Summary: Learn about Tithely's standard payment processing rates in Australia, how our platform aligns with the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) card surcharge rules, and how the voluntary "Cover the Fees" feature remains fully compliant.
Before You Begin
- Our Processing Rate: Our standard Australian payment processing rate is 1.9% + 30 cents per transaction.
- Compliance: Mandatory card-specific checkout surcharges are strictly prohibited on our platform in accordance with the latest Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) regulations.
- Voluntary Contributions: Tithely's "Cover the Fees" feature functions as an opt-in donation boost and operates fully within RBA guidelines.
Payment Processing & Regulatory Compliance
Our Rates & Pricing Structure
Our standard payment processing rate is 1.9% + 30 cents per transaction. This flat rate covers:
- Card network interchange and assessment fees
- PCI-DSS compliance and security infrastructure
- Direct gateway operations and fraud detection
- Continuous platform updates and uptime maintenance
RBA Card Surcharge Rules & Compliance
In accordance with Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) regulations and card network guidelines, mandatory card-specific checkout surcharges are strictly prohibited. Our platform operates in full alignment with these rules:
- No Mandatory Surcharges: Mandatory extra fees applied solely for selecting a card payment method are disabled across our platform.
- Voluntary Fee Coverage ("Cover the Fees"): Optional "cover the fee" features on our platform are strictly voluntary and opt-in for end-users. Because these contributions are non-mandatory and unbundled from payment method selection, they function as optional support contributions rather than card-specific payment surcharges under RBA rules.
At Tithely, our commitment has always been to serve the local church with excellence while operating in full compliance with the laws and regulations of every market we serve. As these regulations evolve, we'll continue to ensure our platform meets the required standards while keeping our focus where it belongs—helping churches and ministries fulfil their mission.
Every day, our teams across Australia and the United States work to build and support technology that enables generosity and strengthens churches. Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. We remain committed to providing the exceptional service, innovation, and support you deserve.
Legal DisclaimerThe information on this page is provided for general informational and operational guidance regarding our platform features and does not constitute formal legal, financial, or regulatory advice. Business owners should consult independent legal or compliance counsel regarding their specific obligations under Australian Consumer Law and RBA regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the voluntary "Cover the Fee" feature compliant with RBA rules?
Yes. RBA guidelines target mandatory fees added as a direct condition of choosing a card payment. Voluntary, opt-in features (where an end-user actively chooses to add a contribution) do not constitute a card payment surcharge.
What determines the processing rate?
The flat processing fee covers total payment infrastructure costs, including network interchange fees, gateway hosting, automated security checks, and platform maintenance.
Why is our processing rate structured at its current level?
Our rate covers the complete cost of accepting online payments: including gateway hosting, PCI-DSS compliance, continuous fraud monitoring, platform uptime, and the blended interchange/network fees billed by financial institutions.
Why is Tithely charging a processing fee under these new rules?
Tithely charges a processing fee because accepting digital payments incurs real operational, software, and financial network costs and charging for these platform services remains fully permitted under the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) rules.
The distinction between Tithely’s processing fee and the RBA surcharge ban lies in three key areas:
- Service Fees vs. Payment Surcharges: The RBA’s surcharge ban prohibits merchants from adding mandatory, extra checkout fees onto a consumer’s purchase strictly for choosing to pay by card. By contrast, Tithely’s processing fee (e.g., 1.9% + AU$0.30 per donation) is a service fee billed to the organisation (the church or non-profit). It covers platform development, PCI-DSS security compliance, gateway hosting, payout operations, and customer support. The RBA explicitly clarifies that payment gateway, software, and transaction processing fees billed by service providers are fees for services rendered, not consumer payment surcharges.
- Underlying Financial Infrastructure Costs: Even with the RBA lowering interchange fee caps, financial networks (Visa, Mastercard, eftpos, and issuing banks) still charge underlying interchange and scheme assessment fees for every electronic transaction. Tithely must pay these underlying banking and card scheme costs to move funds from the donor’s account to the church's bank account.
- Voluntary "Cover the Fees" is a Gift, Not a Mandatory Surcharge: When a donor toggles Tithely’s optional "Cover the Fees" feature, they are choosing to increase their voluntary tax-deductible donation so the organisation receives 100% of the intended gift amount.
Because this contribution is:
- Fully voluntary (opt-in)
- An increase in the total gift amount rather than a mandatory fee required to complete a transaction
It operates as an optional donation boost and does not trigger RBA card surcharging restrictions.
At Tithely, our commitment has always been to serve the local church with excellence while operating in full compliance with the laws and regulations of every market we serve. As these regulations evolve, we'll continue to ensure our platform meets the required standards while keeping our focus where it belongs—helping churches and ministries fulfil their mission. Every day, our teams across Australia and the United States work to build and support technology that enables generosity and strengthens churches. Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. We remain committed to providing the exceptional service, innovation, and support you deserve.