View source for EFTPOS

{{short description|Type of payment system}}
{{For|general EFT|Electronic funds transfer}}

'''Electronic funds transfer at point of sale''' ('''EFTPOS'''; {{IPAc-en|ˈ|ɛ|f|(|t|)|p|ɒ|s}}) is a type of payment transaction in which electronic funds transfers (EFT) are processed at a [[point of sale]] (POS) system or [[payment terminal]] usually via payment methods such as [[payment card]]s ([[debit cards]], [[credit cards]] or [[gift cards]]). EFTPOS technology was developed during the 1980s. 

[[File:Second display at the Point of Sale.jpg|thumb|Pin pad and touchscreen EFTPOS terminal]]
[[File:POS terminal at a bookstore.jpg|thumb|Modern EFTPOS terminal]]

== As a payment network ==
In [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]], '''EFTPOS''' is also the brand name for the [[interbank network|interbank]] [[electronic payment system]] network used for facilitating '''eftpos''' types of payments. Other countries use different brand names for their EFTPOS systems, such as [[NETS (company)|NETS]] in [[Singapore]] or [[Interlink (interbank network)|Interlink]] in the United States. Since the early 2010s, country specific EFTPOS systems have been overtaken by global [[EMV]] based systems with [[contactless payments]] or [[QR code payment]] systems.

The payment cards used by EFTPOS systems are [[plastic card]]s complying with [[ISO/IEC 7810]] ID-1 standard that have a [[bank card number]] conforming with the [[ISO/IEC 7812]] numbering standard.

[[File:ING Bank Debit card (2018 model) - reverse.jpg|thumb|EFTPOS Magnetic Stripe Card]]

== History ==
{{main|Debit card#United States}}

EFTPOS technology originated in the United States<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gregory |first=Justin |date=2018-06-09 |title=The only way to pay? Charting the history and future demise of Eftpos |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/business/09-06-2018/the-only-way-to-pay-charting-the-history-and-future-demise-of-eftpos |access-date=2022-12-27 |website=The Spinoff |language=en}}</ref> in 1981 and was rolled out in 1982. Initially, a number of nationwide systems were set up, such as ''Interlink'', which were limited to participating correspondent banking relationships, not being linked to each other. Consumers and merchants were slow to accept it, and there was minimal marketing. As a result, growth and market penetration of EFTPOS was minimal in the US up to the turn of the century.

In a short time, other countries adopted the EFTPOS technology, these systems were limited to the national borders. Each country adopted various interbank co-operative models. In Australia, in 1984 Westpac was the first major Australian bank to implement an EFTPOS system, at BP petrol stations. In New Zealand that same year Bank of New Zealand was the first bank to introduced an EFTPOS system, initially at Shell petrol stations. The other major banks in Australia implemented EFTPOS systems during 1984, initially with petrol stations. The banks' existing debit and credit cards (but only allowed to access debit accounts) were used in the EFTPOS systems. In 1985, the [[State Bank of Victoria]] developed the capacity to host connect individual ATMS and helped create the ATM (Financial) Network.  Banks started to link their EFTPOS systems to provide access for all customers across all EFTPOS devices. Cards issued by all banks could then be used at all EFTPOS terminals nationally, but debit cards issued in other countries could not. Prior to 1986, the Australian banks organised a widespread uniform credit card, called [[Bankcard]], which had been in existence since 1974. There was a dispute between the banks whether Bankcard (or credit cards in general) should be permitted into the proposed EFTPOS system. At that time several banks were actively promoting MasterCard and Visa credit cards. Store cards and proprietary cards were shut out of the new system.

Since 2002, the use of EFTPOS has grown significantly, and it has become the standard payment method, displacing the use of cash. Subsequently, networks facilitating the process of money transfer and payment settlement between the consumer and the merchant grew from a small number of nationwide systems to the majority of payment processing transactions. For EFTPOS, USA based systems allow the use of debit cards or credit cards.

== Australia ==
{{main|Debit card#Australia}}
[[File:Eftpos australia new logo.png|thumb|Australian eftpos logo]]

In Australia, '''eftpos''' is the name of a proprietary domestic debit payment system launched in the 1980s, owned by eftpos Payments Australia Limited (ePAL)<ref name=ePal>{{cite web|url=http://www.eftposaustralia.com.au/corporate/about|title=eftpos - the way Australia pays|publisher=eftpos Payments Australia Ltd|access-date=2013-01-30}}</ref> (now [[Australian Payments Network]])<ref name=apn>{{cite press release |url=https://www.auspayplus.com.au/accc-authorises-amalgamation-of-bpay-group-eftpos-and-npp-australia-to-form-australian-payments-plus |title=ACCC authorises amalgamation of BPAY Group, eftpos and NPP Australia to form Australian Payments Plus |date=9 September 2021 |publisher=Australian Payments Plus}}</ref> that accepts [[bankcard]]s or [[debit cards]] at POS [[Payment terminal|"point of sale"" terminals]], [[Automated teller machine|ATMs]] and most recently, online via eCommerce.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://auspayplus.com.au/eftpos-online-payments-security-rollout-forges-ahead-with-certification-of-australias-gpayments-2 |title=eftpos online payments & security rollout forges ahead with certification of Australia's GPayments |date=7 February 2022 |publisher=Australian Payments Plus}}</ref><ref name=cecs>APCA: [http://apca.com.au/payment-systems/cards-accepting-devices Cards and Accepting Devices] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320171752/http://www.apca.com.au/payment-systems/cards-accepting-devices |date=2012-03-20 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.boq.com.au/business_merchant_eftpos.htm| title = EFTPOS. Merchant banking services. EFTPOS. Bank of Queensland Australia<!--Bot generated title-->}}</ref> 
In 2021, eftpos joined BPAY Group and NPP Australia under Australian Payments Plus (AP+) following ACCC authorisation of the amalgamation.<ref>{{cite web |title=ACCC authorises payment systems merger after undertaking |url=https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/accc-authorises-payment-systems-merger-after-undertaking |website=accc.gov.au |publisher=Australian Competition and Consumer Commission |date=9 September 2021 |access-date=17 October 2025}}</ref>

Not all merchants provide EFTPOS facilities, but those who wish to accept EFTPOS payments must enter an agreement with one of the many (originally seven) merchant service providers, which rent an EFTPOS terminal to the merchant. ePal also sets the EFTPOS [[interchange fee]].<ref name=ifee>[http://www.rba.gov.au/payments-system/reforms/debit-card-systems/submissions-pro-interchg-stds/epal-23102009-1.pdf Proposed changes to the interchange fees standard] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120428094413/http://www.rba.gov.au/payments-system/reforms/debit-card-systems/submissions-pro-interchg-stds/epal-23102009-1.pdf |date=2012-04-28 }}</ref> For credit cards to be accepted by a merchant a separate agreement must be entered into with each credit card company, each of which has its own flexible merchant fee rate. Eftpos machines for merchants are provided by larger banks and specialists such as [[Live group|Live eftpos]].

The clearing arrangements for EFTPOS are managed by [[Australian Payments Clearing Association]] (APCA). The system for ATM and EFTPOS interchanges is called Issuers and Acquirers Community (formerly Consumer Electronic Clearing System; CECS)<ref name=cecs /> also called CS3. CECS required authorisations from the [[Australian Competition & Consumer Commission]] (ACCC), which was obtained in 2001 and reaffirmed in 2009.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/906923| title = ACCC reap proves CECS| date = 23 February 2013}}</ref> ATM and EFTPOS clearances are the made under individual bilateral arrangements between the institutions involved.<ref>[http://austlii.edu.au/~alan/bflr-2000.html Australian Payment System] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407004414/http://austlii.edu.au/~alan/bflr-2000.html |date=2012-04-07 }}</ref>

===Debit cards===
Australian financial institutions provide their customers with a [[plastic card]], which can be used as a debit card or as an [[ATM card]], and sometimes as a credit card. The card merely provides the means by which a customer's linked bank or other accounts can be accessed using an EFTPOS terminal or ATM. These cards can also be used on some [[vending machine]]s and other automatic payment mechanisms, such as ticket vending machines.

Each Australian bank has given a different name to its debit cards, such as:
* [[Commonwealth Bank]]: Keycard
* [[Westpac]]: Handycard
* [[National Australia Bank]]: FlexiCard
* [[ANZ Bank]]: Access card
* [[Bendigo & Adelaide Bank|Bendigo Bank]]: Easy Money card
*[[St George Bank|St George]]/[[Bank of Melbourne (2011)|Bank of Melbourne]]/[[BankSA]]: FreedomCard
*[[Qudos Bank]], Queensland Police Credit Union, Dnister and Indue sponsored financial institutions: Cue Card
*[[People's Choice Credit Union]], [[Bank Australia]], [[Credit Union SA]], [[Beyond Bank]], [[Teachers Mutual Bank]], [[Nexus Mutual]], and [[Cuscal]] sponsored financial institutions: rediCARD
*[[Suncorp Bank]]: eftpos Card
*[[Regional Australia Bank]]: Access card

Some banks offer alternative debit card facilities to their customers using the Visa or MasterCard clearance system. For example, [[St George Bank]] offers a Visa Debit Card,<ref>[http://www.stgeorge.com.au/personal/bank-accounts/transaction-accounts/visa-debit-card Visa Debit Card - St.George Bank]. Stgeorge.com.au. Retrieved on 2013-09-27.</ref> as does the National Australia Bank. The main difference with regular debit cards is that these cards can be used outside Australia where the respective credit card is accepted.

Those merchants that enter the EFTPOS payment system must accept [[debit card]]s issued by any Australian bank, and some also accept various [[credit card]]s and other cards. Some merchants set minimum transaction amounts for EFTPOS transactions, which can be different for debit and credit card transactions. Some merchants impose a surcharge on the use of EFTPOS. These can vary between merchants and on the type of card being used, and generally are not imposed on debit card transactions, and widely not on MasterCard and Visa credit card transactions.

A feature of a debit card is that an EFTPOS transaction will only be accepted if there is an available credit balance in the bank cheque or savings account linked to the card.

Australian debit cards normally cannot be used outside Australia.  They can only be used outside Australia if they carry the MasterCard/Maestro/Cirrus or Visa/Plus or other similar logos, in which case the non-Australian transaction will be processed through those transaction systems. Similarly, non-Australian debit and credit cards can only be used at Australian EFTPOS terminals or ATMs if they have these logos or the MasterCard or Visa logos. Diners Club and/or American Express cards will be accepted only if the merchant has an agreement with those card companies, or increasingly if the merchant has modern alternative payment options available for those cards, such as through PayPal. The [[Discover Card]] is accepted in Australia as a [[Diners Club]] card.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://uat2.dinersclub.com.au/merchants.htm| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110301185747/http://uat2.dinersclub.com.au/merchants.htm| archive-date = 2011-03-01| title = Welcome to Diners Club Australia}}</ref>

In addition, credit card companies issue [[Stored-value card|prepaid card]]s which act like generic gift cards, which are anonymous and not linked to any bank accounts. These cards are accepted by merchants who accept credit cards and are processed through the EFTPOS terminal in the same way as credit cards.

[[File:IBM POS terminal (2).jpg|thumb|IBM POS terminal]]
[[File:EFTPOS (20170819 230646).jpg|thumb|upright|EFTPOS terminal in a restaurant]]

===Cash out===
A number of merchants permit customers using a debit card to withdraw cash as part of the EFTPOS transaction.<ref name=NabEftpos>{{cite web| url = http://www.nab.com.au/Personal_Finance/0,,9493,00.html| title = Nab — Eftpos<!--Bot generated title-->}}</ref> In Australia, this facility (known as [[debit card cashback]] in many other countries) is known as "cash out". For the merchant, cash out is a way of reducing their net cash takings, saving on banking of cash. There is no additional cost to the merchant in providing cash out because banks charge a merchant a debit card transaction fee per EFTPOS transaction,<ref name=ifee /> and not on the transaction value. Cash out is a facility provided by the merchant, and not the bank, so the merchant can limit or vary how much cash can be withdrawn at a time, or suspend the facility at any time. When available, cash out is convenient for the customer, who can bypass having to visit a bank branch or ATM. Cash out is also cheaper for the customer, since only one bank transaction is involved. For people in some remote areas, cash out may be the only way they can withdraw cash from their personal accounts.  However, most merchants who provide the facility set a relatively low limit on cash out, generally $50, and some also charge for the service. Some merchants in Australia only allow cash out with the purchase of goods; other merchants allow cash out whether or not customers buy any goods. Cash out is not available in association with credit card sales because on credit card transactions the merchant is charged a percentage commission based on the transaction value, and also because cash withdrawals are treated differently from purchase transactions by the credit card company. (However, though inconsistent with a merchant's agreement with each credit card company, the merchant may treat a cash withdrawal as part of an ordinary credit card sale.)

===Cardholder verification===
EFTPOS transactions involving a debit, credit or prepaid card are primarily authenticated via the entry of a [[personal identification number]] (PIN) at the [[point of sale]]. Historically, these transactions were authenticated by the merchant using the cardholder's signature, as signed on their receipt. However, merchants had become increasingly lax in enforcing this verification, resulting in an increase in fraud. Australian banks have since deployed chip and PIN technology using the global [[EMV]] card standard; as of 1 August 2014, Australian merchants no longer accept signatures on transactions by domestic customers at point of sale terminals.<ref name="cnet-emvaus">{{cite web|title=PINs now replace signatures on Australian card transactions|url=https://www.cnet.com/au/news/australian-credit-cards-boost-security-as-chip-and-pin-deadline-approaches/|website=CNET|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=27 February 2017}}</ref><ref name="zdnet-nomoresig">{{cite web|title=Credit card signatures to be phased out in Australia|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/credit-card-signatures-to-be-phased-out-in-australia/|website=ZDNet|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=27 February 2017}}</ref>

As a further security measure, if a user enters an incorrect PIN three times, the card may be locked out of EFTPOS and require reactivation over the phone or at a bank branch. In the case of an ATM, the card will not be returned, and the cardholder will need to visit the branch to retrieve the card, or request a new card to be issued.

All debit cards now have a [[Magnetic stripe card#Financial cards|magnetic stripe]]{{citation needed|date=June 2012}} on which is encoded the card's service codes, consisting of three-digit values.  These codes are used to convey instructions to merchant terminals on how a card should be processed. The first digit indicates if a card can be used internationally or is valid for domestic use only. It is also used to signal if the card is chip-enabled. The second digit indicates if the transaction must be sent online for authorisation always or if transactions that are below floor limit can take place without authorisation.  The third digit is used to indicate the preferred card verification method (e.g., PIN) and the environment where the card can be used (e.g., at point of sale only). Merchant terminals are required to recognise and act on service codes or send all transactions for online authorisation.<ref>[http://www.visa-asia.com/ap/au/merchants/productstech/visadebit.shtml Visa Australia | Visa Debit] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206223415/http://www.visa-asia.com/ap/au/merchants/productstech/visadebit.shtml |date=2013-12-06 }}. Visa-asia.com. Retrieved on 2013-09-27.</ref>

===Contactless smart card===
In the late 2000s, MasterCard and Visa introduced [[contactless payment|contactless]] smart debit cards under the brand names MasterCard [[PayPass]] and Visa [[payWave]]. These payments are made using either electronic payment networks separate from the regular EFTPOS payment networks, or newer EFTPOS with tap sensors, and is an alternative to the previous swipe or chip systems. These networks are operated by MasterCard and Visa, and not by the banks as is the EFTPOS network, through EFTPOS Payments Australia Limited (ePAL).

These cards are based on [[EMV technology]] and contain a [[RFID]] chip and antenna loop embedded in the plastic of the card. To pay using this system, a customer passes the card within 4&nbsp;cm of a reader at a merchant checkout. Using this method, for transactions under a specified limit, the customer does not need to authenticate their identity by PIN entry or signature, as on a regular EFTPOS machine. For transactions over the above limit, PIN verification is required.

The facility is only available for cards branded with the MasterCard PayPass or Visa payWave logos, indicating that they have the system-permitted embedded chip. ANZ launched an ATM solution based on Visa payWave in 2015, where the customer taps the card on a reader installed at the ATM and inserts their PIN to finalise cash withdrawals. Since 2018, these ATMs work with Apple Pay and Google Pay as well, where a customer taps their NFC-enabled phone instead of their card. Bank debit cards and other credit cards do not currently offer a contactless payment facility. ePAL is developing a contactless payment system for debit cards based on EMV technology as well as an extension of debit cards for use for on-line transactions, and a [[mobile payment]] system.<ref>[http://www.eftposaustralia.com.au/docs/annual-reports/annual-report-2011.pdf Eftpos Annual Report 2011] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323232617/http://www.eftposaustralia.com.au/docs/annual-reports/annual-report-2011.pdf |date=2012-03-23 }}</ref> Using contactless debit cards on tap-and-go terminals routes the transaction through the more expensive credit card system instead of the EFTPOS route, adding to the cost to the merchant, and ultimately the consumer.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.smh.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/the-hidden-cost-of-the-tap-and-go-boom-20171007-gywcuj.html?_ga=2.230829725.344188306.1520894086-422518476.1516576290| title = The hidden cost of the tap-and-go boom| date = 8 October 2017}}</ref>

=== History ===
The name and logo for EFTPOS in Australia were originally owned by Shiyombo Makasa and were [[trade mark]]s from 1986 until 1991. The ownership was for convenience and all the banks used the name and logo (commonly called "fat-E") on their cards and advertising. By mid July 1986, all major banks and retailers have agreed to implement eftpos.<ref>{{cite thesis|url=https://documents.uow.edu.au/~jennie/WEBPDF/113_1987.pdf |date=August 1986 |last1=Gyoery |first1=Ralph |last2=Seberry |first2=Jennifer |title=Electronic Funds Transfers Point of Sale in Australia |institution=University of Sydney |page=30}}</ref>

In 1991, dialup EFTPOS was conceived by [[KeyBank|Key Corp]] (John Wood) and deployment of dialup commenced in 1993. Until 1993, communications, connections and transactions between banks, ATM banks and EFTPOS devices where conducted via leased lines (a specific power assisted communication line that detects any attempt to tamper with it) but in 1993, mobile wireless EFTPOS was conceived by Dynamic Data Systems (H. Daniel Elbaum). In 1995, Dynamic Data Systems and the banking industry worked together to implement, certify and introduce protocols and standards for cellular networks, and by 1998, the use of mobile EFTPOS began to appear in Australia.<ref>{{Cite news|title=A boost for EFTPOS|last=Cornell|first=Andrew|date=January 1997|work=Electronic Payments International}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.decisive.com.au/html/110598_10.html|title=Optus to develop GSM-based mobile EFTPOS system|last=Sainsbury|first=Michael|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980612141247/http://www.decisive.com.au/html/110598_10.html|archive-date=1998-06-12|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2006, Commonwealth Bank and MasterCard ran a six-month trial of the [[contactless smart card]] system [[PayPass]] in [[Sydney]] and [[Wollongong]],<ref>
{{cite web
  | url = http://www.commbank.com.au/about-us/news/media-releases/2006/050406-news-tap-n-go.aspx
  | title = Commonwealth Bank unveils "Tap N Go™" payment technology
  | publisher = [[Commonwealth Bank]]
  | date = 5 April 2006
  | access-date = 2011-09-11 }}</ref> 
supplementing the traditional EFTPOS swipe or chip system. The system was rolled out across Australia in 2009;<ref>
{{cite web
  | url=http://www.commbank.com.au/about-us/news/media-releases/2009/151009-news-contactless-terminals-cards.aspx
  | title = Commonwealth Bank rolls out contactless terminals and cards
  | publisher = Commonwealth Bank
  | date = 15 October 2009
  | access-date = 2011-09-11 }}</ref> other systems being rolled out are Westpac Bank's MasterCard PayPass and [[Visa Inc|Visa]] [[payWave]] branded cards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://info.westpac.com.au/contactless/|title=Introducing contactless technology|publisher=[[Westpac]]|access-date=2011-09-10|archive-date=2011-09-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903012406/http://info.westpac.com.au/contactless/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In April 2009, a company, “EFTPOS Payments Australia Ltd” (ePal) was formed to manage and promote the EFTPOS system in Australia.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.apca.com.au/PM/2009_Quarter2/index.html| title = APCA PaymentsMonitor publication — Industry establishes new company to manage EFTPOS| access-date = 2009-07-13| archive-date = 2011-07-06| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110706101438/http://www.apca.com.au/PM/2009_Quarter2/index.html| url-status = dead}}</ref>  ePal regulation commenced in January 2011.<ref name=cecs /> The initial members of EFTPOS Payments Australia Ltd were:
* [[ANZ Bank]]
* Australian Settlements Limited
* [[Bank of Queensland]]
* [[Bendigo & Adelaide Bank]]
* Cashcard
* [[Citigroup]]
* [[Commonwealth Bank]]
* [[Coles Group]]
* [[Cuscal]]
* Indue
* [[National Australia Bank]]
* [[Suncorp|Suncorp-Metway]]
* [[Westpac]]
* [[Woolworths Group (Australia)|Woolworths]]<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.eftposaustralia.com.au/about/| title = EFTPOS {{!}} About}}</ref> 
The current members of EFTPOS Payments Australia Ltd are:
* [[Adyen]]
* [[ANZ Bank]]
* Australian Settlements Limited
* [[Bank of Queensland]]
* [[Bendigo & Adelaide Bank]]
* [[Citigroup]]
* [[Commonwealth Bank]]
* [[Coles Group]]
* [[Cuscal]]
* [[EFTEX]]
* [[First Data]] Network Australia
* Indue
* [[ING Australia]]
* [[National Australia Bank]]
* [[PayPal]]
* [[Suncorp|Suncorp-Metway]]
* [[Tyro Payments]]
* [[Westpac]]
* [[Woolworths Group (Australia)|Woolworths]]

In Australia, store cards have been excluded from participation in the EFTPOS and ATM systems. Consequently, several larger store accounts have entered into co-branding arrangements with credit card networks for the store-based accounts to be widely accepted. This was the case with Coles (previously, Coles-Myer) which co-branded with [[Mastercard]], [[Myer]] which co-branded with Visa, and [[David Jones (department store)|David Jones]] which co-branded with [[American Express]]. Woolworths organised its credit card called [[Everyday Rewards]] (now Woolworths Money){{clarify|The Everyday Rewards article says that the credit card was a separate card called "Everyday Money"|date=June 2012}} which initially was partnered with credit provider [[HSBC Bank Australia|HSBC Bank]], but changed on 26 October 2014 to [[Macquarie Group|Macquarie Bank]].

=== Usage ===
As of June 2018, there were 961,247 EFTPOS terminals in Australia and 30,940 ATMs.<ref>APN [https://www.auspaynet.com.au/resources/device-statistics ATM and EFTPOS statistics]</ref> Of the terminals, over 60,000 offered cash withdrawals.<ref name=NabEftpos/> In 2010, 183 million transactions,<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.apca.com.au/Public/apca01_live.nsf/WebPageDisplay/Stats_CardVolume| title = APCA Card Transaction Volume| access-date = 2009-05-19| archive-date = 2008-10-16| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081016083404/http://www.apca.com.au/Public/apca01_live.nsf/WebPageDisplay/Stats_CardVolume| url-status = dead}}</ref> worth [[Australian dollar|A$]]12 billion,<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.apca.com.au/Public/apca01_live.nsf/WebPageDisplay/Stats_CardValue| title = APCA Card Transaction Value| access-date = 2009-05-19| archive-date = 2010-02-19| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100219002026/http://www.apca.com.au/Public/apca01_live.nsf/WebPageDisplay/Stats_CardValue| url-status = dead}}</ref> were made using Australian EFTPOS terminals per month.

In 2011, these figures increased to 750,000 terminals, with 325,000 individual businesses, processing over 2 billion transactions with combined value of approximately $131 billion for the year.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.eftpos.net/merchant-services/eftpos/how-many-eftpos-transactions-and-volumes-get-processed/| title = The World of EFTPOS {{!}} Overview }}</ref>

=== Network ===
The EFT network in Australia is made up of seven proprietary networks in which peers have interchange agreements, making an effective single network.<ref name="rba_payment_systems">[http://www.rba.gov.au/PaymentsSystem/Publications/BISCommitteeOnPaymentAndSettlementSystems/australia.pdf RBA paper on Australian Payment systems] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090704234321/http://www.rba.gov.au/PaymentsSystem/Publications/BISCommitteeOnPaymentAndSettlementSystems/australia.pdf |date=2009-07-04 }}</ref> A merchant who wishes to accept EFTPOS payments must enter an agreement with one of the seven merchant service providers, which rent the terminal to the merchant. All the merchant's EFTPOS transactions are processed through one of these gateways. Some of these peers are:
* [[Australia & New Zealand Banking Group]]
* [[Commonwealth Bank]]
* [[National Australia Bank]]
* [[Westpac]]
* Cuscal<ref>[http://www.cuscal.com.au/ Home]. Cuscal. Retrieved on 2013-09-27.</ref>
* First Data Network Australia (formerly Cashcard)
* Other

Other organisations may have peering agreements with the one or more of the central peers.

The network uses the [[AS 2805]] protocol, which is closely related to [[ISO 8583]].

==New Zealand==
{{main|Debit card#New Zealand}}
[[File:Eftpos-paymark-nz-logo.PNG|right|120px]]

EFTPOS is highly popular in New Zealand. The system is operated by two providers, Worldline New Zealand (formerly Electronic Transaction Services Limited{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}} then Paymark Limited<ref>{{Cite web |title=Paymark is now Worldline |url=https://support.eftpos.co.nz/paymark-is-now-worldline |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=support.eftpos.co.nz |language=en}}</ref>) which processes 75% of all electronic transactions in New Zealand, and EFTPOS New Zealand. Although the term eftpos is popularly used to describe the system, EFTPOS is a trademark of EFTPOS New Zealand, the smaller of the two providers. Both providers run an interconnected financial network that allows the processing of not only of debit cards at point of sale terminals but also [[credit card]]s and [[charge card]]s.

=== History ===
[[File:EFTPOS New Zealand logo.svg|right|120px]]
In New Zealand, a trial scheme of EFTPOS began in 1984, with a terminal in a [[Shell Oil|Shell]] petrol station connected to a bank computer.<ref name=register>{{Cite web |last=Donaldson |first=Rachel Helyer |date=7 November 2019 |title='Kiwi success story' Eftpos marks 30 years – but NZ is falling behind on contactless 'tap and go' |url=https://theregister.co.nz/2019/11/07/kiwi-success-story-eftpos-marks-30-years-nz-falling-behind-contactless-tap-and-go/ |access-date=25 February 2023 |website=The Register |language=en}}</ref> The [[Bank of New Zealand]] introduced EFTPOS in 1985, with the first merchant terminals being installed through a pilot scheme at [[Filling station|petrol stations]].<ref name=register/>

In 1989 the system was officially launched and two providers owned by the major banks now run the system. The larger of the two providers, Worldline New Zealand (formerly Paymark limited<ref>{{cite web | url=https://support.eftpos.co.nz/paymark-is-now-worldline | title=Paymark is now Worldline }}</ref> Electronic Transaction Services Limited), is owned by French company [[Ingenico]], following its sale in 2018  by [[ASB Bank]], [[Westpac]], Bank of New Zealand and [[ANZ Bank New Zealand]] (formerly ANZ National Bank).<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/money/2019/01/banks-sell-eftpos-provider-paymark-to-french-company.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705001748/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/money/2019/01/banks-sell-eftpos-provider-paymark-to-french-company.html| url-status=dead| archive-date=July 5, 2020| title=Banks sell EFTPOS provider Paymark to French company| date=January 13, 2019 | work=[[Newshub]]}}</ref> The second is operated by EFTPOS New Zealand, which is fully owned by [[VeriFone]] Systems, following its sale by ANZ New Zealand in December 2012.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10854657 |title=ANZ sells eftpos business |date=December 18, 2012 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]}}</ref>

1995 was the first deployment of cellular EFTPOS in New Zealand, by Dynamic Data Systems.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Trust Bank launches mobile EFTPOS for businesses on the move}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Eftpos becomes more mobile|last=Bedford|first=Dean}}</ref>

During July 2006 the five billionth EFTPOS payment was processed, and at the start of 2012 the 10 billionth transaction was processed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.paymark.co.nz/cms_display.php?st=1&sn=108&pg=804 |title=Nought to five billion in 17 years |date=July 24, 2006 |publisher=Paymark |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100513224045/https://www.paymark.co.nz/cms_display.php?sn=108&st=1&pg=804 |archive-date=May 13, 2010 }}</ref>

=== Usage ===
EFTPOS is highly popular in New Zealand, and being used for about 60% of all retail transactions. In 2009, there were 200 EFTPOS transactions per person.<ref name="NBR_116444">{{cite web |url=http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/eight-billionth-eftpos-transaction-processed-116444 |title=Eight billionth eftpos transaction processed |author=Gregor, Kelly |date=14 December 2009 |work=[[National Business Review]] |access-date=29 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411065018/http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/eight-billionth-eftpos-transaction-processed-116444 |archive-date=11 April 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Paymark process over 900 million transactions (worth over NZ$48 billion) yearly. More than 75,000 merchants and over 110,000 EFTPOS terminals are connected to Paymark.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.paymark.co.nz/about-paymark/our-company.html|title=About-Paymark|publisher=Paymark|access-date=10 December 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210001826/https://www.paymark.co.nz/about-paymark/our-company.html|archive-date=10 December 2014}}</ref>


==Singapore==
[[File:NETS Unified POS.jpg|thumb|NETS POS]]
In [[Singapore]], [[NETS (company)|NETS]] was founded in 1985 by a consortium of the country's local banks of [[DBS Bank]], [[OCBC Bank]] and [[United Overseas Bank|United Overseas Bank (UOB)]] to establish the debit network and drive the adoption of electronic payments in Singapore.<ref name=MAS>{{cite web|url=http://www.mas.gov.sg/Singapore-Financial-Centre/Payment-and-Settlement-Systems/Clearing-and-Settlement-Systems.aspx|title=Clearing and Settlement Systems in Singapore|work=[[Monetary Authority of Singapore]]|access-date=23 July 2013}}</ref>

===History===
NETS was officially launched on 18 January 1986, allowing millions of [[ATM card]] holders in Singapore to make transactions through the initial network of 195 terminals located in various retail outlets and by 1993, [[consumer spending]] through NETS reached [[Singapore dollar|S$]]1.14 billion.<ref>[http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/biztimes19930121-1.2.9.4 Nets rings up record $1.14b in consumer spending.] The Business Times, p. 2. January 21, 1993. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. Accessed on June 3, 2018.</ref> Since the late-2010s, NETS has also adopted [[QR code payment]]s through NETS QR, which is also integrated with SGQR.

==== Mobile EFTPOS ====
[[File:Ingenico ISC250 Payment NETS QR.jpg|thumb|NETS QR]]
In 1996, mobile EFTPOS arrived, with hotels in [[Singapore]] installing systems in 1997 and the first example of a pizza delivery in Singapore accepting [[Visa card]] via cellular payment in 1998, which was a collaboration between [[Singtel|Singnet]], Visa, [[Citibank]], and Dynamic Data Systems, beginning the rollout of mobile systems in Asia.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Visa plays the mobility card|last=Cornell|first=Andrew|date=1998-04-28|work=The Australian Financial Review}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=DDS sights Asian Eftpos market|last=Cornell|first=Andrew|date=1998-04-24|work=The Australian Financial Review}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Mobile drive in Asia-Pacific|date=June 1998|work=Electronic Payments International}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Citibank's 'mobile' service for customers|date=1997-09-04|work=The Star}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Home-delivered pizza now paid by credit card|date=June 1998|work=Singtel Staff Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Now, you can also charge your pizza|date=1998-04-29|work=The Straits Times}}</ref> By 2004, cellular based EFTPOS infrastructure had really taken off, and by 2010, cellular EFTPOS had become the standard for the global market.

===Usage===
The nationwide acceptance infrastructure is the largest in Singapore and includes 54,000 Unified Point-of-Sale (Unified POS) terminals and 94,000 QR acceptance points. In 2011, NETS’ debit system was designated as national payment system by the [[Monetary Authority of Singapore]] (MAS).

== See also ==
* [[Payment terminal]]
* [[Interac]]
* [[Maestro (debit card)|Maestro]]
* [[NETS (company)|NETS]]
* [[Visa Debit]]
* [[ACCC v Cabcharge Australia Ltd]]
* [[Cabcharge]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Debit cards]]
[[Category:Financial services companies of Australia]]
[[Category:Financial services companies of New Zealand]]
[[Category:Financial services companies of Singapore]]
[[Category:Interbank networks]]
[[Category:Payment systems]]
[[Category:Point of sale companies]]
[[Category:American inventions]]
[[Category:1981 introductions]]