The Real Cost of Using Toast POS (2025)

Aug 26

Toast is one of the most widely used POS systems for restaurants, but the sticker price only tells part of the story. If you are considering Toast, here is what you will actually pay over time.

1. Software and Onboarding Costs

Starter Kit (free upfront): Restaurants receive one countertop, handheld, or kiosk device with Toast software at no monthly cost. However, the tradeoff is higher processing fees ranging from 3.09% + $0.15 to 3.69% + $0.15, depending on included features such as loyalty, online ordering, and website builder.

Point of Sale Plan: Starts at $69 per month, plus hardware paid for upfront. With this plan, processing dips to about 2.49% + $0.15 per in-person sale.

Build Your Own Plan: Designed for multi-location or franchise groups. Pricing varies and flexibility comes at a premium.

2. Hardware Costs

If you are not using the Starter Kit hardware, you will be expected to purchase hardware upfront. Typical hardware pricing includes:

Toast Go 2 handheld: about $494
Flex Terminal with Tap: about $719 (plus $50 per month)
Countertop or kiosk systems: $944–$1,034 (plus ongoing support fees)

3. Processing Fees (Card and Online)

In-person (Core plan): about 2.49% + $0.15 per transaction
Online, third-party delivery, gift card, or loyalty-heavy plan: 3.39% to 3.69% + $0.15 on all sales

Toast also uses tiered rate categories (qualified, mid, non-qualified) that vary based on card type and risk, which adds complexity and potential cost.

4. Add-on Services and Monthly Fees

Toast offers many additional features, each with its own monthly cost:

Digital Ordering: $75 per month
Third-party delivery sync: $75 per month
Loyalty program: $50 per month
Gift cards: $50 per month
Kitchen display screens: $674 one-time plus $35 per month
Self-serve kiosks: $1,034 one-time plus $90 per month
Toast-built websites: $75 per month
Payroll bundle: $90 per month plus $9 per employee

5. Implementation and Setup Costs

Setup usually includes training, menu buildout, and sometimes network design. While often wrapped into onboarding, these can include hidden charges. Integration with third-party services such as delivery apps, accounting, or loyalty programs may also involve additional costs.

6. Contract Terms and Termination Fees

Most Toast plans require a two-year contract despite “free” hardware offerings.

Early Termination Fee: Either the remaining monthly software fees, or for Pay as You Go plans, a flat $150 per month for each remaining month. You are still liable for hardware costs if cancelled early. Many customers also report issues with hardware return and billing if cancellation is mishandled.

7. Instant Deposit Fees

Toast offers instant or same-day funding to your bank account, but charges a 1.75% fee for that speed.

8. Operational Considerations

Support features include 24/7 customer service, kitchen display integration, and reporting dashboards with real-time sales metrics and multi-location visibility. While cheaper systems exist, many restaurants value Toast’s reliability and operational tools even at higher cost.

Summary Table

Cost ComponentRange / DetailsSoftware Monthly$0 (Starter Kit) → $69 (Core POS plan) → Custom buildProcessing Rates2.49% + 15¢ (Core) → 3.39%–3.69% + 15¢ (Full Add-on Plan)Hardware (one-time)$0 (Starter Kit) or $494–$1,034 depending on device and planAdd-on Services$25–$100+ per month per feature (loyalty, online ordering, gift cards, etc.)Instant Deposit Fee1.75% of deposit amountEarly Termination Fee$150 per remaining month or total software fees due for contract periodSetup and InstallMay include hidden costs depending on integration, network setup, and training

Final Takeaway

Toast offers a robust and restaurant-focused ecosystem, but that convenience comes at a significant cost. The free hardware offer makes entry appealing, but long-term costs compound through high processing rates, subscription bundles, and strict contracts. Restaurant operators should account for hardware purchases, add-on fees, and termination penalties over a two-year period before committing.

Akash Patel