Buying: lowest lifetime cost
Buying a terminal outright costs more on day one but nothing thereafter beyond processing. If you keep a device three or four years, ownership is almost always the cheapest path. The risk is obsolescence, but quality terminals stay current for years.
Renting: low risk, included support
Renting keeps upfront cost near zero and usually bundles support, warranty and replacements. If a device fails, you get a new one. It's the simplest option for most small businesses and makes upgrading painless.
Armour Payments rentals are month-friendly with no long lock-in. See our pricing.
Leasing: the expensive trap
Long equipment leases, often 36 to 48 months and non-cancellable, can total several times the price of simply buying the device. They're marketed on a low monthly number that hides the total. Read the term length and cancellation clause before signing anything.
The break-even rule of thumb
If monthly rent times your expected months of use is less than the purchase price, rent. If it's more, and you'll keep the device, buy. Either way, never sign a multi-year lease without doing this arithmetic.
Unsure which fits? Talk to sales and we'll run the numbers with you.