How much does AML compliance software cost in Australia?

Australian AML compliance software typically costs between $50 and $500 per month in subscription fees, plus per-check identity verification costs of $5–$25 per check. For a small firm verifying 20 clients per month, total annual spend ranges from approximately $1,800 to $9,000 depending on the platform. ClearAML is at the lower end — $5 per identity check with a low base subscription.

What is the cheapest AML software in Australia?

ClearAML offers the lowest published identity verification cost at $5 per check, with a low monthly subscription. For most Tranche 2 firms, the per-check cost is the biggest variable in total spend — so a lower per-check rate saves significantly over time. Avoid platforms with high minimum commitments or enterprise contracts if you are a small firm.

Are there free AML compliance tools in Australia?

There are no fully free AML compliance platforms for Tranche 2 entities in Australia that meet all AUSTRAC requirements. AUSTRAC's own AUSTRAC Online is free to use for report lodgement, but it does not provide CDD workflows, identity verification, screening, or program management. A compliance platform is necessary for most firms to meet all obligations efficiently.

Does AML software include identity verification costs?

Most Australian AML platforms charge separately for identity verification (ID checks) on a per-check basis. The base subscription typically covers the platform access, workflow tools, and screening. Identity verification checks — which involve querying the Document Verification Service (DVS) or biometric verification — are charged per check, ranging from $5 (ClearAML) to $25+ (some enterprise platforms).

AML Compliance Software Cost in Australia: Full Pricing Guide 2026

Q: Is AML compliance software tax deductible for Australian firms?

Yes. AML compliance software costs are generally deductible as a business expense for Australian firms, as they are incurred in the course of carrying on a business. This applies to both subscription fees and per-check verification costs. Consult your accountant to confirm deductibility in your specific circumstances.

With Tranche 2 reforms commencing on 1 July 2026, cost is the first question most Australian accountants, lawyers, and real estate agents ask when evaluating AML compliance software. This guide gives you a transparent breakdown of how AML software is priced, what you should expect to pay, and how to calculate total annual cost for your firm.

How AML Software Is Priced in Australia

Most Australian AML platforms use a two-part pricing model:

Base subscription: A monthly or annual platform fee covering access to the software, workflows, and ongoing monitoring. This is typically fixed regardless of how many clients you verify.
Per-check identity verification: Charged each time you run an identity check on a client. This is the biggest cost variable for most firms — a practice verifying 50 clients per month at $20/check pays $1,000/month in verification costs alone.

Some platforms also charge separately for: ongoing PEP/sanctions screening, staff training modules, KYB entity verification, and AUSTRAC reporting features. Understanding the full cost structure before signing up is essential.

Platform Pricing Comparison (2026)

Platform	Base Subscription	ID Check Cost	Training Included	Contract
ClearAML	Low monthly	$5/check	✓ Included	Monthly / Annual
EasyAML	Mid monthly	$15–$20/check	Limited	Annual
First AML	High annual fee	Enterprise pricing	Add-on	Annual enterprise
TrustSoft	Mid monthly	Mid-range	✗	Annual
OverSEER AML	Low-mid monthly	Mid-range	✗	Annual

Pricing as at May 2026. Contact platforms directly for current subscription rates — base subscription pricing varies by firm size and feature tier.

How to Calculate Your Total Annual AML Cost

Use this formula to estimate your annual AML compliance spend:

Annual AML Cost =

(Monthly subscription × 12)

+ (Number of new clients/year × ID check cost)

+ (Number of re-verifications/year × ID check cost)

+ Training costs (if not included)

Example: Small Accounting Firm (150 clients/year)

Cost Component	ClearAML ($5/check)	Platform at $20/check
Annual subscription	~$600	~$1,200
150 new client ID checks	$750	$3,000
50 re-verifications	$250	$1,000
Staff training	$0 (included)	$500–$1,000
Total annual cost	~$1,600	~$5,700–$6,200

The per-check rate is the dominant cost driver for most firms. At 200 verifications per year, the difference between a $5/check platform and a $20/check platform is $3,000 per year — before accounting for training and subscription differences.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Minimum annual commitments: Some enterprise platforms require annual prepayment for a minimum number of checks — unused checks are lost
Separate screening fees: Some platforms charge extra for PEP/sanctions screening beyond the base CDD check
KYB uplifts: Entity verification for companies and trusts may cost more than individual ID checks on some platforms
Training not included: If your platform doesn't include an LMS, factor in the cost of external training (typically $50–$150 per staff member per year)
Setup and implementation fees: Enterprise platforms sometimes charge one-time setup fees of $500–$2,000

Is AML Software Cost Tax Deductible?

Yes — AML compliance software costs are generally deductible as ordinary business expenses for Australian firms, as they are incurred in the course of carrying on a business. This applies to both subscription fees and per-check verification costs. The cost of building and maintaining your AML/CTF Program (including staff training time) may also be deductible. Confirm the treatment with your accountant.

Get a Cost Estimate for Your Firm

ClearAML offers transparent per-check pricing with no hidden fees, no minimum commitments, and no enterprise contract. Identity checks from $5. Staff training included. Start a free trial and see your estimated annual cost before committing.