POSitouch POS
$79.00
Jason Feemster
POSitouch POS Review 2026
Updated: January 2026 • Verified Q1 2026
Table of Contents
- 1 Pros & Cons
- 2 POSitouch Pricing
- 3 Key Features
- 4 Hardware
- 5 POSitouch vs. Competitors
- 6 Who Should Use POSitouch?
- 7 Customer Support
- 8 FAQ
- 8.1 Is POSitouch still available in 2026?
- 8.2 How much does POSitouch cost?
- 8.3 Can I use my own payment processor with POSitouch?
- 8.4 What is the Advantage Program?
- 8.5 Should I choose POSitouch or SkyTab?
- 8.6 Does POSitouch require a contract?
- 8.7 What happened to Harbortouch, Future POS, and Restaurant Manager?
- 9 Verdict
Since 1985, POSitouch has provided POS solutions to over 50,000 restaurants and bars worldwide. The Warwick, Rhode Island-based company was acquired by Shift4 Payments in February 2018, joining Shift4’s portfolio of POS brands including Harbortouch, Future POS, and Restaurant Manager.
While POSitouch continues to operate and receive updates, Shift4 now positions SkyTab as their flagship restaurant POS. POSitouch remains a solid choice for existing customers or enterprises that need its deep customization capabilities, but new implementations should carefully weigh it against more modern alternatives.
Pros & Cons
- 0% processing via Advantage Program
- Deep customization for complex operations
- Strong quick-service features
- Robust inventory and labor management
- Lighthouse cloud reporting (Shift4)
- Scalable from 1 to 50+ terminals
- 24/7 customer support
- Legacy product (SkyTab now flagship)
- No transparent pricing (quote-based only)
- Must use Shift4 Payments
- High annual fees ($99 + $325/device)
- Outdated interface
- Fewer integrations than competitors
POSitouch Pricing
Important: POSitouch does not publish pricing. All rates are quote-based through Shift4 sales representatives. The ranges below are estimates based on industry reports.
| Cost Type | Estimated Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Software | $79 – $300+/terminal | Varies by configuration and terminal count |
| Hardware | Quote-based | CirroTouch terminals, handhelds, KDS |
| Implementation | $1,000 – $10,000+ | Based on complexity and training needs |
| Annual Program Fee | $99/location/year | Shift4 account fee |
| Annual Regulatory Assurance Fee | $325/device/year | Up to 3 devices max ($975) |
Processing Fees
| Transaction Type | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Processing | Quote-based | Interchange-plus or tiered pricing available |
| Advantage Program | 0% effective | Processing fees passed to customers |
POSitouch supports Shift4’s Advantage Program, which can eliminate your credit card processing fees entirely. Three options are available:
- Dual Pricing: Display both cash and card prices. Card-paying customers see the higher price, cash customers pay the base price.
- Supplemental Fee: A fee is automatically added to all transactions, which can be removed for cash payments at the server’s discretion.
- Service Charge: A flat service charge added to checks regardless of payment method.
Note: Advantage Program is incompatible with Debit/EBT transactions. Check state laws for surcharging restrictions.
*Pricing varies significantly. Always get a written quote from Shift4 before signing.*
- Contract Length: Typically 3-5 years
- Early Termination Fee: Yes (varies by agreement)
- Processing: Must use Shift4 Payments
- Hardware: Purchase or lease options available
Key Features
Quick-Service Features
POSitouch is particularly strong for quick-service restaurants, with features built specifically for high-volume, fast-paced environments:
- Fast Bar mode: Optimized for cash-and-carry operations
- Pre-authorization: Start tabs before orders are complete
- Order recall: Quickly retrieve previous orders
- Summary mode: Streamlined order review
- Printer redirections: Route orders to specific prep stations
- Void tracking: Monitor voids and deletes with dollar amounts
- Color coding: Visual indicators for order status
Full-Service Features
- Table management: Visual floor plans with real-time status
- Menu management: Time-based pricing, happy hour, modifiers
- Check splitting: Drag-and-drop splitting by item, seat, or percentage
- Course firing: Control when items are sent to kitchen
- Tableside ordering: SkyTab Mobile handhelds available
Back Office & Reporting
POSitouch integrates with Shift4’s Lighthouse Business Management System:
- Cloud-based reporting: Access data from any device
- 50+ standard reports: Sales, labor, efficiency, inventory
- Real-time alerts: Overtime, voids, discounts, cash control
- PDF exports: Download and print reports
- Multi-location support: Enterprise-level visibility
Integrations (via Shift4 Marketplace)
- Online ordering: SkyTab Online Ordering, DoorDash, Olo, Menufy
- Reservations: EatApp, online booking
- Scheduling: 7shifts, Push Operations
- Accounting: QuickBooks integration
- Delivery: DoorDash, third-party delivery services
- Loyalty: Built-in loyalty and gift card programs
Hardware
POSitouch runs on Windows-based systems and offers several hardware options:
- CirroTouch terminals: Android-based touchscreen POS stations
- SkyTab Mobile: Tableside ordering and payment handhelds
- Kitchen Display Systems (KDS): Digital order management
- Receipt printers: Compatible with major brands
- Cash drawers: Standard integration
POSitouch also supports third-party Windows-compatible hardware, giving you flexibility in equipment choices.
POSitouch vs. Competitors
| Feature | POSitouch | SkyTab | Toast | Square |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $79-$300+ | $29.99/mo | $69/mo | $0-$60/mo |
| Hardware Cost | Quote-based | Free | $0 or $799+ | $149-$799 |
| Zero-Fee Option | Yes (Advantage) | Yes (Advantage) | Limited | No |
| Contract | 3-5 years | 3 years | 2 years | None |
| Pricing Transparency | Quote only | Published | Published | Published |
| Best For | Legacy/Enterprise | Budget-conscious | Growing restaurants | Small/Simple |
| Status | Legacy product | Flagship product | Industry leader | Growing |
Who Should Use POSitouch?
✅ Best fit for:
- Existing POSitouch customers who are happy with the system
- Enterprise restaurants needing deep customization
- Quick-service restaurants with high-volume needs
- Multi-location operations wanting centralized management
- Restaurants using the Advantage Program (0% processing)
- Operations needing 50+ terminals
❌ Not ideal for:
- New restaurant implementations (consider SkyTab instead)
- Businesses wanting transparent, published pricing
- Restaurants that want to choose their own payment processor
- Small restaurants on tight budgets
- Operators who prefer modern, cloud-native interfaces
- Businesses needing extensive third-party integrations
Customer Support
POSitouch provides support through Shift4’s infrastructure:
- 24/7 phone support: Available for technical issues
- Online knowledge base: Shift4 Zendesk documentation
- Dealer network: Local resellers for installation and training
- Lighthouse portal: Online account management
Shift4 maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, though some customers have reported slow response times for complex issues. Support quality may vary depending on your local dealer.
FAQ
Is POSitouch still available in 2026?
Yes, POSitouch is still available and supported. However, it’s now considered a legacy product. Shift4 actively directs new customers to their SkyTab POS platform instead. Existing POSitouch customers continue to receive support and updates.
How much does POSitouch cost?
POSitouch uses quote-based pricing only. Industry estimates suggest $79-$300+ per month per terminal, plus implementation costs ($1,000-$10,000+), hardware, and annual fees ($99/location + $325/device for regulatory assurance). Contact Shift4 directly for a customized quote.
Can I use my own payment processor with POSitouch?
No. Since the Shift4 acquisition, POSitouch requires Shift4 Payments for all credit card processing. You cannot use a third-party processor.
What is the Advantage Program?
The Advantage Program is Shift4’s cash discount/surcharge program that can eliminate your processing fees by passing costs to card-paying customers. Three options are available: Dual Pricing (show cash/card prices), Supplemental Fee (automatic fee that can be waived), or Service Charge. Note: Advantage is incompatible with Debit/EBT transactions.
Should I choose POSitouch or SkyTab?
For new implementations, SkyTab is generally the better choice. It offers transparent pricing ($29.99/mo), free hardware, and a more modern interface. POSitouch is better suited for existing customers or large enterprises that need its deeper customization capabilities.
Does POSitouch require a contract?
Yes, POSitouch typically requires a 3-5 year contract with Shift4. Early termination fees apply. Get all terms in writing before signing.
What happened to Harbortouch, Future POS, and Restaurant Manager?
All four brands (POSitouch, Harbortouch, Future POS, Restaurant Manager) are owned by Shift4 Payments. Shift4 is consolidating these legacy brands under the SkyTab platform. Existing customers continue to receive support, but new customers are directed to SkyTab.
Verdict
POSitouch is a capable, feature-rich POS system with a strong heritage in the restaurant industry. Its quick-service features remain excellent, and the integration with Shift4’s Lighthouse platform provides solid reporting and business management tools. The Advantage Program offers a path to zero processing fees for restaurants willing to pass costs to card-paying customers.
However, POSitouch is now a legacy product. Shift4 clearly positions SkyTab as their flagship restaurant POS, and for good reason—SkyTab offers transparent pricing, free hardware, and a more modern experience. The lack of published pricing for POSitouch and the requirement to use Shift4 processing are notable drawbacks.
Rating: 6.5/10 — Functional and feature-rich, but its legacy status, opaque pricing, and high annual fees make it hard to recommend over modern alternatives like SkyTab.
Recommendation: If you’re an existing POSitouch customer who’s happy with the system, there’s no urgent need to switch. The platform continues to receive updates and support. However, if you’re considering a new POS implementation, we recommend SkyTab for its better value proposition, or Toast and Square for Restaurants as alternatives with transparent pricing and no long-term contracts.
Jason Feemster
POS systems expert and founder of POSUSA.com, a trusted industry resource since 2011. With over a decade of hands-on experience testing and reviewing point-of-sale systems, he helps business owners choose solutions that actually fit their needs.
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