What payment methods should salons accept?
Most Australian salons should accept card payments (credit/debit), digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay), and cash. Domestic card fees are typically around 1.5-2%, lower than international rates. For online bookings, card payments enable deposits that reduce no-shows.
Essential payment methods
Card payments (credit and debit)
The standard for most businesses. Clients expect to pay by card, and refusing cards limits your customer base. Pros: Widely expected, enables online payments, faster than handling cash. Cons: Transaction fees (typically 1.5-3% + small fixed fee).
Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
One-tap payments using phones or watches. Increasingly popular, especially with younger clients. Pros: Fast checkout, feels modern, same fees as card payments. Cons: Requires compatible payment terminal or online payment system.
Cash
Still preferred by some clients and has no transaction fees. Pros: No fees, immediate access to funds. Cons: Handling/banking time, security concerns, can't use for online deposits.
Online payment considerations
If you offer online booking, accepting online payments enables:
Deposits
Collect payment when clients book, reducing no-shows. Options include fixed amount (e.g., $30 deposit) or percentage of service (e.g., 25%).
Full prepayment
Some salons require full payment at booking for certain services.
Easier refunds
When payments are digital, refunds for cancellations can be processed automatically.
Understanding transaction fees
Standard card processing fees in Australia:
- Domestic cards: Around 1.5-2% + small fixed fee
- International cards: Higher rates (2.5-3%+)
- Digital wallets: Same as the underlying card
Some salon software adds an application fee on top of payment processor fees. Factor this into your pricing decisions.
Tips for payment setup
Make cards easy
If clients have to ask how to pay or wait while you find the card machine, the experience suffers.
Display accepted methods
A small sign showing accepted payment types avoids awkward conversations.
Consider contactless
Most modern cards and all digital wallets support contactless. Tap-and-go is faster for everyone.
For online bookings
If you're taking deposits or prepayments, ensure your booking system integrates with a reliable payment processor (Stripe, Square, etc.).
Cash handling
If you accept cash:
- Have change available
- Count in front of the client
- Issue receipts
- Bank regularly for security
- Keep cash records for accounting
The bottom line
At minimum, accept cards and digital wallets. Keep cash as an option if your clients use it. For online bookings, integrated card payments enable deposits that protect your time and reduce no-shows.
The small transaction fees are usually worth the convenience for both you and your clients.
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