09 / 09 / 2025
A topic that concerns many Swiss merchants – whether they already offer contactless payments or have only accepted cash so far. Even small and newly established businesses are considering: Is it worth investing in a payment terminal? And if so, is renting or buying the better option? In this article, we look at the different possibilities – from renting to buying, including second-hand options and short-term rentals – and explore new, smart solutions that offer real alternatives, especially for Swiss merchants.
“I often get asked this question: As a merchant, should I rent or buy a payment terminal? What seems like a purely financial question at first glance becomes a strategic decision upon closer inspection – especially in times of rapid technological advancement and rising customer expectations." - Andreas Langenegger, payment expert with over 20 years of industry experience, Country Co-Head Merchant Services at Worldline Switzerland
Those who rent stay flexible: No large upfront investment, modern technology, and support included – perfect for small, seasonal, or newly established businesses.
Advantages of Renting:
Maintenance, updates & support included
Always up to date – devices are regularly replaced
Flexibility – ideal for events, pop-ups, or trial phases
Low entry costs – no capital tied up
Possible Disadvantages:
Monthly costs add up in the long run
You don’t own the device
Depending on the provider: contract commitments or notice periods
What about short-term rentals?
Short-term rentals are ideal for events, trade shows, or seasonal businesses – 100% flexible, usually without long-term commitments.
Advantages:
Delivered ready to use, often including a SIM card
No investment required
Ideal for testing card payments
What to watch out for:
TWINT compatibility
Amount of transaction fees
Minimum rental period or hidden costs
Those who plan for the long term may find buying more cost-effective – provided they handle technology and support themselves.
Advantages of Buying:
Full control & independence
Can be written off as a business investment for tax purposes
But the following also applies here:
The technical risk lies with the merchant
Technology becomes outdated quickly – replacement is often needed after 3–5 years
High upfront costs (can be CHF 1,000 or more depending on the type and requirements)
What about used devices?
The idea of buying a used terminal at a low price comes up from time to time. Sounds good – but can be tricky.
Advantages:
Inexpensive (CHF 100–300)
Immediately available
Environmentally friendly
But:
Devices are often locked to specific providers (not freely usable)
No support, no warranty
Possibly outdated or incompatible technology
Buying |
Renting |
|
| Acquisition cost | CHF 990 one-time |
- |
| Rental fees | - |
CHF 432 / Year |
| Maintenance & support | CHF 150 / Year |
Inklusive |
| SIM card (mobile) | CHF 40 / Year |
CHF 40 / Year |
| Total (3 Years) | CHF 1’560 |
CHF 1’416 |
➡ Over 3 years, there’s hardly any difference – but renting wins due to flexibility and lower risk.
| If you ... | … then it’s better to: |
|---|---|
start new or work seasonally |
Rent |
want to stay as flexible as possible |
Rent |
plan and invest long-term |
Buy |
can manage technology & support yourself |
Buy |
No longer just a future concept but the new standard in the POS environment: SoftPOS (Software Point of Sale) is an innovative solution that turns a smartphone or tablet into a full-fledged payment terminal — without any additional hardware. An example is Worldline Tap on Mobile. Customers simply hold their card, smartphone, or smartwatch close to the device, and the payment is processed contactlessly. It’s especially suited for small businesses, start-ups, and merchants who sell seasonally or temporarily.
The new standard: According to Juniper Research, the number of merchants using SoftPOS is expected to rise to 34.5 million by 2027 — a massive increase from 6 million in 2022.
(https://www.juniperresearch.com/press/soft-pos-users-to-grow-globally-by-2027/)
The key advantages of SoftPOS:
Quick start, ready to use immediately: Simply install the app and get started right away – ideal for pop-ups, markets, or branch use.
Cost-efficient: No fixed hardware costs – perfect for low transaction volumes.
Flexibly scalable: New devices can be easily added as needed (especially attractive for retail chains, delivery services, and mobile services).
Secure: Modern SoftPOS solutions are EMV-certified and comply with the security standards of international card providers.
No additional hardware: No terminal purchase, no maintenance, no rental contracts.
Andreas Langenegger Country Co-Head Merchant Services at Worldline Switzerland, says: „ Especially for small and medium-sized businesses, pop-ups, or market vendors, SoftPOS is a real gamechanger. It’s no surprise that this trend is growing – Visa reports a global growth of 200% per year in SoftPOS solutions, and the Swiss market is definitely keeping pace."
Conclusion: Think strategically – act now!
For many merchants, it makes sense to switch to SoftPOS in the medium term – especially if you want to:
Reduce hardware costs
Need flexible & mobile solutions
Respond quickly to new payment methods
And when it comes to renting or buying: What suits whom?
Renting fits best in environments with fast technology cycles and changing business models, while buying is recommended when there is technical expertise, a stable business, and long usage periods.
Transaction costs are often more important than terminal costs – they influence long-term profitability.
Do you have questions or would like a consultation? Contact us!
