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Payment rate updates for Australia and UK 2026

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In this guide you will find information about upcoming changes to TimelyPay processing rates for online and in-salon payments in the UK and Australia, including a new American Express (AMEX) online booking rate. You can also learn how to view your current fee rates using reports in Timely so you can compare them against your existing setup.

For more information on TimelyPay fees for your region, see our help guide TimelyPay: Fees. 
 

Important note: following an annual review, we’re changing our payment rates for online and in-person payments from 5 August 2026, for customers in the UK and Australia. If you are based in the EU or New Zealand, these changes will not apply to your account.

 

 

What's changing 

Effective 5 August 2026, payment rates are changing for customers in Australia and the UK. 


A Online payments, including cardless checkout
  • Standard and international online payment rates are changing for all customers in Australia and the UK.
     

  • A new American Express (AMEX) online rate will be introduced for all customers in Australia and the UK.

     

B In-person payments, including terminal and Tap to Pay
  • Terminal and Tap to Pay rates are increasing for most existing customers in Australia and the UK, with some exceptions. Please refer to your email to see your new payment rates. 
     
  • If you had an in-person payment rate review on or after 1 February 2026, your rates for your terminal or Tap to Pay are not changing. 
     
  • Timely tip: you can view your current payment rates at any time in the product. Simply go to Setup > TimelyPay in your account. 
     
  • For details about your updated rates, please refer to the email sent from Timely with the subject line ‘Upcoming changes to Timely payments’.

 

 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

  • Why is the rate change happening now?
    As part of our annual review, we’re updating TimelyPay processing rates for online and in-person payments. This helps ensure we continue supporting secure payments, fraud protection, and ongoing improvements to our payments platform.

     
  • When do the new rates come into effect?
    The new rates take effect on 5 August 2026 and apply to online and in-person payments in Australia and the UK from that date.

     
  • How much notice have you given us before the rate change comes into effect?
    We’ve provided all customers with 30 days’ notice prior to rate changes. This complies with our terms and conditions of sale.

     
  • I have custom terminal or Tap to Pay rates, does this apply to me?
    Most customers on custom in-person payment rates will receive a standard increase. 

     
  • I started using Timely to take online payments after 6 July 2026, does the rate change apply to me?
    If you started using Timely to take online payments between 6 July and 5 August 2026, your rate change is delayed until 5 November 2026.

     
  • I started using Timely to take in-person payments after 1 February 2026, does the rate change apply to me?
  • If you started using Timely to take in-person payments on a terminal or using Tap to Pay after 1 February 2026, you will not receive this rate change.

     

  • I'm based in Australia, can I still pass on surcharges?
    Yes, you can still pass on in-person payment fees until 1 October 2026. From this date, the surcharge ban – a market-wide regulatory change – will affect all payment providers and Australian businesses won’t be able to pass on debit or credit card payment costs as a surcharge. 

    This means you may need to either absorb those payment costs or review how those costs are reflected in your pricing. We know this is a meaningful change, especially for businesses where most clients pay by card. There's nothing you have to do at this point, and we'll make sure we communicate any changes you need to make in Timely closer to October.

     

  • Can I predict how much this increase will cost me?
    You can estimate the impact by reviewing your TimelyPay transaction reports and applying the new rate changes. Final costs may vary depending on your payment mix, volume, and how clients choose to pay.

     

  • Can I get a discount on my subscription fee to reduce costs?
    If you don’t use a Timely terminal, you can book a call with a payment account manager to discuss available offers, including potential subscription discounts. If you already have a Timely terminal, you may already be receiving a discounted rate.

     
  • I’m not using Timely to take payments, why have I received this information?
    If you have received this email, then according to our data, you have an active Stripe account connected to your Timely account and so legally we have to communicate this change in rates. If you’re not using Timely to take payments, you can disregard this email.

 

Timely note: if you’d like to find out how Timely can help you take payments, including cardless checkout, deposits and cancellation fees, Tap to Pay and more, please book a call with one of our team.  

 

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