Payment solutions FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions about our payment solutions.

• How do you determine payment solutions fees and why do they vary between businesses?

  Some fees charged by St.George are based on a range of factors (including but not limited to the cost of providing the service to you, the volume and the value of transactions). Therefore the pricing we offer is dependent on your specific business.

• As a start-up business, are there any extra requirements for getting a payment solution?

  No. St.George provides payment solutions to all businesses that meet our application criteria. We understand that establishing a business can be difficult and stressful. So we have specialised staff available to help you select the most appropriate payment solution for your needs.

• What cards will I be able to accept with a payment solution?

  Your EFTPOS facility will be able to accept Visa, Mastercard^®, American Express^®, Diners^® and other debit cards issued by Australian financial institutions. Our internet facilities accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners cards only.

• Does it cost me extra to accept American Express® and Diners® Cards?

  There is no additional cost to register for American Express and Diners Cards. However, we do not set the pricing on transactions, American Express and Diners will determine the pricing for your facility independently.

• What do I need to provide when applying for a payment solution?

  You need several things, including:

  1. A registered business name or company name - registered with the Department of Fair Trading or the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC)
  2. An Australian business or transactional bank account in the name of your registered business
  3. Identification

  Additional information may be required to ensure we fully understand your business requirements.

  Find out what information you need to provide to become a customer

• How do I apply for a payment solution?

  Simply call 1300 760 278 Monday to Friday, 8am - 6pm (Sydney time) and talk to one of our payment solution specialists.

• How long does it take to process my application?

  A standard application takes just 5 business days to process once you've submitted all required information. All applications are subject to St.George's approval criteria.

• Do I need to have a St.George bank account?

  A St.George bank account isn't required for the majority of merchants. However, if you have a St.George transaction account you'll receive the additional benefit of same day settlement, 7 days a week¹, currently available for EFTPOS merchants only.

• What's ‘same day settlement’?

  Same day settlement is a great benefit you get when you combine your St.George payment solution with a St.George transaction account. All transactions processed through your payment solution will be credited to your St.George business account the same day (when you settle your terminal before 9pm EST). This allows you to access your funds faster and helps improve your cash flow. Same day settlement 7 days a week currently available for EFTPOS merchants only.

• Can I choose when my payment solution settles for the day?

  Yes. We realise your business may operate different hours, so we ensure you have the flexibility to choose when your payment solution will settle. Your payment solution can only settle once in a 24-hour period.

• What's a 'chargeback'?

  A chargeback arises when a cardholder disputes a credit card transaction. Chargebacks generally occur due to fraudulent activity on the card, customer disputes, duplicate transactions, merchandise not received, or from authorisation issues. St.George will work with you to address the chargeback. Your bank account may be debited as outlined by the Card Scheme Rules.

• Am I liable for chargebacks?

  Yes, as a merchant you're liable for chargebacks. To help minimise your risk it's important you follow the merchant best practice guides. Support information is provided when you receive your payment solution.

• Can my payment solution integrate with my accounting packages?

  Yes. We have several payment solutions that fully integrate with your accounting or point of sale software. Call us on 1300 760 278 Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm (Sydney time) for more information.

• I don't have a fixed location - do you have a payment solution for me?

  Yes. Mobile EFTPOS allows you to offer EFTPOS to customers wherever you are², reducing the need to carry cash or issue invoices.

• Do I need to use a solutions provider or external gateway to accept online payments?

  Depending on your business requirements, you have the option of utilising the St.George Internet Payment Gateway or an external payment gateway.

• I don't have a website but would like an online solution - how do I accept payments?

  An online payment solution lets you accept credit card payments by a variety of means in addition to via a website. Solutions include using a call centre, interactive voice recognition (IVR), batch payments, mobile payments and many more.

• What's 'PCI-DSS'?

  PCI-DSS is an abbreviation for Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. Organisations processing, storing and/or transmitting credit card details must be PCI-DSS compliant. Compliance is achieved by undertaking two tasks, depending on your transaction volumes. These tasks could include an annual on-site audit, a quarterly vulnerability scan or a self-assessment questionnaire.