Surcharge ban: 1 Oct 2026113d:00h:20m:49sQwikPay for Merchants →

Stripe merchant fees Australia 2026: rates and alternatives

Stripe is a global payments platform available in Australia. Its 1.7% plus $0.30 per transaction model is higher than the flat rates offered by Tyro and Zeller. This page compares Stripe to local alternatives.

Key facts

  • Stripe charges 1.7% plus $0.30 per in-person card transaction
  • No monthly fee on standard plans
  • Higher than flat-rate providers Tyro and Zeller (both 1.4%)
  • Stripe is US-based and global
  • From October 2026, merchants cannot surcharge for card payments

Stripe fee breakdown

ProviderTransaction feeMonthly fee
QwikPay
$0.00Zero fees
Free 12 months, then from $19.99/moNone - QR code only
Stripe1.7% + $0.30None

At $25,000/month in card payments: Stripe costs $0.30 x number of transactions + 1.7%. Assuming 50 transactions at $500 each = $15 + $425 = $440/month.

How Stripe compares to Australian providers

Stripe's 1.7% plus $0.30 model is more expensive than all major Australian EFTPOS providers. Square charges 1.6%, Tyro and Zeller charge 1.4%, and bank providers charge 0.5-1.8%. For most Australian merchants, local providers offer better value.

October 2026 surcharge ban impact

From 1 October 2026, Stripe merchants can no longer add a surcharge to Visa, Mastercard, or EFTPOS transactions. Stripe's 1.7% plus $0.30 fee continues and comes directly out of your margin.

The only option with $0 transaction fees and instant settlement

Tyro, Square, and Zeller all charge a percentage of every card transaction and settle funds the next business day. QwikPay charges merchants nothing per transaction. Payments are processed through the QwikPay wallet via QR code, not through a card network. No interchange. No scheme fee. No merchant service fee. Settlement is instant and on-demand - withdraw to your bank account whenever you choose, not when your provider decides. QwikPay sits alongside your existing terminal as an additional payment option. Your current setup stays exactly where it is.

Apply free - 12 months free if you sign up before 30 August 2026

Frequently asked questions

What does Stripe charge per transaction in Australia?

Stripe charges 1.7% plus a fixed $0.30 per in-person card transaction in Australia. This is one of the highest rates among major EFTPOS providers.

Does Stripe require a monthly fee?

No. Stripe charges no monthly fee. You only pay the per-transaction rate of 1.7% plus $0.30.

Is Stripe cheaper than Square or Tyro?

No. At 1.7% plus $0.30 per transaction, Stripe is more expensive than Square (1.6%), Tyro (1.4%), or Zeller (1.4%).

Can I use QwikPay alongside Stripe?

Yes. QwikPay is an additional payment option. Your Stripe integration stays exactly where it is.

What happens to Stripe surcharges after October 2026?

From 1 October 2026, Stripe merchants can no longer add a surcharge to Visa, Mastercard, or EFTPOS transactions. The 1.7% plus $0.30 fee continues and comes out of your margin.

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