How to Choose the Best Restaurant Payment System: Key Features, Pricing & Security

In this guide, we compare three top-rated payment solutions—Square for Restaurants, Toast, and Eats365—and cover key decision criteria including features, pricing models, mobile compatibility, integration, and security.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Payment Solution

When choosing a payment solution, consider more than cost—focus on features that drive productivity and improve the guest experience.

Must-Have Capabilities:

• EMV chip support: For secure, fraud-resistant card payments

• NFC/contactless payments: Support for Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.

• Mobile wallet compatibility: Across platforms like PayPal and Venmo

• Loyalty program integration: Drives repeat visits

• Pay-at-table functionality: Improves table turnover

Understanding Pricing Models

Restaurant payment platforms vary in cost structure. Understanding how fees align with your business needs is crucial.

Common Pricing Approaches:

• Square: Pay-as-you-go, flat per-transaction fee (ideal for low volume)

• Toast & Lightspeed: Subscription-based with optional custom processing rates

Read more:What is Contactless Payment? Top Asked Questions About Contactless Payment

Mobile Payment Solutions: A Phased Implementation Strategy

Step 1: Assess POS Hardware Compatibility

Ensure terminals are NFC-enabled to support Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc. If not:

• Consider upgrading to Bluetooth readers like Square Terminal

• Enable tableside payments to reduce bottlenecks

According to PYMNTS.com, mobile payment adoption continues to grow—this is a long-term investment in speed and guest convenience.

Step 2: Software Integration & Staff Training

Mobile readiness is only as good as your team’s ability to use it. Ensure:

• POS integrates with mobile wallets and QR platforms (e.g., PayPal, Venmo)

• Staff are trained to:

  • Initiate contactless payments

  • Assist with QR scanning

  • Troubleshoot on-the-spot issues

Onboarding should include mobile payment training and quick-reference guides.

Read more:What is QR Code Payment? All You Need to Know about QR Code Payment for Restaurants

Offering Diverse Mobile Payment Options = Competitive Advantage

Offering multiple mobile payment methods doesn’t just meet demand—it enhances service and boosts revenue.

Benefits:

• Faster checkout and table turnover

• Higher guest satisfaction

• Larger average checks from mobile-first customers

Promote Mobile Payment Adoption:

• Clear signage at entrance and tables

• Payment method icons on menus, receipts, and your website

Balancing Platform Fees with Security Requirements

When choosing a restaurant payment solution, it's essential to strike the right balance between platform fees and security requirements. Start by understanding all associated costs—pay close attention to third-party delivery commissions, which can significantly impact profit margins. Additionally, consider whether the provider uses flat-rate or dynamic (volume-based) processing fees to ensure the pricing model aligns with your business needs.

However, cost should never come at the expense of security. A reliable payment platform must be PCI DSS compliant and include key safeguards such as end-to-end encryption, AVS and CVV verification, and routine vulnerability scans. These measures protect sensitive customer data, reduce fraud risk, and help maintain the integrity and reputation of your restaurant.

Prioritizing payment security at every level is essential—it's not just an add-on, but a fundamental part of protecting your restaurant and your guests. Start with strong technical safeguards such as end-to-end encryption, tokenization, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure secure transactions and prevent data breaches. Keeping your systems updated through regular software patching is equally critical to close security vulnerabilities.

Beyond technology, robust operational controls are just as important. Restrict POS system access based on employee roles, provide regular training to help staff recognize potential fraud attempts, and conduct ongoing data privacy workshops to build a culture of security awareness. Together, these layers form a comprehensive defense against both internal and external threats.

Read more:How POS Security Features Reduce Restaurant Fraud Risks

Final Recommendations: Finding the Right Fit

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right restaurant payment solution should align with:

• Your size and transaction volume

• Service model (QSR, full-service, multi-location)

• Future growth plans

Restaurant Payment Solutions in the US

Square for Restaurants｜Best for Small & Independent Businesses

Square is a favorite among small and seasonal operations thanks to its flat-rate pricing, intuitive setup, and wide hardware compatibility.

Best for: Food trucks, cafes, pop-ups, or restaurants with basic needs and tight budgets.

Toast｜Best for Full-Service Restaurants Wanting Robust Features

Toast is built specifically for restaurants and excels in streamlining operations, from front-of-house to kitchen and guest engagement.

Best for: Full-service restaurants aiming to grow through loyalty, service efficiency, and data-driven decisions.

Eats365｜Best for Growing & Multi-Location Restaurants Seeking Flexibility

Eats365 is a modern, cloud-based POS system designed for scalability and customization. It offers modular features like self-ordering kiosks, mobile payments, CRM, inventory, and delivery integration—making it ideal for restaurants that want flexibility without sacrificing functionality.

Best for: Multi-location restaurants, chains, and tech-forward establishments looking for a customizable, mobile-friendly, and future-proof POS system that adapts to complex operations and growth.

Ready to Upgrade Your Restaurant Payments?

Platforms like Eats365 offer flexible, secure, and scalable POS systems to help future-proof your business. Contact Eat365 for a personalized demo and discover how the right technology can transform your guest experience.

 FAQs

What are key features of restaurant payment solutions? 

EMV chip processing, NFC/contactless payments, mobile wallet support, online ordering integration, pay-at-table functionality, and loyalty program support. 

How do restaurant payment solutions improve efficiency? 

They speed up the checkout process, reduce human error, automate reconciliation, and enable faster table turnover with tools like QR code payments. 

Which payment types should a solution support? 

Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover, EMV chip, tap-to-pay (NFC), Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo, and gift cards. 

Are new restaurant payment systems secure? 

Yes. Modern systems typically include end-to-end encryption, tokenization, PCI DSS compliance, and fraud prevention tools. 

Do restaurant payment solutions integrate with POS systems? 

Most do. Seamless integration ensures synchronized order and payment data, improving efficiency and customer experience.