Bank POS vs Independent Payment Gateway: Differences and Benefits
The bank POS is the most common choice for Italian stores. But is it really the best? Independent payment gateways like RoxPay offer modern terminals, transparent fees and zero ties to your bank account. The table below compares the two models on €10,000 processed per month: with the bank you typically pay €120-150 and are locked to the account; with a gateway you pay €50-80 and can choose any IBAN. Here's when it makes sense to switch.
Bank POS vs Independent Gateway (on €10,000/month)
| Aspect | Bank POS | Gateway (RoxPay) | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost (€10k processed) | €120-150 (blended) | €50-80 (IC++) | Gateway -40% |
| Account lock-in | Yes, bank account | No, IBAN of choice | Gateway |
| Fee transparency | Opaque blended | IC++ itemised | Gateway |
| Hardware | Often outdated | Android Smart POS | Gateway |
Indicative example. With IC++ you pay real Interchange + Scheme + Markup. RoxPay pays out to any SEPA bank.
How the traditional bank POS works
The bank POS is an all-in-one package: you open your business account at the bank, and the bank "gives" you (or rents you) the terminal. Payouts go to the account you opened there. Fees are often presented as a flat percentage — for example 1.2% — with no breakdown of Interchange, Scheme Fee and Markup.
The advantages: everything in one place, relationship with the branch manager, perceived security. The downsides: opaque blended rates, account-POS lock-in, often outdated hardware, penalties for early termination.
Independent gateway: what it is and how it works
An independent gateway (RoxPay, Stripe, SumUp, etc.) is a payment provider that is not a bank. It supplies the terminal — or API integration for e-commerce — and processes transactions. The key difference: payouts can go to any Italian or European bank account you specify.
The advantages: transparent pricing (IC++), no account lock-in, modern hardware like Android Smart POS, ability to change banks without touching payments. The only requirement is having a business account — but you can keep it wherever you want, including online banks like N26 or Revolut.
Fees: the difference that matters
Banks almost always apply "blended" rates: a flat percentage that hides Interchange, Scheme Fee and their margin. On €10,000 transacted per month, you might pay €120-150 without knowing how it's broken down.
With an IC++ gateway like RoxPay you pay instead: real Interchange (0.20-0.30% on EU consumer cards) + Scheme Fee + fixed Markup (from 0.45%). On the same €10,000, the cost is often €50-80. The savings are real — around 40% — and traceable on your invoice.
When an independent gateway pays off
The gateway is worth it if you process more than €5,000-10,000 per month, want to keep your account where it suits you (N26, Revolut, online bank), are looking for modern hardware and till integration, and want fee transparency.
The bank POS may be enough if you process very little, need the branch relationship for other services (loans, guarantees), or simply don't want to manage another contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I switch to RoxPay do I have to close my bank account?
No. You can keep your account wherever you want. RoxPay pays out to the IBAN you specify: any SEPA bank. The POS and the account are completely decoupled.
Is an independent gateway as secure as a bank?
Yes. RoxPay is PCI-DSS certified and authorised as a payment institution. Funds are segregated and protected. The difference is only in the commercial model: you're not tied to the bank that "gave" you the POS.
How long to switch from bank to gateway?
RoxPay activation in 24-48 hours. Keep your bank account and only change where payouts go: POS switches to gateway, funds to your IBAN.
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Want a POS with no lock-in and transparent fees? RoxPay pays out to any account. Discover the IC++ model.
✓ No monthly fixed costs · ✓ Activation in 24 hours · ✓ Dedicated technical support