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Understanding the subscription model for payment terminals
The subscription model, often referred to as Hardware as a Service (HaaS), allows businesses to lease payment terminals for a recurring fee. As of 2025, the HaaS market size is estimated at £96.43 billion and is expected to reach £340.62 billion by 20301.
The HaaS model is particularly beneficial for SMBs that require access to advanced payment solutions without the burden of large upfront costs. By capitalising on payment terminal leasing options, businesses stay current with technological advancements and adapt to changing market demands.
Key benefits of leasing payment terminals
Businesses choosing the subscription model benefit in multiple ways.
- Improved cash flow management: Leasing lowers the entry barrier for accessing top payment systems. Predictable monthly fees help SMBs allocate budgets efficiently.
- Access to the latest technology: With routine hardware refreshes, subscribers can always use the latest equipment as payment technology evolves quickly.
- Simplified maintenance and support: Most payment terminal leasing options include full support and warranty coverage, reducing downtime and shifting maintenance responsibility to the provider.
- Flexibility to scale: SMBs can add or return devices based on volume, location changes or growth, which is ideal for seasonal models or expanding retailers.
- Tax and accounting advantages: Monthly lease payments can be classified as operating expenses, offering potential tax benefits over capital equipment depreciation.
- Enhanced compliance and security: Leased devices stay updated with the latest PCI-DSS security protocols, protecting customer data and minimising fraud risk.
- Seamless software integration: Many POS subscriptions include direct integration with inventory, CRM and accounting tools, increasing back-office efficiency.
- Comprehensive value: The subscription model offers more value than traditional ownership through bundled services – benefits include equipment, software updates and customer support.
How the payment terminal leasing process works
POS subscription plans and software costs can usually be tailored to the business’ transaction volume and operational needs.
Step 1: Define requirements
Evaluate business needs, including the number of devices, location layout, types of payments accepted and necessary integrations. Having long-term plans helps determine the ideal payment terminal leasing options.
Step 2: Select the provider
Choose a provider that offers transparent POS subscription packages, dependable support and solutions that support scaling. Clover's POS lineup meets a wide range of operational requirements.
Step 3: Choose devices
Select the appropriate hardware based on your business type. For example:
• Mobile and kerbside transactions: Clover Flex
• Compact spaces: Clover Mini
• Full-service setups needing dual displays and greater functionality: Clover Station Duo
Step 4: Review and sign the lease
Ensure all components of the agreement – billing structure, service response time, upgrade schedule and POS software cost – align with your business needs. Look for flexible terms that support potential growth.
Step 5: Installation and training
Installation and staff training are often included in the lease. Providers like Clover support businesses during onboarding, reducing errors and streamlining adoption.
Step 6: Ongoing support and optimisation
A convenient POS subscription includes regular software updates, remote troubleshooting and device replacements when needed. Many subscriptions also offer usage analytics for business insights.
Making the right business decisions
Opting into a subscription model for payment terminals transforms how businesses manage payments. It offers financial flexibility, scalability and access to the newest technology, all without the high initial investment.
With options tailored to SMBs’ needs, Clover POS solutions enable merchants to experience card machine subscription benefits while ensuring more effective payment processing. Whether expanding locations, managing POS software costs or evaluating payment terminal leasing options, a subscription approach ensures payment systems stay aligned with business growth. Contact us today for flexible and tailored plans.
Bibliography
1 Mordor Intelligence: Hardware as a Service Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)
