Key Takeaways
Choosing the right payment API provider in Australia is critical for platforms that need automation, flexibility, and reliable integrations. Zai’s API connects you to multiple payment rails through a single integration, including PayTo, NPP (real-time), BPAY, BECS, and cards. With webhooks, virtual accounts, and balance accounts, you can manage pay-ins, payouts, and split payments. Settlement times depend on the rail: NPP and PayTo are real-time, BPAY settles the next business day, and BECS takes two to three days. Backed by PCI DSS Level 1 and ISO/IEC 27001 certification, Zai’s APIs provide secure card processing and tokenisation. This gives your platform a future-ready payments infrastructure that scales with growth while keeping customer experiences seamless.
When selecting a payment gateway provider, you will likely consider several factors:
- Scalability: can the provider grow with your business?
- Pricing: what would be the most cost-effective pricing model for your company?
- Payment methods: does the provider allow me to offer the right payment methods for my customers?
- Fraud prevention: does the provider have the right processes in place to reduce chargebacks and prevent fraud?
Whether you are starting a new business, bringing one to Australia, or just looking for better payment gateway providers in Australia, we have gathered a selection of solutions to help you decide on the best option for you.
In this article, we will discuss:
Looking to get started with a payment gateway? At Zai, we help Australian businesses accept multiple payment methods and set up payment workflows that work for their business. Get in touch with us to learn more.
1. Zai
At Zai, we’re a full-suite, solutions-focused payment partner that provides payment gateway solutions for tech-focused companies in Australia. Here are some features and benefits that come with working with us.
We’re a payment partner that can scale with you
At Zai, we take a hands-on approach. We work closely with you to deliver a payment solution tailored to your business, providing the right support every step of the way. With dedicated account managers, you’ll always have a trusted partner to guide you and ensure your payment processes run smoothly.
Some of the other solutions we offer include:
Collect and disburse funds through one integration partner.
With Zai, you can connect card payments (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) directly into your workflows, alongside direct debits, BPAY, and NPP real-time transactions. All of this is managed through a unified API experience, simplifying the way you collect and disburse funds.
- Set up custom payment workflows. Built for platforms with intricate payment flows, Zai supports advanced use cases such as fund collection, split payments, and real-time transfers. These processes are managed through flexible APIs that simplify even the most complex workflows. Our infrastructure is designed to adapt to your business logic, giving you the precision and control needed to handle sophisticated payment operations with ease.
- Reconcile payments automatically. Eliminate the need for manual uploads of ABA or CSV files. Every customer on your platform is assigned a unique virtual account (BSB and account number) linked to their user wallet. Payments made via NPP, direct credit, or PayID are automatically matched and reconciled. Real-time transaction updates are delivered through webhooks, ensuring your records stay accurate and up to date.
- Built for recurring billing, Securely store customer payment methods and initiate recurring payments based on your own logic, whether fixed cycle, usage based, or custom intervals. Our API gives you full control over timing, retries, and workflow automation, with real time updates via webhooks to keep your system synchronised.
For example, Anywhere Auctions needed an innovative way to process payments and reduce fraudulent transactions.
We helped them to:
- Provide their customers with a seamless, hassle-free experience in bidding on items using multiple payment methods on a single platform.
- Give their customers and the host the security that funds are safe during bidding and the assurance of completed payments on sold items.
- Reduce costs in terms of fees and automate the payment processing so that manual reconciliation or a dedicated credit department isn't necessary.
Read more about the case study here: Anywhere Auctions: Bringing Real Estate Sales Home
Our card fees are affordable
Our pricing is designed to support transparency and long-term partnerships. We aim to keep card payment fees as competitive as possible, with clear, upfront structures that give you confidence in what you’re paying for, with no hidden surprises.
Fees start from as little as 1.5% + gateway fee. Contact us for custom enterprise pricing.
Accept more than just card payments
Zai integrates cards, direct debit, BPAY, and NPP (including PayTo) into a single API. This lets you manage all payment types within one workflow, making it easier to support flexible options as your platform grows.
Have the right fraud protection in place from day one
Zai helps protect your business from day one with built-in card fraud safeguards designed for growing platforms. As a PCI DSS Level 1 compliant provider, we ensure the highest standard of card data security. Our infrastructure supports tokenised card payments, real-time transaction monitoring, and verification checks to help detect anomalies and reduce chargeback exposure. By integrating directly into your payment workflows, Zai gives you the tools to manage risk, protect revenue, and create a secure experience for both your platform and your customers.
We’re API first, so you can design payment flows exactly as you need them
By working with Zai, you can offer multiple payment methods with just one API. Our technical documents are clear and easy to follow, and we’ll guide you while you set up your API in the way that works best for your business.
We combine direct debits, card payments, BPAY, and real-time bank transfers in one API, making it easy to build a fully automated solution that fits your existing setup. This unified approach helps you simplify integration, reduce operational overhead, and offer more payment options to your users.
We simplify reconciliation by assigning each customer a unique virtual account with a BSB and account number. When payments are received via NPP, PayID, or direct credit, they are automatically matched to the correct customer. You will receive real-time webhook notifications, ensuring your system stays up to date without manual uploads or tracking.
Who is Zai best for?
Zai is best suited for companies that need the following:
- Companies with complex payment workflows requiring customised payment solutions. For example, a proptech company that wants to split payments according to percentages.
- Growing, fast-paced companies that need payments to arrive fast and securely.
- Innovative companies looking to reimagine the industry landscape that need more than one-size-fits-all alternatives.
- Australian businesses who need a payments partner who understand the Australian regulatory landscape.
2. Stripe
Stripe is one of the world's largest payment processors and is best known for providing simple online stores with credit and debit card payment options.
It's present in over 135 countries and has dual headquarters in the US and Ireland. Its main features include:
- Easy-to-use interface and an API that they claim you can install in minutes.
- Standard, out-of-the-box solution with by-the-numbers onboarding.
- A global presence that supports e-commerce expansion into new markets.
- Stripe typically charges 1.7% + $0.30 for domestic cards and 3.5% + $0.30 for international cards.
Community reviews of Stripe
Many customers on platforms like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau express frustration with Stripe’s customer support and fund access policies. Some report delayed or halted payouts, sometimes for weeks or months, often tied to account freezes or unclear risk reviews.
On forums like MoneySavingExpert, users describe situations where Stripe placed a portion of their funds under reserve for extended periods due to risk assessments that were not clearly explained.
Reviews commonly highlight slow or unresponsive support, particularly during onboarding, disputes, or fund release processes.
Who is Stripe best suited for? Businesses that require a low-touch, simple solution to get paid.
3. PayPal
PayPal is a well-known name in online payments. Having been around since the early days of online transactions, it benefits from strong brand recognition and a long-standing presence in the industry. This helps customers trust their available payment options.
PayPal offers features designed for e-commerce companies. It has its digital wallet system that allows millions of people to pay without getting out their cards. Its main features include:
- Payment platform that allows businesses to receive credit card payments and transfers from the company's own wallet system.
- An internal dispute resolution system providing trust for platform customers and encourages shopping.
- Global presence, multi-currency payment, and has some customisation tools for checkout and integration.
- PayPal typically charges 2.9% + $0.30 for domestic cards and 3.9% + $0.30 for international cards.
Community reviews of PayPal
Some business users have expressed frustration with PayPal’s handling of fund availability and dispute resolution. Reports indicate that payments are sometimes placed on hold for days or weeks, often due to risk assessments that are not clearly communicated.
Sellers have shared experiences of delayed or withheld payouts, particularly during onboarding or after unusual transaction patterns. In many cases, funds remained inaccessible until verification steps were completed, leading to uncertainty and trust concerns for merchants.
Additionally, feedback on review platforms such as Trustpilot highlights complaints about slow or unresponsive customer support, especially during dispute resolution or payout delays. Many merchants have described the support experience as inconsistent and, at times, unhelpful.
Who is PayPal best suited for? PayPal is ideal for businesses and consumers seeking a simple and effective way to receive payments. It’s a popular choice for small businesses, often serving as an accessible entry-level payment solution.
4. Braintree
Braintree is PayPal's solution to providing more tech-forward solutions for developers.
While PayPal offers simplicity and getting started quickly for businesses of all sizes, Braintree targets more advanced developers who need sophisticated payment solutions. It's for businesses that need more than just credit card processing. Some of its features include:
- The same global reach and features as PayPal (as its subsidiary).
- Contains most of the popular payment methods, such as Apple and Google Pay.
- Optimised for web and mobile.
- Braintree typically charges 1.75% + $0.30 per transaction for domestic and 3.9% + $0.30 for international.
Community reviews of Braintree
Some merchants have reported ongoing challenges with customer service, account stability, and fund holds. Reviews on platforms like Trustpilot highlight issues such as slow or unresponsive support, withheld funds, and difficulties with dispute resolution. ComplaintsBoard also notes long wait times and account freezes during fraud investigations, often without clear communication or timely updates.
Community feedback on sites like MoneySavingExpert and CardSwitcher suggests that smaller businesses may feel overlooked by the support team. Merchants have described opaque decisions regarding fund withholding and limited access to risk management escalation.
Review aggregators such as Business.org and CompareCamp acknowledge Braintree’s strengths, including support for global currencies and seamless integration with PayPal and Venmo. However, small businesses often find the setup process complex and customer service inconsistent, particularly when dealing with fraud or chargeback issues.
Who is Braintree best suited for? Medium to large businesses with developer capabilities growing in size and sophistication, especially those that outgrow PayPal and operate on a relatively comfortable budget.
5. Authorize.net
Authorize.net is the mirror image of Visa. While Visa cards allow customers to pay for things, Authorize.net allows businesses to accept credit cards and other payment methods such as Apple Pay and PayPal.
Its primary function is as a payment gateway provider, both online and offline, and it has limited solutions for more advanced tech development. Some of its features include:
- Online businesses can accept payments from major card providers as well as Apple Pay and PayPal.
- Solutions for different levels of expertise, from businesses that need to accept payments for products to advanced developers needing specific tools.
- Brand recognition and the ability to integrate the payment solution into your own website.
- Authorize.net charges a monthly fee of US$25 for the gateway and merchant account and 2.9% + US$0.30 per transaction.
As a counterpart to the largest credit card provider in the world, Authorize.net has a better fee scheme than many of its competitors. But its main focus is on providing credit and debit card payments, so additional services such as digital wallets, eChecks and customisable payment schemes are more "add-ons" than main features.
Community reviews of Authorize.net
Community feedback on forums like Reddit and Trustpilot indicates that Authorize.net is generally reliable but can feel outdated compared to newer competitors. Small business users report challenges with integration, especially if not using one of the platform’s prebuilt shopping cart partners, and cite slow response times from support when troubleshooting API issues.
Review aggregators such as Merchant Maverick and Capterra highlight Authorize.net’s robust fraud protection tools and support for recurring billing as key strengths. However, they also note that pricing can be confusing due to multiple plan types, and that some merchants experience delays with account approvals or sudden risk holds, particularly when processing larger transactions.
Who is Authorize.net best suited for? E-commerce companies looking to get a reliable way to get card payments.
What matters most when choosing a gateway payment partner?
With so many payment gateway providers in Australia, it can take time to figure out which is the best for you. Although some seem relatively similar, there are some striking differences between them. Here is what our experts believe might help you pick the perfect option for your business.
1. What fees do they charge?
Payment gateway providers often compete fiercely on pricing to attract clients, but the differences between them go far beyond cost. Larger, well-established firms may offer lower prices but often lack the flexibility to cater to unique business needs. In contrast, bespoke solutions provide tailored services but come with customised and often higher pricing.
Meanwhile, innovative start-ups aiming to disrupt the industry may prioritise aligning with your business goals over offering the lowest price. For smaller businesses seeking a straightforward, out-of-the-box solution to enable card payments, affordability might take precedence.
Relying solely on pricing to choose a payment gateway provider in Australia can be a double-edged sword. While it is tempting to opt for the most budget-friendly option, doing so could mean missing out on a solution that truly aligns with your business requirements.
Price is undoubtedly an important factor, but it should not be the sole consideration. Always ensure the provider’s offerings match your specific needs to get the best value for your investment.
2. Do they offer an integrated or hosted API?
Some websites allow customers to make payments directly on their platform, while others require opening a pop-up window to verify the customer account and process the payment on a partner platform, such as PayPal.
While it can be reassuring for customers to know their payment is handled by a company they recognise, redirecting them away from your platform adds complexity to the payment process. This is one of the key reasons users abandon their carts.
When deciding between the two options, it is important to have an internal discussion about what will work best for your customers. If you have a complex payment workflow and want full control over the customer journey, an integrated API is likely the better choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a ready-made solution that is easy to implement, a hosted API may be more suitable.
It is also essential to consider your PCI DSS compliance requirements with these options. A hosted form solution reduces the effort required to achieve PCI DSS compliance and the associated assessment overheads. However, with a more integrated approach, the PCI DSS compliance burden falls entirely on the business.
3. What’s the settlement time?
With certain payment gateways, it can take up to ten days for a payment to process. Other companies offer "buyer protection" by not releasing the funds until the buyer acknowledges receipt of the goods or services. If you are selling items overseas, which can take weeks to arrive, this could mean waiting a long time for your funds to become available.
This can be an even bigger problem if you're looking to disrupt the current market by offering a faster service through new technology. For example, food delivery apps must ensure they complete payments quickly and allow tipping.
When choosing a payment gateway provider, make sure to ask what the settlement time is and if it’s fast enough for your business.
4. Do they offer good customer service?
Many of Australia's best-known payment gateway providers are large multinational corporations with a set way of doing things. They might have offices in Australia, but they provide their customer service elsewhere and not within your business hours.
This can increase the lag time in dealing with problems as they arise. It also means that company representatives might not be aware of Australian legislation and payment practices.
For example, if one of your customers in Sydney has a payment issue and your payment service provider representative is in San Francisco, you risk losing that client.
With dedicated Account Managers based in Australia, you’ll help reduce stress and be able to escalate major issues to your clients immediately. If this is important to you, make sure the payment gateway has dedicated account managers based in Australia in addition to quick turnaround times on email requests.
5. Are you well protected as a business?
Some payment providers prioritise the end-user experience but leave businesses without support when issues arise. Disputes, failed transactions or unexplained delays can impact your operations, and it’s often unclear who to speak to or how to get a resolution.
At Zai, we give you visibility over the full payment flow and provide tools to help you monitor transactions in real time. Through webhooks you can configure alerts for key payment outcomes and build automated workflows that reflect your risk policies. Our onboarding and monitoring standards are designed to protect the integrity of the platform while keeping you in control.
If support and transparency matter to your business, choose a provider that backs you as well as your customers.
What makes Zai the right payment gateway provider in Australia?
Zai has been providing gateway payment solutions in Australia for over a decade. Our team of experts has helped Australian businesses collect, split, and disburse payments, supporting major online marketplaces, platforms, and start-ups as they grow and succeed.
With a full suite of customisable solutions tailored to your business needs, we simplify the complexities of managing payments and support your future expansion.
Want to learn more about how we can help your business? Get in touch with one of our experts today.
| Provider | Domestic Card Fee | International Card Fee |
| Zai | From 1.5% + gateway fee | Custom pricing |
| Stripe | 1.7% + $0.30 | 3.5% + $0.30 |
| Paypal | 2.9% + $0.30 | 3.9% + $0.30 |
| Braintree | 1.75% + $0.30 | 3.9% + $0.30 |
| Authorize.net | 2.9% + $0.30 + $25/month | 2.9% + $0.30 + $25/month |
This information is correct as of September 2025. This information is not to be relied on in making a decision with regard to an investment. We strongly recommend that you obtain independent financial advice before making any form of investment or significant financial transaction. This article is purely for general information purposes.
Sources:
- https://stripe.com/au/pricing
- https://www.paypal.com/au/business/paypal-business-fees
- https://www.paypal.com/au/enterprise/paypal-braintree-fees
- https://www.authorize.net/sign-up/pricing.html
- https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/stripe.com
- https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/south-san-francisco/profile/payment-processing-services/stripe-inc-1116-437157/complaints
- https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6466709/stripe-holding-money-in-reserves
- https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.paypal.com
- https://www.g2.com/products/paypal-braintree/reviews
- https://comparecamp.com/braintree-review-pricing-pros-cons-features/
- https://www.business.org/finance/payment-processing/braintree-review/
- https://www.capterra.com/p/221412/authorizenet/
- https://www.merchantmaverick.com/reviews/authorize-net-review/
- https://www.paypal.com/us/brc/article/understanding-disputes#:~:text=PayPal%20will%20notify%20you%20by,or%20refunded%20to%20the%20buyer
- https://stripe.com/en-au
- https://www.paypal.com/au/home
- https://www.authorize.net/
- https://www.g2.com/products/stripe-connect/reviews#survey-response-5439881
- https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/stripe.com
About the Author
Senior Account Manager
A seasoned fintech specialist who helps fast-growing platforms solve complex payment challenges through tailored, scalable solutions. With a background in startups, SaaS, and business development, he brings a consultative approach that blends technical insight with commercial impact.
