The 7 best Payment Gateway Providers and Services in Australia for 2026

Key takeaways

• A payment gateway is the secure tech that processes online payments between your checkout and your customer’s bank.

• Choosing the right payment gateway in Australia can reduce cart abandonment, FX costs, and payment failures.

• This guide compares 8 leading payment gateway providers in Australia for 2026, including modern fintech platforms like Airwallex, to help you pick the best fit for your business.

Your checkout page is where sales happen or fall apart. After investing in marketing, product development, and customer acquisition, the last thing you want is to lose a sale because your payment gateway creates friction at the final step.

Choosing the best payment gateway for your Australian business means finding a solution that keeps checkout smooth, secure, and fast.

The right payment gateway service provider can help you reduce cart abandonment, accept payments from customers worldwide, and get paid faster. This guide compares eight leading payment gateway providers in Australia to help you find the right fit.

What is a payment gateway provider or service?

When someone buys from you online, a payment gateway is what sits between your checkout page and your customer's bank. When someone clicks "pay" on your website, the gateway captures their card details, encrypts the data, and sends it through the payment network for approval.

Think of it as a secure tunnel that protects sensitive payment information as it travels from your customer to their bank and back to you. The best payment gateways in Australia will do this in seconds, with minimal friction for your customer.

Your gateway affects three critical things: how fast transactions process, how secure customer data stays, and how many payment methods you can accept. A clunky gateway means abandoned carts. A secure, fast gateway means more completed sales.

The top 7 payment gateway providers in 2026

Finding the best payment gateway in Australia depends on your business type, transaction volume, and where your customers are located. Here are eight leading options, each with different strengths depending on what you need:

• Adyen: Global gateway with advanced routing and optimisation for enterprise businesses.

• Airwallex: Multi-currency gateway with like-for-like settlement, ideal for cross-border commerce.

• GoCardless: Direct Debit specialist for subscription and recurring payment models.

• Stripe: Developer-friendly platform with powerful APIs and 100+ payment methods.

• Square: Versatile POS and online payments platform with strong in-person and eCommerce integration.

• PayPal: Trusted name recognition with one-click checkout for consumer familiarity.

• Shopify: Integrated gateway built specifically for Shopify store owners.

Compare the top payment gateway providers in 2026

Key features of the top 7 payment gateway providers

Airwallex

Airwallex combines multi-currency accounts, FX, and payment processing in one end-to-end financial platform. Accept 160+ local payment methods across 130+ currencies and integrate with Shopify, WooCommerce, and other major platforms using no-code plug-ins.

Our key differentiator is like-for-like settlement. When your customers pay in USD, you receive USD. When they pay in EUR, you get EUR.

No forced currency conversion means you avoid unnecessary FX fees, which can save you up to 80% compared to traditional banks. You can collect payments in 130+ currencies and settle like-for-like in 20+ currencies. We provide hosted checkout pages and embeddable payment forms you can brand to match your site.

Beyond payments, you get multi-currency accounts with local bank details in 21 currencies, virtual and physical corporate cards, and expense management and billing tools for your business finances.

Our pricing: 1.65% + 30c for local cards (3.4% + 30c for international cards), 0.5–1% for FX conversion. Plans start at A$29/month, with this fee waived if you deposit at least A$5,000 per month or maintain a A$10,000 balance.

Pros

• Like-for-like settlement in 20+ currencies to eliminate forced conversions

• Can save up to 80% on FX fees vs traditional banks

• 93% of transactions arrive same day, 40% instantly

• All-in-one platform: payments, accounts, corporate cards, and more

• No-code integration with major platforms

• 160+ local payment methods across 130+ currencies

Cons

• Digital-only, no physical branches

• A$29/month fee (waived when you meet the minimum criteria)

• Primarily serves registered companies

• POS hardware still rolling out

Adyen

Adyen operates as both gateway and processor, handling payments across online, mobile, and in-store channels. Adyen supports over 200 payment methods and processes payments in almost 100 countries, with settlement in 30+ currencies.

Adyen's payment routing automatically sends transactions through the path most likely to succeed, which means better authorisation rates. If you're an Australian business with international revenue, the gateway can process locally in each market to cut your cross-border fees. Adyen operates in Australia with local support available.

Adyen's pricing uses an Interchange++ model – you pay the actual interchange fee plus Adyen's markup. Costs vary by transaction type, card brand, and customer location.

Pros

• Extensive payment options with 200+ payment methods

• Payment routing optimisation improves authorisation rates

• Real-time transaction monitoring and analytics

• Australian presence with local support

Cons

• Complex Interchange++ pricing structure

• Built for enterprise – expensive for smaller businesses

• Requires technical resources for set-up

GoCardless

GoCardless specialises in Direct Debit through Australia's BECS system. Instead of card payments, customers authorise you to pull payments directly from their bank account on agreed dates.

This works well for subscription businesses and recurring payments, but can also be used for one-off payments. Once the Direct Debit mandate is set up, payments happen automatically without you having to approve each one. This can reduce churn from expired cards.

GoCardless integrates with Xero and QuickBooks for automatic payment reconciliation. Fees start at 1% + A$0.40c for domestic payments. GoCardless supports collections from 30+ countries with FX conversion powered by Wise, but you can't hold multi-currency balances.

Pros

• Specialises in Direct Debit for recurring or one-off payments

• Lower fees than card processing (1% + A$0.040c)

• Reduces churn from expired cards

• Integrates with Xero and QuickBooks

• Automated payment collection

Cons

• Direct Debit only – no credit card acceptance

• Can't hold multi-currency balances

• Best as a complementary solution, not standalone

PayPal

PayPal accepts credit and debit cards, bank transfers, and PayPal balances. You can also use it for invoicing, subscription payments, and mobile payments.

PayPal can be used for both personal and business transactions, and customers trust the name. But PayPal's higher fees for business transactions can eat into your margins over time.

Pricing is higher than alternatives: 2.9% + fixed fee for domestic transactions, 3.9% for international (2.9% + 1% additional), plus currency conversion fees. PayPal lets you hold multi-currency balances, but the FX margins are not as competitive as other platforms.

Pros

• Widespread consumer trust can boost conversion

• Fast set-up with pre-built integrations

• Accepts major cards and digital wallets

• Multi-currency wallet capability

• Buyer and seller protection

Cons

• Higher fees (2.9% + fixed fee domestic, 3.9% international)

• High FX margins on currency conversion

• Disputes favour buyers

• Limited checkout customisation

Square

Square combines payment processing with point-of-sale hardware and business management tools. You get both online and in-person payments in one dashboard, which works well if you sell across multiple channels.

Square uses flat-rate pricing with no monthly fees for basic usage. In Australia, card-present transactions are charged at 1.6% for sellers who signed up after May 2024 (1.9% for existing sellers using certain hardware). Online/card not present payments are higher at 2.2%.

You get free POS software, invoicing tools, and next-day deposits. Square Reader and Square Terminal provide portable hardware options for accepting tap, chip, and swipe payments.

Pros

• No monthly fees for basic usage

• Unified online and in-person payment management

• Free next-day deposits

• Strong POS hardware options

• Integrated invoicing and business tools

Cons

• Higher online transaction fees (2.2%)

• Limited international payment methods

• Account holds reported for some high-volume sellers

• Less customisation than developer-focused alternatives

Stripe

Stripe is a developer-first payment platform built for businesses of all sizes. The platform offers extensive APIs, pre-built checkout components, and support for 100+ payment methods across 135+ currencies.

In Australia, Stripe charges 1.7% + A$0.30c for domestic cards and 3.5% + A$0.30 for international cards. No monthly fees or set-up costs apply. The platform also supports BECS Direct Debit at 1% + A$0.30 (capped at A$3.50) and various BNPL options.

With Stripe, you can use plug-ins for major eCommerce platforms or tap into powerful APIs for custom builds. Stripe Radar uses machine learning to catch fraud, and Stripe Terminal lets you accept in-person payments with compatible card readers.

Pros

• Extensive API and developer documentation

• 100+ payment methods and 135+ currencies

• No monthly fees or set-up costs

• Machine learning fraud detection (Radar)

• Integrates with major eCommerce platforms

Cons

• Higher international card fees (3.5% + A$0.30)

• May require technical resources for advanced features

• Currency conversion fees for multi-currency payouts

• Phone support limited to higher volume merchants

Shopify

Shopify Payments is built directly into Shopify stores. The gateway accepts all major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay, with payment forms embedded in your checkout to keep customers on your site. You can also accept in-person payments and keep the inventory in sync with your online sales.

Pricing ranges from 1.4% to 1.75% + 30c per transaction depending on your Shopify plan. If you use a different gateway, Shopify charges penalty fees of 0.5-2% on top. Settlement takes 1–3 business days.

The gateway only works with Shopify stores, so it's not suitable for multi-platform sellers.

Pros

• Seamless Shopify integration

• Embedded checkout keeps customers on site

• No extra fees when using Shopify Payments

• Supports major cards and digital wallets

• Auto-syncs with orders and inventory

Cons

• Only works with Shopify stores

• Penalty fees (0.5–2%) for alternative gateways

• Slower settlement (1–3 business days)

• Limited customisation

• Not for multi-platform sellers

Top features to look for in a payment gateway service provider

Different payment gateways excel at different things. When comparing options, look at the features that actually affect whether customers complete checkout and how smoothly your operations run:

• Checkout experience: Look for a gateway that keeps customers on your site throughout the payment process. When customers get redirected to external pages, they're more likely to abandon their cart. The best gateways let you embed checkout that matches your branding.

• Multi-currency support: if you sell internationally, make sure the gateway lets customers pay in their local currency, and find out how much you'll pay in conversion fees.

• Payment method coverage: can you accept the payment methods your customers prefer? This includes credit cards, digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, buy-now-pay-later options, and local payment methods for international customers.

• Security and compliance: your gateway needs to be PCI DSS compliant to protect card data. Look for tokenisation, 3D Secure authentication, and fraud detection that works in real time without slowing customers down.

• Integration ease: the gateway needs to connect to your eCommerce platform, accounting software, and the other tools you use without requiring a development team. No-code integrations save you development time and help avoid errors.

• Settlement speed: how quickly do funds hit your account? Some gateways settle same-day, others take 2–3 business days. The faster you get your money, the more flexibility you have to reinvest in growth.

• Multi-currency support: if you sell internationally, make sure the gateway lets customers pay in their local currency, and find out how much you'll pay in conversion fees.

• Transaction success rates: even small improvements in approval rates (the percentage of payments that go through) can make a real difference to revenue. The best payment gateway providers automatically route transactions to increase approvals.

• Transparent pricing: look for clear fee structures with no hidden charges. Some gateways quote low rates but add fees for currency conversion, chargebacks, or international cards that quickly add up.

Common pricing models explained

To avoid hidden costs, you need to understand how payment gateways charge for their services. Most providers use one of three pricing models:

Flat-rate pricing

This model is straightforward: you pay a fixed percentage and a small fixed fee for every transaction, like 1.7% + 30c. It's predictable and easy to understand, which is why small businesses and start-ups often use it. But it can get expensive at high volumes.

Interchange++ pricing

This one's transparent, but can also be complex: it breaks down your fee into three parts: the interchange fee (paid to the customer's bank), the scheme fee (paid to the card network like Visa or Mastercard), and the acquirer's markup (++).

Subscription pricing

Some providers charge a monthly platform fee in exchange for lower per-transaction rates. If you process high volumes consistently, the fixed monthly cost can work out cheaper overall.

How do payment gateway providers work?

When you make a payment, the gateway securely transmits your payment information from the merchant to your bank. It verifies the transaction with your bank or credit card company, then makes sure the funds get transferred to the merchant. Payment gateways also handle fraud detection and chargeback processing, protecting both the customer and the merchant.

Payment gateway vs payment processor: what's the difference?

People often use these terms interchangeably, but they're actually different parts of the payment journey.

Your payment gateway is what your customer sees and interacts with. It sits on your checkout page, captures payment details, and encrypts the data before sending it to get processed. This is what your customers interact with directly.

Your payment processor works behind the scenes, communicating with banks and card networks to move money from your customer's account to yours.

Many modern payment gateway providers in Australia bundle both services together. Airwallex, for example, acts as both your gateway and processor, which simplifies set-up and can cut your costs since you're only paying one provider.

Why businesses choose Airwallex as their payment gateway

If you're looking for modern payment technology combined with the financial infrastructure you need to grow, Airwallex delivers both. When you use our gateway, you can accept payments from 180+ countries while eliminating the hidden FX fees that eat into your revenue.

When customers pay you, funds settle in their original currency. No forced conversions, no inflated exchange rates. You decide when and how to convert currencies, saving up to 80% compared to traditional bank rates. 93% of transactions arrive the same day, with 50% arriving instantly.

You can integrate our gateway with your existing eCommerce platform in minutes – Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, or custom-built stores. Customers can pay with cards, digital wallets, or local payment methods popular in their region.

Beyond the gateway, you get multi-currency accounts with local bank details in 21 countries, corporate cards, automated accounts payable, and real-time analytics.

Frequently asked questions about payment gateway providers

What is a payment gateway provider?

A payment gateway service provider supplies the technology that captures payment information from customers and securely transmits it through the payment network for authorisation. The gateway sits between your checkout page and the banking system, encrypting sensitive data and managing the communication between all parties involved in the transaction.

What's the difference between a payment gateway and a payment processor?

A payment gateway captures and encrypts payment data from your customer at checkout. A payment processor communicates with banks and card networks to authorise and settle transactions. Some companies like Airwallex provide both services, while others specialise in just one, requiring you to work with multiple providers.

How much does a payment gateway cost?

Most providers charge 1.6% to 2.9% per transaction for a payment gateway, with some adding a fixed fee of around 30c and monthly or currency conversion fees. Pricing structures vary significantly between providers. Calculate total cost based on your specific transaction volume, average sale amount, and where your customers are located.

How do I choose the best payment gateway for my business?

Identify your specific needs including customer location, preferred payment methods, transaction types, and fund access timing. Then evaluate gateways based on fee structure, integration capabilities, security features, and support quality rather than just the lowest advertised rate.

Are payment gateways secure?

Reputable payment gateways use PCI DSS compliance, encryption, tokenisation, and fraud detection, though security quality varies between providers. Look for PCI Level 1 certified gateways that use tokenisation to protect stored card data.

Sources

1. https://www.adyen.com/en_AU/pricing

2. https://gocardless.com/en-au/pricing/

3. https://www.paypal.com/au/business/paypal-business-fees

4. https://squareup.com/au/en/payments/our-fees

5. https://stripe.com/au/pricing#standard-pricing

6. https://www.shopify.com/au/pricing

7. https://www.worldpay.com/en-au/pricing

8. https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/australia-ecommerce-market

Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on our own online research. Airwallex was not able to manually test each tool or provider. The information is provided for educational purposes only and a reader should consider the specific requirements of their business when evaluating providers. This research is reviewed annually. If you would like to request an update, feel free to contact us at [[email protected]]. This information doesn’t take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. If you are a customer of Airwallex Pty Ltd (AFSL No. 487221) read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for the Direct Services available here.