With Albania's new POS law 2026, every merchant must decide: which digital payment solution to choose? The market offers two main options: the traditional POS terminals we all know, and the new SoftPOS solutions that turn your phone into a payment terminal.
In this article, we'll compare these two solutions in every aspect: cost, security, usability, activation time, and suitability for different business sectors. By the end, you'll have a clear idea of which solution is right for your business.
What Is a Traditional POS Terminal?
A traditional POS (Point of Sale) terminal is a physical device connected to the business's bank account to accept debit or credit card payments. It's typically a small box with a screen, keypad, and card reader.
To get a traditional POS terminal, the merchant must apply through a bank or service provider, go through a verification process lasting 2–4 weeks, sign a 12–24 month contract, and wait for the device to be installed.
- ✓Monthly cost: €30–50/month (service fee)
- ✓Hardware cost: €100–300 (purchase or rental)
- ✓Contract: 12–24 months minimum
- ✓Activation: 2–4 weeks from application
- ✓Maintenance: repairs, replacements, software updates
- ✓Space: takes up counter or desk space
What Is SoftPOS?
SoftPOS (Software Point of Sale) is a technology that turns your phone into a payment terminal. Instead of a separate device, you use an app on your phone to generate a QR code that the customer scans to pay.
With NextPOS, for example, the merchant opens the app, enters the payment amount, and a QR code is generated. The customer scans the code with their phone, gets redirected to the secure Paysera page (European payment processor), and the payment is completed. All in under 30 seconds.
- ✓Monthly cost: €4.99/month (everything included)
- ✓Hardware cost: €0 (use your existing phone)
- ✓Contract: none, cancel anytime
- ✓Activation: within a day
- ✓Maintenance: zero (app updates automatically)
- ✓Space: zero (you always have your phone with you)
Cost Comparison — The Numbers Speak
Let's look at a complete cost comparison over a 12-month period:
| NextPOS (SoftPOS) | Traditional POS | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | €4.99 | €30–50 |
| Hardware (one-time) | €0 | €100–300 |
| Transaction fees | None | 0.5–2% |
| Installation/Activation | Free, within a day | €0–50, 2–4 weeks |
| Annual maintenance | €0 | €50–100 |
| Total Year 1 cost | ~€55 | ~€510–1,000 |
| Savings with NextPOS | — | Up to €945/year |
Practical Differences in Daily Life
Beyond costs, there are significant practical differences that affect daily merchant operations:
- ✓Portability: SoftPOS travels with you, traditional POS stays in one place
- ✓Usability: QR scanning is intuitive for customers of all ages
- ✓Multi-device: NextPOS can be used on several phones simultaneously
- ✓No physical space needed: no counter clutter
- ✓Modern experience: customers see a digitized business
- ✓Real-time reporting: view every transaction directly on your phone
Is SoftPOS Secure?
This is the question many merchants ask, and the answer is clear: yes, SoftPOS is just as secure as traditional terminals, if not more so.
NextPOS is PCI DSS SAQ-A certified, which is the highest international standard for security in the payments industry. Customer card data never passes through NextPOS servers — it's processed directly by Paysera, a certified European processor.
- ✓PCI DSS SAQ-A certification
- ✓AES-256 encryption for every transaction
- ✓Card data is never stored on the merchant's device
- ✓3D Secure 2.0 authentication for secure payments
- ✓Real-time monitoring of all transactions
Which Solution for Which Sector?
The right solution depends on the nature of your business. Here are our recommendations by sector:
Cafes and Restaurants
SoftPOS is ideal. Waiters can accept payments directly at the table without needing to move the customer to the checkout. For outdoor terraces, it is the only practical solution. No cables, no extra equipment.
Small Shops
For most small shops, SoftPOS is the most economical solution. The cost savings are significant, and customers quickly get used to QR scanning. Only for stores with very high transaction volumes might a traditional POS be considered.
Taxi and Transport
SoftPOS is practically the only option. A taxi driver has nowhere to place a heavy POS terminal, nor access to power outlets during the ride. The phone is always there.
Salons and Barbershops
SoftPOS keeps the environment clean and professional. No cables, no devices on the work counter. Payment is completed elegantly with a QR code scan.
Pharmacies
Contactless payments are especially important in pharmacies where hygiene is a priority. SoftPOS enables payment without any physical contact between merchant and customer.
Street Vendors and Markets
For street vendors at markets, fairs, or events, SoftPOS is the perfect solution. You can start accepting payments wherever you are, without needing any infrastructure. Just your phone.
Conclusion — Our Recommendation
For the majority of small and medium businesses in Albania, SoftPOS is the best solution. It offers the same legal compliance as a traditional terminal, but with up to 90% lower costs, no hardware to buy, no contracts, and activation within a day.
Traditional POS terminals remain a valid option only for businesses with very high transaction volumes at a fixed location, such as large supermarkets. For everyone else, SoftPOS is the future.