Payment Methods & Security

Last updated: 1 October 2026

CookingStuff runs one secure checkout for every seller on the marketplace. This page explains how you can pay, how we keep your payment details safe and what to do if something looks wrong.

Accepted payment methods

At the moment, you can pay on CookingStuff using:

• Credit and debit cards, processed by Stripe
• PayPal

We don't accept other payment methods (such as bank transfer, cash on delivery, cryptocurrency or gift cards from other stores) at this stage. The card types accepted are shown at checkout.

Currency and GST

• All prices and payments are in Australian dollars (AUD).
• Prices include GST.
• Delivery costs are shown at checkout before you pay.
• Some card issuers may charge their own fees (for example, international transaction fees). These are set by your bank, not CookingStuff. Check with your bank if you're unsure.

When you're charged

Your payment is taken when you place your order. If your cart has items from several sellers, you pay once at checkout and the total is shown before you confirm. If an item can't be supplied, you'll receive a refund for that item to your original payment method.

How we keep your payment safe

• We don't store your full card number. Card details are entered into and processed by Stripe, which is certified to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). CookingStuff only receives limited details, such as the card type, last four digits and expiry date, so you can recognise the card.
• PayPal payments are handled by PayPal. When you choose PayPal, you sign in with PayPal directly. We don't see your PayPal password.
• Encrypted connection. Our website uses HTTPS encryption to protect information sent between your browser and CookingStuff.
• Fraud checks. We and our payment providers use automated checks to help detect and prevent fraud. Occasionally we may hold or cancel an order, or ask for extra verification, to protect you and our sellers.
• Sellers never see your card details. Sellers receive only the information they need to fulfil your order, such as your name, delivery address and order details.

Always pay through CookingStuff

To stay covered by CookingStuff Buyer Protection, always pay through the CookingStuff checkout. Never pay a seller directly by bank transfer, gift card or any other method, even if asked to. If a seller asks you to pay outside CookingStuff, please report it to [email protected].

Refunds

Refunds are returned to your original payment method. Once a refund has been issued, it usually appears within 3–10 business days, depending on your bank, card issuer or PayPal. See our Returns & Refunds Policy.

Payment problems

My payment was declined

Check that your card details and billing address are correct, and that you have enough available funds. Your bank may also decline payments it considers unusual – contact your bank if the problem continues, or try PayPal.

I was charged twice

Sometimes a bank shows a temporary authorisation hold that disappears after a few days. If you still see two charges for the same order after that, email [email protected] with your order number.

I don't recognise a charge

If you see an CookingStuff charge you don't recognise, contact us at [email protected] and your bank straight away.

Protect yourself from scams

CookingStuff will never ask you for your password, full card number or card security code (CVV) by email, phone, SMS or chat. If you receive a message like this, don't respond and forward it to [email protected]. You can learn more about scams at scamwatch.gov.au.

For more on how we handle personal information, see our Privacy Policy.