With Tranche 2 obligations in force since 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 | From $49/month (+GST) | $8/check (ID + screening) | ✓ Included | Monthly / Annual |
| EasyAML | Check vendor | Check vendor | Check vendor | Check vendor |
| First AML | Check vendor | Check vendor | Check vendor | Check vendor |
| TrustSoft | Check vendor | Check vendor | Check vendor | Check vendor |
| OverSEER AML | Check vendor | Check vendor | Check vendor | Check vendor |
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 ($8/check) | Platform at $20/check |
|---|---|---|
| Annual subscription | ~$600 | ~$1,200 |
| 150 new client ID checks | $1,200 | $3,000 |
| 50 re-verifications | $400 | $1,000 |
| Staff training | $0 (included) | $500–$1,000 |
| Total annual cost | ~$2,200 | ~$5,700–$6,200 |
The per-check rate is the dominant cost driver for most firms. At 200 verifications per year, the difference between an $8/check platform (with screening bundled) and a $20/check platform is $2,400 per year — before accounting for training and subscription differences. Platforms that charge separately for screening can push the true per-check cost well above their headline rate.
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 setup fees, no minimum commitments, and no enterprise contract. $8 per check (ID verification + PEP/sanctions screening bundled). Staff compliance testing included. Start a free trial and see your estimated annual cost before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does AML compliance software cost in Australia?
- Australian AML compliance software is usually priced as a monthly or annual subscription plus a per-check fee for identity verification. Rates vary widely between vendors, so compare each vendor's current published pricing and what each check includes. ClearAML subscriptions start at $49 per month (+GST), with $8 per check (ID verification + screening bundled).
- What is the cheapest AML software in Australia?
- Compare published per-check rates and what each check includes. ClearAML publishes its pricing: $8 per check (ID verification and PEP/sanctions screening bundled), with a low monthly subscription. For most Tranche 2 firms, the per-check cost is the biggest variable in total spend — bundling avoids the double-billing some platforms use for separate screening charges. Avoid platforms with high minimum commitments or enterprise contracts if you are a small firm.
- Are there free AML compliance tools in Australia?
- Some vendors offer free trials or free entry tiers, but check whether they cover CDD, identity verification, screening and program management. 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 platform access and workflow tools. Identity verification checks — which involve querying the Document Verification Service (DVS) or biometric verification — are charged per check. ClearAML charges $8 per check with PEP/sanctions screening bundled; other vendors' rates vary, so check each vendor's current pricing. Some platforms charge screening separately on top of the ID check cost, making the true per-check cost higher than the headline rate.
- 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.