How to Setup Payment Gateways in Australia: The Complete Guide for Startup Founders

Let’s be real: if your customers can’t pay you easily, you don’t have a business — you have a hobby.

One of the biggest mistakes early-stage founders make? They overcomplicate or delay setting up payment systems. And it costs them—sales, trust, and momentum. We’ve seen founders manually invoice for months, losing clients who just wanted a simple way to pay on the spot.

Here’s the truth: setting up payment gateways isn’t just a technical step.

It’s your revenue engine.

It’s what lets your customer say “yes” — in one click.

Startups that grow fast make it easy to pay. Startups that stall? They make it hard.

Let's walk through how to setup payment gateways for your business.

Your payment gateway is your revenue engine.

What Is a Payment Gateway?

A payment gateway is the technology that securely processes credit card, debit card, or online payments between your customer and your bank.

Think of it as the digital equivalent of a cash register. But instead of ringing up groceries, it's processing transactions on your website, invoice, or app.

Here’s what this includes:

• Online checkout forms

• Payment buttons

• Mobile point-of-sale (POS) apps

• Embedded invoicing links

• Subscription or recurring billing tools

Each of these can be set up with local or global providers — but only if you understand your options and legal setup.

Why It Matters (and What Happens If You Skip It)

It’s the Core of Revenue

No payment, no business. A streamlined gateway means customers pay faster and with less friction. Slow or clunky systems cause drop-offs.

It Builds Trust and Legitimacy

People hesitate to pay online if the experience feels shady. A smooth, branded checkout shows professionalism and security.

It Impacts Cash Flow

Delays in processing or setup hold back cashflow. Using the right gateway with integrated accounting helps you get paid on time.

It Enables Scale

Recurring billing, digital product delivery, automated invoicing—all require a solid gateway setup to grow without admin overload.

Real World Example

A wellness coach launched her first online program with strong demand. But instead of integrating a payment gateway, she asked customers to pay via bank transfer (an extra manual step in her sales strategy). Result? 40% of interested buyers dropped off at checkout.

When she switched to Stripe and connected it to her booking tool, sales doubled in just 3 weeks. No follow-ups. No friction. Just clean, instant revenue.

The lesson: People won’t chase you to pay you. But when it’s one-click easy? You get paid faster — and more often.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before you dive in, make sure you’ve gathered these:

• An ABN or business registration (essential in Australia)

• A business bank account (not personal)

• Business contact details (phone, email, address)

• Website or platform where payment will be taken

• Clear list of products/services and pricing

• Your refund policy and privacy policy (required for many providers)

Having these ready upfront will save you hours and reduce mistakes. Researching other websites (particularly the footer) you will find great examples.

How to Setup Payment Gateways:

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Choose Your Payment Gateway Provider

Popular Australian-friendly options include:

• Stripe (great for subscriptions, global reach)

• Square (in-person + online sales)

• PayPal (easy setup, broad user base)

• eWay (Aussie provider with Xero integration)

• Shopify Payments (if using Shopify for ecommerce)

Mentor Tip: Look at fees, features, and integrations. Stripe is powerful, but Square may suit you better if you sell face-to-face.

Step 2: Set Up Your Business Profile

Each platform will ask for:

• Legal business details

• Bank account for payouts

• ID verification

• Website or product details

Mentor Tip: Use a business email (not Gmail) to appear more credible.

Step 3: Add Payment Gateway to Your Website

Depending on your platform:

• Wix: Use native Wix Payments or add Stripe/PayPal via Marketplace tools

• WordPress: Use WooCommerce + Stripe plugin

• Shopify: Built-in with Shopify Payments or add PayPal

Warning: Test your setup before going live. Always run a $1 transaction to check.

Step 4: Create Invoices or Checkout Buttons

Set up:

• One-time product payments

• Service booking payments

• Subscription links (for recurring payments)

• Invoice templates with embedded pay-now buttons

Mentor Tip: Stripe lets you send custom payment links—perfect if you don’t have a full website yet.

Step 5: Set Up Notifications and Receipts

Ensure:

• You receive alerts on new payments

• Customers receive branded receipts

• Refunds and failed payments trigger notifications

Mentor Tip: Connect your gateway to Xero, QuickBooks, or another system to keep your books tidy.

What It Costs and How Long It Takes

1) Doing It Yourself (Time-Heavy, Low Cost)

• Setup Time: 2–6 hours (including testing)

• Cost: Free to set up with most providers

• Transaction Fees:

  • Stripe: 1.75% + 30c (domestic)

  • PayPal: ~2.6% + 30c

  • Square: 1.9% per tap or online

2) Hiring an Expert (Low Time, High Clarity)

Option	Cost Range
Freelancer	$150–$500 (one-off setup)
Consultant	$250–$500/hr
Agency	$1,500–$3,000+ project

Benefits of Hiring:

• Avoid setup errors and failed payments

• Ensure brand consistency in checkout

• Integrate with tools like email or invoicing

Budget Tip: Have a go yourself as there are plenty of support videos and if you need help, you can always hire a freelancer.

Common Mistakes Founders Make

Using Personal Bank Accounts

This causes tax issues and breaks trust with customers.

Skipping the Legal Policies

Many providers require a refund and privacy policy. Without them, your account can be paused.

Ignoring Mobile Optimisation

60%+ of users will check out on mobile. Test your gateway on all screen sizes.

Not Testing Before Launch

A broken link means lost money. Test every payment type in advance.

Not Connecting to Accounting

You’re creating admin headaches if payments don’t sync to your finance tools.

What to Do Right Now

✅ Download business templates — your shortcut to getting paid faster, with fewer errors. [ProDesk.com]

✅ Need help? Book a setup session with Noize.com.au — we’ll connect your website, gateway, and help setup your site to be converting when you launch.

✅ Grab the StartUp Deck: Includes the full checklist, walkthroughs, and swipe files for setting up every payment option. [StartUpDeck.com]

The Bottom Line

Setting up your payment gateway isn’t just a tech task—it’s a business-critical move.

Get it right, and money flows in smoothly. Get it wrong, and you risk broken trust, failed payments, and admin overwhelm.

FAQs

Do I need an ABN to set up a payment gateway?

Yes, most Australian payment providers require an ABN or sole trader registration.

Which payment gateway is best for service businesses?

Stripe or Square are popular due to flexibility and ease of use. PayPal is easy but less brandable.

Can I set up payments without a full website?

Yes. Stripe and PayPal let you send individual payment links.

What fees should I expect?

Most providers charge ~1.5–2.5% per transaction. Some also have monthly or refund fees.

Can I connect my payment gateway to my accounting software?

Yes. Stripe, Square, and others offer integrations with Xero and QuickBooks.