for convenience and security.
- Omnichannel capabilities: Lightspeed’s omnichannel capabilities enable businesses to unify their in-store and eCommerce POS payment systems. This means customers can enjoy a consistent and streamlined payment experience whether they are shopping in person or online. The system synchronizes inventory, sales, and customer data across all channels, providing businesses with a comprehensive view of their operations and simplifying the management of payments across different sales platforms.
- Advanced reporting and analytics: Lightspeed provides robust reporting and analytics tools that help businesses track and analyze their payment transactions. Detailed reports can be generated to monitor sales trends, payment methods used, and transaction volumes.
- Secure and compliant transactions: Security is a top priority for Lightspeed. The system ensures that all transactions are PCI-DSS compliant, meaning they adhere to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. This compliance protects both the business and its customers from potential data breaches and fraud. Additionally, Lightspeed employs advanced encryption and tokenization technologies to safeguard sensitive payment information.
- Flexible payment options: Lightspeed’s flexibility extends to offering various payment options that can enhance customer satisfaction and streamline operations. Businesses can accept split payments and partial payments and set up recurring billing for subscription services. This flexibility caters to diverse customer needs and can help improve cash flow by accommodating different payment preferences and scenarios.
Lightspeed Pricing
Lightspeed Retail offers a tiered pricing structure with two main components: monthly subscription fees and optional transaction processing fees. Here’s a breakdown of both:
Lightspeed Retail Pricing Structure
Monthly Subscription Fees: Lightspeed Retail provides three plans with varying functionalities:
- Lean ($109/month): The most basic plan, ideal for small businesses with minimal needs. It includes features like basic inventory management, POS functionality, and customer management.
- Standard ($179/month): Suitable for growing businesses, this plan includes everything in the Lean plan plus features like employee management, advanced reporting, and loyalty programs.
- Advanced ($289/month): This top-tier plan is designed for businesses with complex needs. It offers everything in the Standard plan, along with gift card management, age verification, and advanced inventory controls.
Lightspeed Restaurant Pricing Structure
- Starter: $109/month ($89/month if billed annually. It provides basic POS functionality, menu management, floor plan management, order management, and sales reporting.
- Standard: $179/month or $149 if billed annually. This plan includes everything in the Starter plan plus advanced reporting, integrated online ordering, and a customer loyalty program.
- Premium: $289/month ($239/month if billed annually). This plan includes everything in the Standard plan plus advanced analytics, API access, custom workflows, and 24/7 support.
- Enterprise (custom pricing): You get fully customized, personalized software and hardware and unlimited, hands-on support.
Lightspeed payment processing fees
Lightspeed offers a payment processing service called Lightspeed Payments. The pricing structure is straightforward:
- In-person transactions using a card reader: 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction
- Manually entered cards and online payments: 2.6% + $0.30 per transaction
These rates apply to most plans, with the exception of Restaurant Premium and Enterprise plans, which have customized pricing.
Merchants can expect funds to be deposited into their accounts within two business days after the initial transaction.
For those seeking more flexibility, Lightspeed allows integration with payment gateway partners such as Cayan, Worldpay, and Vantiv Express. However, choosing a third-party processor incurs an additional fee.
Pros
- Robust inventory control: Users frequently praise Lightspeed POS for its powerful inventory management features. These tools enable retailers to monitor stock levels, set up automatic reordering, and extract valuable sales insights, helping prevent stockouts and optimize inventory.
- Adaptable and expandable: With a range of plans and features, Lightspeed POS caters to businesses of various sizes and budgets. The system supports numerous compatible hardware options, allowing for customized store layouts. This versatility makes it suitable for both small startups and large chains.
- Flexibility and scalability Lightspeed POS provides a variety of plans and features to fit different business needs and budgets. It also offers a wide range of compatible hardware options, allowing you to customize your setup to match your store’s layout. This makes it suitable for businesses of all sizes, from startups to established chains.
Cons
- Additional fees for external payment processing: Although Lightspeed allows third-party payment processors, they impose an unspecified fee for this service. The charge appears to vary by business. Potential users planning to retain their current processor or use an external solution should request a quote and written agreement before committing. In case, you’re not comfortable with using Lightspeed, you can check out our Lightspeed alternatives guide, to explore more options that could fit your business needs.
5. Lavu POS: Best POS System Without Credit Card Processing For Restaurant
Lavu overview
Lavu POS key features include table management, menu customization, inventory tracking, and detailed reporting. The system’s intuitive and efficient interface is designed to streamline restaurant operations and enhance customer service.
Pros
- Robust Inventory management
- Customizable and user-friendly interface
- Affordable options
Cons
- No trial period
- Full feature package is expensive
Pricing
Starter
$99/mo
- Loyalty
- Employee management
- Inventory Management
Growth
$149/mo
- Gift Cards
- Online Ordering
- DoorDash
Optimize
$279/mo
- Kitchen display system
- Accounts payable automation
- Quickbooks integration
Lavu Inc. is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The company primarily serves the restaurant industry, including bars, cafes, food trucks, and quick-service restaurants. Lavu POS focuses on delivering a specialized and comprehensive solution that addresses the unique needs of the food and beverage industry, helping businesses optimize their operations and improve customer satisfaction.
Key Features
- Cash discount function: Lavu POS includes a cash discount function for users enrolled in Lavu Pay. This feature builds the cost of payment processing fees into menu prices, offering a discount to customers who pay with cash. This tool is particularly useful for restaurants transitioning from a cash-only model.
- Flexible payment options: Lavu POS allows restaurants to use its built-in payment processing service, Lavu Pay, or third-party processors such as Square, Heartland, or PayPal. This flexibility ensures that restaurants can continue using their existing processors without disruption. In case you want to learn everything about Square POS, check out our Square POS Reviews.
- Gift card management: Lavu POS supports the sale of open-priced or set-amount gift cards. While adding gift cards via Lavu Pay requires an additional monthly fee, the system also accepts gift cards hosted by integrated processors like Heartland, providing versatility.
- Gift card management: Lavu POS supports the sale of open-priced or set-amount gift cards. While adding gift cards via Lavu Pay requires an additional monthly fee, the system also accepts gift cards hosted by integrated processors like Heartland, providing versatility.
- Online payment support: Lavu POS supports online payments for orders placed via the MenuDrive module.
Lavu POS Pricing
Lavu POS offers three subscription plans with varying features and pricing, which can be further adjusted based on whether you opt for their Lavu Pay Cash Discount Program. Here’s the detailed pricing structure:
Pricing Plans:
- Starter Plan:
- With Lavu Pay Cash Discount Program: $59 per month
- With Lavu Pay Traditional Processing: $69 per month
- Features include inventory management, 24/7 customer support, team management, and loyalty programs.
- Growth Plan:
- With Lavu Pay Cash Discount Program: $129 per month
- With Lavu Pay Traditional Processing: $139 per month
- Includes all Starter Plan features plus MenuDrive Online Ordering, QR code ordering, and enhanced management tools.
- Optimize Plan:
- With Lavu Pay Cash Discount Program: $279 per month
- With Lavu Pay Traditional Processing: $289 per month
- Contains all Growth Plan features plus accounting tools and more comprehensive management options.
Add-ons:
- Additional Terminals: $50 each per month
- MenuDrive Online Ordering: $99 per month
- DoorDash Order Sync: $70 per month
- Kiosk: $50 per month
- Kitchen Display System: $30 per month
- Third-party Payment Processing: $20 per terminal per month
Hardware Costs:
- Magtek iDynamo Card Reader: $165
- Epson TM-U220B Printer: $345
Lavu POS offers the flexibility to lease hardware, which can be beneficial for small businesses that prefer spreading out the costs over time.
Contract Terms:
Lavu offers 1-year and 3-year contracts, with discounts available for the longer term. A 3-year contract may include 0% financing on hardware purchases, and upfront payments can yield a 10% discount on the total cost.
Payment Processing:
Lavu Pay is an integrated payment processing solution, but Lavu also supports third-party processors, such as Square, Heartland, or PayPal, for an additional fee.
Pros
- Integration capabilities: The system integrates with various third-party services, such as DoorDash and UberEats, and accounting software, like QuickBooks and Xero, enhancing its functionality.
- Offline mode: Lavu POS can continue to operate without an internet connection, ensuring business continuity during outages.
Cons
- Inconsistent quality: While some users report excellent support, others experience long wait times and less helpful responses, particularly when dealing with complex issues.
- Long-term contracts: Users who opt for hardware leasing often find themselves locked into lengthy and difficult-to-cancel contracts, which can be a significant drawback.
- Compatibility issues: There can be challenges ensuring that third-party hardware is compatible with Lavu POS, and outsourcing of some hardware components like KDS screens can lead to complications
How To Choose a POS System Without Credit Card Processing?
Here’s how to choose a POS system that works with your existing payment processor:
- Confirm compatibility: First, contact your current payment processor and see if they have a list of compatible POS systems. They might even have specific recommendations or partnerships with POS providers.
- Independent POS systems: Look for POS systems advertised as “independent” or “agnostic” when it comes to payment processors. These systems integrate with various processors, allowing you to keep your current one.
- Research popular options: Popular POS systems like Square, Clover, and Toast offer some flexibility in terms of processors. However, their pricing or functionalities might be tied to using their preferred processor. Research their options to see if they allow you to integrate your existing one. You’ll also find important news through your research. For example, Toast increased their card processing fees in 2024.
- Ask during demos: When considering specific POS systems, don’t hesitate to ask the sales representative about their compatibility with external processors. They should be upfront about any limitations.
- Consider processing fees: Even if a POS allows your processor, there might be a trade-off. Some POS systems have higher fees if you don’t use their in-house processor. Be sure to factor in all costs when comparing options.
Here are some additional tips:
- Focus on features: Make a list of the features crucial for your business (inventory management, customer loyalty programs, etc.) and prioritize POS systems that offer them while working with your processor.
- Read reviews: Customer reviews can illuminate real-world experiences with POS system functionality and ease of integration with different processors.
- Consider demos: Many POS providers offer free demos. This allows you to test the system’s compatibility with your processor and see if it meets your needs.
By following these steps, you can increase your chances of finding a POS system that seamlessly integrates with your current payment processor, saving you the hassle and cost of switching processors entirely.
Credit Card Processing Agnostic POS FAQs
Below are a few frequently asked questions regarding POS systems with credit card processing agreements:
What POS system does not charge credit card fees?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a POS system that completely eliminates credit card fees. These fees are levied by the credit card networks (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) and your payment processor to cover transaction costs and security. However, some POS systems offer attractive pricing structures to minimize your burden.
How can I avoid POS card transaction fees?
Businesses can consider several strategies to avoid POS card transaction fees. One approach is to encourage customers to use cash or debit cards instead of credit cards, as debit card transactions typically incur lower fees. Another strategy is to implement a cash discount program, where customers paying with cash receive a small discount, effectively incentivizing cash payments. Additionally, businesses can look for POS providers that offer membership or subscription-based pricing models that bundle transaction fees into a predictable monthly cost, potentially reducing the overall expense. Negotiating with payment processors to secure lower rates based on transaction volume or switching to a processor with lower fees can also be effective.
Can I use Square POS Without paying?
Using Square POS without paying is not possible in the traditional sense. While Square offers a free app download and account setup, the company generates revenue through transaction fees on payments processed through their system. These fees typically range from 2.6% to 3.5% plus $0.10 per transaction, depending on the type of payment and method used. However, Square does not charge monthly fees or require long-term contracts for its basic POS service, which can make it appear “free” compared to some other POS providers. It’s important to understand that while you don’t pay upfront for the software, you will incur costs when you process payments. If you’re looking to use Square POS without any associated costs, you would essentially be limited to using it as a standalone inventory management system without processing any actual transactions.
POS System Without Changing Credit Card Processing: Wrapping Up
There aren’t many processing-agnostic POS systems. From KORONA POS’s flexibility for high-risk retailers to Bepoz’s hospitality focus, POS Nation’s strong analytics, Lightspeed’s size-matrix capabilities, and Lavu POS’s restaurant-centric features, there’s a solution for various industry niches.
As you evaluate your options, consider your specific business requirements, growth plans, and the importance of payment processing flexibility. The ideal solution will address your current operational needs while allowing you the freedom to make independent decisions about your payment processing.
Ready to experience a versatile POS system that caters to a wide range of businesses? Sign up for a free demo with KORONA POS today and discover how our processor-agnostic solution can adapt to your unique business needs while giving you the freedom to choose your preferred payment processor.
