Operations · Payments, billing and finance
QuickBooks Online
Cloud accounting software from Intuit for small and growing businesses
At a glance
QuickBooks Online is Intuit's cloud accounting platform for invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation and reporting. In Australia it connects to bank feeds, tracks GST and lets you e-lodge your BAS, with payroll available as an add-on. Plans step up from a single-user Simple Start to an Advanced plan with up to 25 users, workflows and custom reporting.
- Category
- Payments, billing and finance
- Best fit
- SME · Mid-market
- Pricing
- See pricing below
- In Adam’s stack
- No
Who QuickBooks Online is best for
Sole traders and small to mid-sized businesses that want mainstream cloud bookkeeping with GST and BAS built in. Worth a look if you are weighing Xero or MYOB and want a familiar alternative with strong accountant access.
Key features
- GST tracking and BAS e-lodgement on every plan
- Automated bank feeds and smart expense categorisation
- Invoices, quotes and recurring invoices
- Multi-currency and bill management from Essentials up
- Project tracking, inventory and budgeting on Plus
- Payroll add-on powered by Employment Hero
Why it’s worth it
It covers the core Australian compliance jobs (GST, BAS, bank reconciliation) in one tool, and every plan includes access for your accountant, which keeps year-end and quarterly work simpler.
Things to consider
- User limits are tight on lower tiers (1 user on Simple Start, 3 on Essentials), so growing teams may be pushed to pricier plans.
- Payroll is a separate paid add-on rather than included in the base subscription.
- Introductory discounts are common, so check the standard monthly price you will pay after the offer ends.
For Australian businesses
Has an Australian version with GST tracking, BAS e-lodgement and a GST pre-lodgement check. Local Australian support on 1800 917 771 (Mon to Fri, 8:30am to 6:30pm AEST), plus free help switching from Xero, MYOB or Reckon. Payroll add-on is powered by Australian company Employment Hero.
QuickBooks Online pricing
Pricing as published by QuickBooks Online
Four plans: Simple Start (1 user), Essentials (3 users), Plus (5 users) and Advanced (25 users). Standard monthly AUD prices were not displayed at the time of research; the published introductory offer was 70% off for the first 6 months (from AU$9.90/month). Payroll is an extra-cost add-on.
Source: quickbooks.intuit.com/au/pricing. Checked 8 October 2026. Prices change often, so confirm on the vendor’s site before you buy.
Alternatives to QuickBooks Online
Other tools listed under Payments, billing and finance. Tools from Adam’s stack are marked.
Stripe
In Adam’s stackOnline payments, invoicing and subscriptions
SMEMid-marketEnterpriseMulti-currency accounts, FX and company cards
SMEMid-marketEnterpriseCloud accounting loved by Australian small businesses
SMEMid-marketMYOB
AustralianAccounting and payroll built for Australia
SMEMid-marketSubscription billing and revenue operations
SMEMid-marketEnterprisePayments in person and online
SMEMid-marketLow-cost international transfers and accounts
SMEMid-marketMerchant of record for software companies
SMEMid-market
FAQ
QuickBooks Online: common questions
Is QuickBooks Online good for small businesses in Australia?
Yes. The Australian version handles GST, BAS e-lodgement and bank feeds, and the entry plans are aimed at sole traders and small teams. Larger teams should check user limits per plan.
Does QuickBooks Online do payroll in Australia?
Payroll is available as a paid add-on, powered by Employment Hero, with Standard and Advanced options. It is not included in the base plan price.
QuickBooks Online vs Xero?
Both are cloud accounting tools with GST and BAS support. QuickBooks offers free migration help from Xero and bundles AI GST checks, while Xero has a larger Australian accountant and app ecosystem, so ask your accountant which they prefer to work in.
Can’t find a tool that fits?
When every option forces a workaround, our trusted build partners can build it: apps, automations and AI agents designed around how your business actually works.