How to Do a Free AML Check in Australia (2026 Guide)
From 1 July 2026, thousands of Australian businesses must verify client identities under Tranche 2 of the AML/CTF Act. Here's how to do it for free — in under 60 seconds — using FreeAML.
Quick Summary
FreeAML (freeaml.com.au) provides AUSTRAC-compliant AML checks with no signup and no monthly subscription. Individual checks cost $15, or you can pass the cost to your client for a completely free experience. Verification takes ~60 seconds.
What Is an AML Check?
An Anti-Money Laundering (AML) check is a legal requirement under Australia's AML/CTF Act 2006 that requires businesses to verify the identity of their clients before providing certain services. The check confirms that the person is who they claim to be, screens them against sanctions and politically exposed person (PEP) lists, and assesses the risk of money laundering or terrorism financing.
AML checks are also referred to as KYC (Know Your Customer) checks or CDD (Customer Due Diligence). Under the Act, these checks must include:
- Identity verification using government-issued documents
- Screening against AML/CTF watchlists and sanctions lists
- Assessment of money laundering and terrorism financing risk
- Record-keeping for a minimum of 7 years
- Ongoing monitoring for suspicious activity
Who Needs to Do AML Checks from July 2026?
Tranche 2 of the AML/CTF Act extends compliance obligations to professions that were previously exempt. From 1 July 2026, the following must conduct AML checks:
Real Estate Agents
All agents assisting with buying or selling property, including buyer's agents and property developers
Accountants & Tax Agents
Accountants providing financial services, tax agents, and bookkeepers managing client funds
Lawyers & Conveyancers
Legal professionals handling property transactions, trust creation, and company formation
Dealers in Precious Metals
Jewellers, gold dealers, and other businesses dealing in precious metals and stones above $10,000
Penalties for non-compliance include criminal prosecution, fines up to $19.8 million for corporations, and up to 2 years imprisonment for individuals. AUSTRAC can also issue infringement notices and civil penalties.
How to Do a Free AML Check: Step-by-Step
FreeAML makes AML compliance simple. Here's exactly how to run a compliant check in under 2 minutes:
Go to freeaml.com.au
No account creation, no signup form, no credit card required. Just visit the site and you're ready to go.
Enter your client's details
Type your client's email address or Australian mobile number. Select the verification type: Individual ($15), Company ($35), or Trust/SMSF ($75). For entity checks, add UBO verification if needed.
Choose who pays
Select 'I'll pay ($15)' to cover the cost, or 'Client pays' to pass the fee to your client — making the check completely free for your business.
Client verifies on their phone
Your client receives an SMS or email with a secure link. They photograph their ID (driver's licence, passport, or Medicare card) and complete a quick liveness selfie. Takes about 60 seconds.
Receive your AUSTRAC-compliant report
You get a complete Customer Due Diligence (CDD) report by email — including identity verification results, AML watchlist screening, risk assessment, and a compliance-ready PDF you can file for your records.
What's Included in a FreeAML Check
Every FreeAML verification includes everything you need for AUSTRAC compliance:
How Much Does an AML Check Cost? Comparison
Here's how FreeAML compares to other options for a typical business doing 10 verifications per month:
| Provider | Monthly Fee | Per Check | Annual Cost (10/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FreeAML ✓ | $0 | $15 | $1,800 |
| easyAML | $179 | Included* | $2,148+ |
| TrustSoft | $249 | Included | $2,988 |
| First AML | Custom | $30+ | $3,600+ |
| Australia Post VOI | $0 | $49 | $5,880 |
| Manual (consultant) | N/A | $200-500 | $24,000-60,000 |
* easyAML charges $179/mo with additional per-check fees for some verification types.
Why FreeAML Is the Best Free Option
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Run Your First Free AML Check?
No signup. No subscription. Just visit FreeAML and send your first verification link in under 30 seconds.
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