Taxi Payments in Australia: Everything Drivers Need to Know in 2025

Taxi payments in Australia have changed dramatically in the past decade. Cash used to dominate, but today passengers expect to tap their card or phone and pay instantly. For drivers, this shift brings huge benefits, faster payments, less handling of cash, and a more professional experience for passengers.

But it also raises questions: Which taxi payment system should I use? What are the rules? How do I accept government subsidy cards?

This guide explains everything Australian drivers need to know about taxi payments in 2025, from EFTPOS machines to the CabFare Tap to Pay app, and why many drivers are switching to CabFare.

How Do Taxi Payments Work in Australia?

Taxi payments now go well beyond cash. Drivers can accept:

• Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and JCB

• Digital Wallets: Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay

• Taxi Subsidy Cards: MPTP, TTSS, and others

• Cash: Still accepted, but less common

To accept these payments, you need either a taxi-specific EFTPOS terminal or a mobile taxi payment app. Retail card readers (like Square or Zeller) aren’t designed for taxis, they don’t handle taxi-specific needs like surcharge limits or subsidy programs.

Learn more about the differences in our guide: Taxi Card Readers vs Retail EFTPOS Machines.

Who Handles Taxi Payments in Australia?

Several providers operate across Australia. The major names are:

• CabFare – Modern solution with zero monthly fees, same-day payouts, and full compliance nationwide.

• Cabcharge – The long-time dominant player; still widely used but known for its 10% passenger surcharge.

• Live Payments – Another option for drivers, offering in-car terminals.

• Tyro – Primarily a retail EFTPOS provider, but powers the CabFare EFTPOS Terminal behind the scenes.

CabFare stands out as the driver-first option: no monthly fees, faster payouts. It’s the choice for more than 5,000 Australian drivers.

Taxi Payment Rules & Regulations by State

Each state and territory has its own rules for taxi payments. Drivers must use systems that comply with local regulations, particularly for surcharges and subsidy programs.

Here’s a snapshot:

• VIC: Must accept MPTP (Multi-Purpose Taxi Program) cards.

• NSW: TTSS (Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme) is mandatory for eligible passengers.

• QLD: Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS) supports passengers with disabilities.

• WA, SA, TAS, NT & ACT: Similar subsidy schemes and compliance requirements.

The Evolution of Taxi Payments – From Cabcharge to CabFare

For years, Cabcharge dominated taxi payments in Australia.

That’s where CabFare comes in offering:

• Zero monthly fees

• Transparent pricing

• Driver-friendly payouts

Today, CabFare is one of the fastest-growing taxi payment solutions in the country.

Taxi Payment Options for Drivers

There are three main ways to accept taxi payments in Australia:

1. Taxi EFTPOS Machines

Heavy-duty terminals designed for taxis.

Pros: Reliable, built-in printer for receipts, works in all conditions.

Cons: Requires installation, more hardware to manage.

See the CabFare EFTPOS Terminal

2. Taxi Payment Apps (Tap to Pay)

Apps like CabFare Tap to Pay let you accept cards on your phone — no terminal needed.

Pros: Quick setup (about 5 minutes), no extra hardware, clean car interior.

Cons: Needs NFC-enabled smartphone (Android 11+ or iPhone XS+).

3. Hybrid Setup

Many drivers keep an EFTPOS terminal in the car and use CabFare Tap to Pay as a backup system. No missed fares if a device runs low on battery or a passenger prefers a printed receipt.

Why More Drivers Are Switching to CabFare

Here’s why more than 5,000 drivers trust CabFare:

• Zero monthly fees – only pay per transaction.

• Next-day payouts – money in your account fast.

• 100% compliance – every state and territory covered.

• Choice of app or terminal – flexibility for every driver.

FAQ – Taxi Payments in Australia

Can I still take cash? Yes, but passengers increasingly prefer cards or mobile payments.

Do I need a taxi-specific machine? Yes — retail EFTPOS machines don’t support subsidy cards and may not meet taxi regulations.

What’s the cheapest way to accept card payments? The CabFare Tap to Pay app is the most affordable, as there’s no terminal rental and no monthly fees.

Ready to Simplify Your Taxi Payments?

Sign up for CabFare today and start accepting card payments with zero monthly fees.

• Drivers, fleets, and taxi networks welcome.

• Fully compliant in every Australian state.

• Get paid faster, with no stress.

Apply now: https://www.cabfare.com.au/apply