Clio Payments enables firms to accept client bill payments using several payment methods. Clients in Australia can pay by credit card, debit card, direct debit, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Offering several methods gives clients flexibility, and each method routes funds to your firm's account.
Important: Transactions initiated on bank holidays, weekends, or after business hours begin processing on the next business day. Settlement timelines are based on business days only.
Credit and debit cards
The cards your clients can use depend on their location. The table below shows the cards clients typically use, depending on whether they are based in Australia or internationally.
| Location | Accepted cards |
|---|---|
| Australia | Visa (debit or credit), Mastercard (debit or credit), American Express, Discover, JCB, UnionPay, EFTPOS (debit cards) |
| International | Visa (debit or credit), Mastercard (debit or credit), American Express |
The following card limitations may apply:
- Some debit cards restrict online or subscription payments. Advise clients to confirm eligibility with their bank or card provider.
- Prepaid cards are accepted for one-time payments only.
- Cards other than Visa or Mastercard may carry location-specific limitations.
EFT (bank transfer)
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), also known as bank transfer or Pay by Bank, is a secure digital system that moves funds directly between bank accounts. Available through Clio Payments in Australia, EFT is a popular, cost-effective way for clients to pay legal fees. EFT payments typically cost less per transaction than card payments, and no processing fee applies to a successful EFT payment.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free. A 0% fee applies per transaction, and no fee applies to a failed EFT payment. |
| Limits | Transactions are subject to per-transaction and weekly network thresholds. These protect clients and mitigate risk, because the EFT network has no chargeback challenge procedure. |
| Processing time | Transactions process quickly, though funds may take five or more business days to reach your account, depending on the bank. |
| Disputes | EFT disputes are not defendable. Funds are deducted immediately when a dispute is received. |
| Payment options | A firm cannot accept EFT only. Both EFT and card payment options remain available to the client. |
Digital wallets
Important: Digital wallet payments are not available when surcharging is enabled.
Clio Payments also allows clients to pay by digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Up next
- Request and Store Payment Methods: Save client card details for payment plans and future bills.
- Set Transaction Fee Schedule: Review how transaction fees are calculated and deducted.