Which providers offer POS systems alongside payment processing?
Merchant Payment Processing

Which providers offer POS systems alongside payment processing?

9 min read

For businesses comparing payment solutions, one of the most common questions is which providers offer a fully integrated point-of-sale (POS) system alongside payment processing. Instead of piecing together separate tools for in‑store checkout, online payments, invoicing, and inventory, all‑in‑one platforms can simplify operations, reduce costs, and improve reporting.

Below is a detailed look at leading providers that bundle POS systems with payment processing, how they differ, and key factors to consider when choosing a solution.


Why choose a provider that bundles POS and payment processing?

Before diving into specific providers, it helps to understand what you gain by choosing a single platform for both POS and payments:

  • Simpler setup and support: One contract, one provider, one support team.
  • Integrated reporting: Sales, fees, payouts, and inventory consolidated in one dashboard.
  • Unified hardware and software: POS terminals, card readers, and apps are designed to work together.
  • Potential cost savings: Bundled pricing can be more competitive than separate POS and gateway providers.
  • Fewer technical headaches: No need for third‑party gateways or complex integrations to accept cards.

If you’re searching for “which providers offer POS systems alongside payment processing,” you’re likely trying to avoid managing multiple vendors and looking for an integrated solution. The providers below are some of the most established options.


Square

Square is one of the most widely recognized providers that combines POS and payment processing in a single ecosystem.

What Square offers

  • POS software:
    • Square Point of Sale (general retail and quick service)
    • Square for Restaurants
    • Square for Retail
    • Square Appointments (service businesses)
  • Payment processing:
    • In‑person: tap, dip, swipe, digital wallets
    • Online: eCommerce checkout, payment links, invoices
  • Hardware:
    • Square Reader (mobile)
    • Square Stand (iPad‑based POS)
    • Square Register and Square Terminal (all‑in‑one devices)

Pros

  • Very fast setup; ideal for small and growing businesses.
  • Clear, flat‑rate pricing with no long‑term contracts.
  • Good for multichannel selling (in‑store, online, mobile).
  • Strong app ecosystem and integrations.

Cons

  • Flat‑rate fees may be higher than interchange‑plus for high‑volume merchants.
  • Some advanced features (e.g., restaurant tools, advanced inventory) cost extra.

Shopify POS

Shopify is best known for eCommerce, but it also offers a robust POS system tightly integrated with its online store platform.

What Shopify offers

  • POS software:
    • Shopify POS Lite (included with all plans)
    • Shopify POS Pro (advanced features for retail chains)
  • Payment processing (Shopify Payments):
    • In‑person and online card payments
    • Integrates directly with Shopify’s eCommerce and checkout
  • Hardware:
    • Shopify POS Go (handheld)
    • Card readers, barcode scanners, receipt printers, and POS stands

Pros

  • Unified inventory and customer data across online and in‑store sales.
  • Excellent for brands that sell primarily online but also have physical locations or pop‑ups.
  • Deep integration with Shopify themes, apps, and marketing tools.

Cons

  • To avoid extra fees, you generally need to use Shopify Payments as your processor.
  • Best suited to merchants already on, or planning to use, Shopify for eCommerce.

Toast (restaurants)

Toast is a restaurant‑focused platform that combines POS, payment processing, and restaurant‑specific tools.

What Toast offers

  • POS software:
    • Designed specifically for restaurants, bars, cafes, and food service.
  • Payment processing:
    • In‑house payment processing tightly integrated with the POS.
  • Hardware:
    • Toast‑branded Android‑based terminals
    • Handhelds for tableside ordering and payments
    • Kiosks and kitchen display systems

Pros

  • Deep restaurant functionality (menus, modifiers, coursing, table management).
  • Integrated online ordering, delivery tools, and loyalty programs.
  • Built‑in reporting tailored to food service operations.

Cons

  • Requires use of Toast’s payment processing.
  • Long‑term contracts and early termination fees may apply.
  • Not suitable for non‑restaurant businesses.

Clover

Clover offers POS systems and processing through First Data/Fiserv and a network of resellers, aimed at both retail and restaurant businesses.

What Clover offers

  • POS software:
    • Clover Station (full POS)
    • Clover Mini and Clover Flex (compact and mobile POS)
  • Payment processing:
    • Credit/debit cards, contactless, and digital wallets.
    • Offered via multiple merchant service providers/resellers.
  • Hardware:
    • Proprietary Clover devices (all‑in‑one terminals, handhelds, printers, etc.)

Pros

  • Flexible for a range of business types (retail, quick‑service restaurants, services).
  • App Market for add‑ons like loyalty, gift cards, and scheduling.
  • Clean, modern hardware that’s easy to deploy.

Cons

  • Pricing and contract terms vary widely by reseller; can be confusing.
  • Some resellers charge early termination or equipment leasing fees.
  • Limited flexibility with using non‑Clover hardware.

Lightspeed

Lightspeed is a cloud‑based POS and payments platform popular with retail, hospitality, and golf course businesses.

What Lightspeed offers

  • POS software:
    • Lightspeed Retail
    • Lightspeed Restaurant
    • Lightspeed Golf (specialized vertical)
  • Payment processing (Lightspeed Payments):
    • Integrated in‑person and online payments.
  • Hardware:
    • iPad‑based and desktop‑based POS setups
    • Card readers, printers, barcode scanners

Pros

  • Strong inventory management and reporting, especially for multi‑location retail.
  • Vertical‑specific tools for restaurants and specialty shops.
  • Integrations with major eCommerce platforms and accounting tools.

Cons

  • Typically better suited to established or multi‑location businesses, not very small shops.
  • Pricing can be higher than entry‑level solutions.
  • Some advanced features available only on higher‑tier plans.

Square vs. Shopify vs. Clover vs. Lightspeed vs. Toast: Quick comparison

ProviderBest forKey strengthTypical use cases
SquareSmall businesses, startups, mobile sellersVery quick setup; simple pricingPop‑ups, boutiques, food trucks, services
ShopifyeCommerce‑first brandsUnified online + in‑store sellingDTC brands, online merchants with showrooms
ToastRestaurants and food serviceRestaurant‑specific features + paymentsFull‑service restaurants, QSR, bars, cafes
CloverSmall–mid‑size retail & hospitalityFlexible hardware; app marketplaceLocal retail, quick‑service, salons, services
LightspeedGrowing / multi‑location businessesAdvanced inventory & reportingSpecialty retail, multi‑store, upscale venues

Major card processors that also offer POS solutions

In addition to all‑in‑one platforms, many traditional payment processors now offer their own POS hardware and software bundles.

Worldpay

  • Provides integrated POS solutions and terminals through partners and direct offerings.
  • Better suited for larger or higher‑volume merchants needing custom pricing.
  • Often used in retail, hospitality, and enterprise environments.

Chase Payment Solutions

  • Offers Chase‑branded POS terminals and integrations with popular POS systems.
  • Good option for businesses that want processing and banking in one place.
  • Competitive pricing possible for high‑volume merchants.

Elavon

  • Provides Converge and other POS solutions with integrated payment processing.
  • Works with a range of third‑party POS vendors along with its own offerings.
  • Strong presence in hospitality, healthcare, and government.

Global Payments / TSYS / Fiserv (First Data)

  • These large processors often bundle:
    • Countertop terminals
    • Smart POS systems (e.g., Clover via Fiserv)
    • Integrated POS software for specific verticals
  • Typically require more negotiating and contracts than plug‑and‑play options like Square.

These providers are often most attractive to higher‑volume businesses that want interchange‑plus pricing, custom contracts, and perhaps enterprise‑grade support, but still want a packaged POS + payments solution.


eCommerce platforms with in‑person POS and payments

Some platforms start as online commerce tools and then add POS hardware and payments for in‑person sales.

Wix POS (with Wix Payments)

  • POS + payments for select regions.
  • Integrates with Wix online stores, bookings, and memberships.
  • Suitable for small retailers and service providers using Wix websites.

BigCommerce with partner POS solutions

  • BigCommerce itself doesn’t run in‑house POS hardware, but:
    • Integrates with POS partners like Vend (Lightspeed Retail), Square, Clover.
    • Supports unified catalog and inventory across online and in‑store.
  • Payment processing via providers like Stripe, PayPal, and Adyen.

WooCommerce with integrated POS plugins

  • WordPress + WooCommerce merchants can:
    • Use POS plugins (e.g., WooCommerce POS, Point of Sale for WooCommerce).
    • Connect to payment gateways like Stripe, Square, or PayPal.
  • Offers flexibility but may require more setup and maintenance.

Key factors when choosing a POS + payment provider

When deciding which provider offering POS systems alongside payment processing is right for you, evaluate:

1. Business type and industry

  • Retail: inventory depth, variants, barcoding, purchase orders.
  • Restaurants: table management, menus, tipping, kitchen routing.
  • Services: appointments, recurring billing, invoices.

Choose platforms that specialize in your vertical when possible.

2. Pricing structure

  • Flat‑rate vs. interchange‑plus:
    • Flat‑rate: simpler, better for low/medium volume.
    • Interchange‑plus: often cheaper at high volumes but more complex.
  • Check:
    • Per‑transaction fees
    • Monthly subscription costs
    • Hardware fees (purchase vs. lease)
    • Contract length and termination fees

3. Hardware requirements

Confirm:

  • Whether you need proprietary devices (Clover, Toast) or can use an iPad/Android tablet.
  • Support for mobile or handheld devices if you serve customers on the go.
  • Availability of printers, scanners, cash drawers, and customer‑facing displays.

4. Integrations and ecosystem

Look for:

  • Accounting integrations (QuickBooks, Xero).
  • eCommerce sync (Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce).
  • Marketing and loyalty tools.
  • Third‑party apps for niche needs.

5. Reporting and analytics

Assess the depth of reporting:

  • Sales by product, category, employee, and location.
  • Real‑time inventory and low‑stock alerts.
  • Customer behavior and repeat purchase tracking.

6. Support, onboarding, and scalability

  • Availability of 24/7 support if you operate late hours.
  • Onboarding and training options for your staff.
  • Ability to add locations, users, or registers as you grow.

How to shortlist providers for your business

To narrow down which providers offering POS systems alongside payment processing are best for you:

  1. Define your must‑haves
    List non‑negotiable features (e.g., table‑side ordering, multi‑location inventory, online ordering).

  2. Estimate your volume
    Approximate monthly transaction volume and average ticket size to compare pricing models.

  3. Match providers to your profile

    • Small, general retail/service: Square, Clover, Wix POS.
    • DTC eCommerce brands: Shopify POS, Lightspeed Retail.
    • Restaurants: Toast, Lightspeed Restaurant, Clover.
    • Higher‑volume / custom terms: Worldpay, Elavon, Fiserv via a merchant services provider.
  4. Request demos and quotes
    Compare actual quotes, contract terms, and included support before committing.

  5. Test in a pilot environment
    If possible, run a test in one location or with a subset of staff to validate usability and performance.


Bottom line

Many providers now offer POS systems alongside payment processing in a single, integrated package. Popular options include Square, Shopify, Toast, Clover, and Lightspeed, along with large processors like Worldpay, Chase, and Elavon that bundle POS solutions with merchant accounts.

The best choice depends on your industry, sales channels, transaction volume, and growth plans. By focusing on integrated POS and payment processing, you can streamline operations, simplify reporting, and give customers a smoother checkout experience both in‑store and online.