1. The Only “Zero Fee” Method: BPAY
As of May 2026, BPAY remains the only payment method on ImmiAccount with a 0% surcharge.
- How it works: Choose “BPAY” at the payment screen to generate a Biller Code and Reference Number. You then pay via an Australian bank’s mobile app.
- The Pro-Tip: If you are outside Australia, you can ask a friend or relative in Australia to pay this for you. You transfer the base amount to them, and they pay the BPAY invoice, saving you the 1.40% fee plus international forex margins.
- The Warning: BPAY takes 2–3 business days to clear. Do not use this if your current visa expires in less than 72 hours.
2. The “PayPal Buffer” Strategy
If you don’t have access to BPAY, PayPal is your next best option.
- The 2026 Rate: PayPal often carries a lower surcharge (approx. 1.01%) compared to the flat 1.40% for Visa and Mastercard.
- Why it saves more: By linking your credit card to PayPal, you often bypass the bank’s “International Transaction Block.” More importantly, PayPal’s own currency conversion rates are sometimes better than those offered by high-street banks in the UAE or India.
3. How to Avoid the “Hidden” 3% Forex Fee
Even if you accept the 1.40% DHA surcharge, your bank likely adds a 2.5% to 3.5% Foreign Exchange (Forex) Fee because the DHA charges in AUD.
- The Solution: Use a Zero-Forex Markup Card. In 2026, many neo-banks and travel cards (like Niyo in India or certain digital bank cards in the UAE) offer “Interbank Rates” with 0% markup.
- The Result: You only pay the 1.40% DHA surcharge, avoiding the $60–$100 bank fee on high-value visas like the Subclass 500 or Partner Visa.
4. 2026 Surcharge Comparison Table
| Payment Method | DHA Surcharge | Processing Time | Best For |
| BPAY | 0.00% | 2–3 Days | Saving the most money |
| PayPal | 1.01% | Instant | Security & slightly lower fees |
| Credit/Debit Card | 1.40% | Instant | Convenience / Last-minute apps |
| UnionPay | 1.90% | Instant | Applicants from China |
5. Critical: The “October 2026” Law Change
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced a ban on most card surcharges starting October 1, 2026.
- Before Oct 2026: You must use the strategies above.
- After Oct 2026: The 1.40% fee is expected to be phased out for most domestic cards, making credit cards a “free” option for those with Australian-issued cards.
