Toast has become one of the most widely adopted point-of-sale systems in the restaurant industry, offering online ordering, payment processing, and customer management tools. As restaurants shift toward digital channels to capture direct orders, understanding toast online ordering pricing and fees is essential for making informed decisions about your technology stack. This guide breaks down every component of Toast's pricing structure—from base subscription costs to payment processing rates—so you can accurately forecast your monthly expenses as of January 2026.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Subscription | Plans start around $69/month; Starter Kit available with $0 monthly fee but higher processing rates |
| Online Ordering Add-On | Approximately $75/month (not included in base plans) |
| Online Processing Fees | Typically ~3.5% + $0.15 per transaction; varies by plan and card type |
| Additional Modules | Third-party integrations, loyalty, gift cards: ~$75/month each |
Toast Online Ordering Pricing and Fees
Online ordering is not bundled into Toast's base POS plans. It functions as a separate add-on module that typically costs around $75 per month. This fee grants access to a digital storefront featured on the Toast TakeOut app, with automatic menu syncing that reflects real-time updates to pricing, descriptions, and availability.
For restaurants wanting a custom-branded website with integrated ordering, Toast offers a bundled option starting at approximately $149 per month. This package combines the online ordering module with a website builder, allowing you to capture orders directly from your own domain.
Toast's online ordering operates on a commission-free basis—unlike third-party delivery platforms charging 20–30% per order, Toast's flat monthly fee means you retain full control over revenue and customer data. However, you'll still pay payment processing fees, which are significantly higher for online (card-not-present) transactions than in-person payments.
Toast Processing Fees
All transactions processed through Toast must use Toast Payments—there's no option to integrate an alternate processor. For online orders, processing fees are notably higher due to increased card-not-present risk.
According to Toast's official breakdown, the processing fee for an online order splits into two components: Toast's service fee and interchange/network fees set by card networks. For example, on a $25 online order, Toast's service fee might be 58 cents, while interchange and network fees add $1.48, totaling $2.06—an effective rate of approximately 8.24% for that transaction.
More broadly, Toast's online processing fees typically fall around 3.5% plus 15 cents per transaction for most card types. American Express transactions are priced slightly higher at approximately 3.89% plus 15 cents. Some plans may see rates closer to 3.39% plus 15 cents. Restaurants with higher monthly volumes or those purchasing hardware upfront may negotiate lower rates, with some merchants reporting rates around 0.77% above cost plus small per-transaction adjustments.
Toast Online Ordering Cost
Calculating the total cost of Toast's online ordering requires considering multiple expense layers. The $75 monthly add-on fee is just the starting point. Processing fees on every online transaction add up quickly depending on order volume.
For a restaurant processing $10,000 in online orders monthly at an effective rate of 3.5% plus 15 cents per transaction, processing fees alone could exceed $350, assuming an average order value of around $30.
Many restaurants also invest in additional features:
- Third-party delivery integrations (DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats): ~$75/month each
- Marketing tools, loyalty programs, gift cards: ~$75/month each
- Website builder bundle: $149/month (includes online ordering)
When stacked together, a fully equipped Toast system can easily reach $400 to $500 per month or more. For restaurants evaluating whether this cost is justified, weigh these expenses against paying 20–30% commissions to third-party marketplaces. With substantial online order volume, the flat-fee model can result in significant savings while retaining full ownership of customer data.
How Much Does Toast Cost Per Month?
Toast doesn't publish a universal monthly price because total cost depends on your specific configuration. Based on available data as of January 2026, here's a general framework:
| Plan/Feature | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Starter Kit | $0 | Higher processing fees (~3.39% + $0.15); best for low-volume restaurants |
| Point of Sale Plan | ~$69 | Requires upfront hardware purchase or financing |
| Online Ordering Add-On | $75 | Standalone module |
| Website Builder Bundle | $149 | Includes online ordering and website |
| Third-Party Integrations | ~$75 per integration | Per platform (DoorDash, Grubhub, etc.) |
| Loyalty/Gift Cards/Marketing | ~$75 each | Per module |
When combining a base POS plan, online ordering, and essential add-ons, many restaurants find total monthly costs landing in the $415–$484 range. High-volume or multi-location operations can see costs climb to $578 or more. Request a detailed quote from Toast Sales for accurate pricing based on your specific needs.
Toast vs Square Fees
According to an official comparison published by Square in September 2024, the two platforms take fundamentally different pricing approaches.
Square's Approach:
- Online ordering bundled at no additional monthly cost
- Flat 2.9% + 30¢ per online transaction
- Straightforward pricing, easy to predict costs
Toast's Approach:
- Separate $75/month fee for online ordering module
- Higher processing fees: ~3.5% + 15¢ (3.89% + 15¢ for Amex)
- Purpose-built for restaurants with deep integrations
- Commission-free model retains full customer data control
While Toast's per-transaction fixed fee is lower than Square's 30-cent charge, the higher percentage rate and added monthly subscription can result in a more expensive solution, especially for restaurants with lower average order values. However, Toast offers advantages for certain operators: deep integrations for kitchen display systems, inventory management, and staff scheduling. Some high-volume restaurants may also negotiate more competitive processing rates.
For a detailed side-by-side comparison, explore our analysis at Toast vs Square Online Ordering.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Beyond core subscription and processing fees, several other cost factors require attention when budgeting for Toast:
Hardware Expenses
While the base plan includes your first terminal, additional devices—handheld tablets, kitchen display screens, customer-facing kiosks—come with their own price tags. Toast offers financing options to spread these costs over time.
Installation and Onboarding
Depending on setup complexity and whether you require on-site training or custom integrations, you may incur professional services fees. Toast provides 24/7 customer support as part of the base subscription, but hands-on assistance during setup may cost extra.
Third-Party Delivery Integrations
While Toast's online ordering captures direct orders, many restaurants still use DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats to reach broader audiences. Integrating these services costs around $75/month per platform, and you'll still pay marketplace commissions on those orders. However, integration streamlines order management by consolidating everything into a single system.
For more insights into how Toast compares to other platforms, check out our guide on Toast Online Ordering Competitors and Alternatives.
Reclaim Your Profits with Sauce
While Toast offers a robust online ordering solution, the combination of monthly subscription fees, elevated processing rates, and add-on costs can still eat into margins. Sauce provides a more cost-effective alternative that eliminates high fees associated with both third-party marketplaces and traditional POS-integrated ordering systems.
Sauce replaces predatory marketplace commissions with a transparent flat-fee model. By connecting your direct online orders to a national network of drivers, Sauce ensures you keep 100% of your profits and 100% of your customer data. Unlike Toast, which charges monthly fees for online ordering plus processing fees exceeding 3.5% per transaction, Sauce's hands-free logistics network integrates seamlessly with existing operations, allowing you to offer premium delivery without layered fees.
Making the Right Decision
Choosing the right online ordering and POS system is one of the most important technology decisions a restaurant can make. Toast's modular pricing offers flexibility and extensive features, but understanding the full scope of costs before committing is essential. The base subscription, online ordering add-on, processing fees, and additional modules quickly add up.
When evaluating toast online ordering pricing and fees, consider not only monthly costs but also the long-term value of owning customer data, efficiency gains from integrated systems, and potential savings compared to third-party marketplace commissions. For some restaurants, Toast's comprehensive feature set justifies the investment. For others—especially those with lower volumes or simpler needs—a more straightforward platform like Square or a commission-free alternative like Sauce may be a better fit.
Map out your specific requirements, request detailed quotes from multiple providers, and calculate total cost of ownership over 12 to 24 months. For additional perspectives on Toast's performance and user satisfaction, explore our collection of Toast Online Ordering Reviews.