elpay.de

What It Is

elPAY is an in-store card payment software solution provided by Germany’s GWK GmbH. It is not positioned as a standalone acquirer or online payment gateway, but rather as middleware that “connects” a merchant’s POS system with WLAN/LAN payment terminals. It enables POS software to trigger terminal-based customer payments quickly and securely, covering use cases such as fixed terminals, mobile terminals, and vending-machine terminals.

Core Capabilities

Based on the site content, elPAY’s main strength lies in its compatibility with the local POS ecosystem. It supports Girocard and credit cards, covers more than 12 technical network operators across the D-A-CH region, and claims support for 99.8% of ZVT-capable terminals. Over the past 22 years, nearly 600 system vendors, POS software providers, and partners have integrated it, resulting in more than 28,000 combinations of POS systems, network operators, and terminal suppliers. Feature-wise, it also highlights tipping, multi-workstation expansion, consistent POS reporting, automatic updates, and error-code assistance.

Pricing and Service

The website does not disclose specific software pricing, transaction fees, terminal fees, or settlement timelines. It only states that free testing is available before purchase and that consultation is free. After-sales support is provided under contract; customers who order elPAY pro can receive phone support for existing installations. Sales and hotline hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00–17:00, which may be less flexible than 24/7 support for merchants operating during peak store hours or on weekends.

Pros and Cons

Its advantages are strong localization for the German market, broad ZVT terminal compatibility, a seemingly lightweight installation and activation process, and the availability of technical materials such as installation manuals, TCP/IP firewall/port/proxy guidance, and terminal error codes. The downside is limited transparency: there is no disclosure of fees, settlement cycles, PCI DSS status, payment licensing, or other compliance details. There is also no clear description of capabilities such as online payments, cross-border acquiring, or subscription billing.

Who It’s For and Access from China

elPAY is best suited to offline retail, hospitality, vending, and POS system integrators in Germany and the wider D-A-CH region—especially merchants that already have POS software and payment terminals and need a stable way to enable local card payments. Chinese users operating stores in Europe may consider evaluating it, but the website and documentation are mainly in German, and the site content does not indicate whether it can be accessed directly from China. If you need a more international or omnichannel online/offline solution, it may be worth comparing Adyen, Stripe Terminal, Worldline, SumUp, Zettle, PAYONE, and similar providers.