Most mechanics accept eftpos, Visa and Mastercard at the counter, with Amex and overseas cards costing more to process. Customers reach for credit cards on big repair bills, and phone or card-not-present payments are common for deposits or remote approvals. Add fleet and account customers into the mix, and choosing a merchant facility with a competitive percentage rate becomes one of the more meaningful decisions you make.
Why mechanics fees sit where they do
This indicative blended range reflects typical Australian merchant pricing across eftpos, Visa and Mastercard, with Amex and international cards sitting higher. For a workshop, the percentage component is the part that bites: at 1.5%, a $1,500 repair invoice costs around $22.50 to process, versus cents on a small purchase. Your actual rate depends on card mix, average ticket and pricing model. Fees are indicative only and no saving is guaranteed; always confirm current rates with providers.
What to look for in a provider
Workshops are usually best served by providers that price keenly on the percentage component, since that is where high-ticket repairs feel the cost. Bank merchant facilities, independent acquirers and integrated terminal-plus-software providers all serve the trade, and some pair with workshop management or invoicing tools that take card-not-present payments for deposits and phone approvals. Interchange-plus or blended-rate models can suit different card mixes, so it is worth comparing how each handles credit cards, Amex and surcharging on large invoices rather than focusing only on monthly terminal rental.