Australian Federal Police

Government98% confidence

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is the national policing agency of Australia, responsible for enforcing federal laws, protecting national security interests, and providing policing services to the Australian government and territories.

Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
afp.gov.au

About Australian Federal Police

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is Australia’s national policing agency, responsible for enforcing Commonwealth (federal) law, investigating serious and organised crime, counter‑terrorism, cybercrime, and protecting key Commonwealth institutions and officials. Headquartered in Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory, the AFP also provides community policing services to the Australian Capital Territory and Australian external territories. In addition to its law enforcement role, the AFP offers a range of public‑facing services that can involve fees, such as National Police Checks, certain permits and licences, and freedom of information processing charges.

A charge from the Australian Federal Police on your bank or credit card statement usually relates to a legitimate fee for a service you or your organisation requested. Common reasons include payment for an AFP National Police Check (often shown as “AFP NPC” or similar), fingerprinting services, visa or employment background checks, firearms or security‑related clearances, training or conference registration fees, publication purchases, or freedom of information (FOI) processing charges. Some payments are once‑off (for example, a single National Police Check), while others may be processed in stages, such as additional FOI processing fees if your request requires significant work. The AFP generally does not operate “subscriptions”, so recurring charges are most likely linked to repeated applications or scheduled service use by an employer or agency.

If you’re unsure why you were charged by the Australian Federal Police, first check your recent online applications or forms submitted via afp.gov.au, as well as confirmation emails or tax invoices you may have received at the time of payment. Match the transaction date and amount with the fee schedule listed on the AFP website, particularly under services such as National Police Checks, FOI, or licensing/permits. To resolve questions about a charge, contact the AFP using the enquiry channels listed at afp.gov.au (for example, online contact forms or the contact details provided on your receipt or confirmation email). Have your full name, the last four digits of the card, transaction date, amount, and any application/reference number ready—this will help AFP staff quickly locate your payment and explain or correct the charge if needed.

Bank Statement Variations

2 known variations

These are the raw merchant codes that appear on bank and credit card statements that we've identified as belonging to Australian Federal Police.

  1. AUST FEDERAL POLICE SYDNEY AU
  2. AUST FEDERAL POLICE SYDNEY AUS

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was I charged by the Australian Federal Police for around $42–$60?

This amount often corresponds to a fee for an AFP National Police Check or a similar background checking service paid via afp.gov.au. Check your email for a confirmation or tax invoice from the AFP around the date of the transaction, and review any recent job, visa, or licensing applications that required you to submit an AFP check. The exact fee can vary depending on the type of check and any additional options selected.

Does the AFP have any recurring or subscription-style charges?

The Australian Federal Police does not typically operate recurring subscription services for members of the public. However, if you are part of an organisation that regularly submits police check applications or similar services, you may see multiple charges over time that look like a pattern. Each transaction should correspond to an individual application, service request, or invoice rather than an automatic subscription.

How can I verify what my AFP charge is for and get a copy of the receipt?

Start by searching your email inbox (including spam/junk) for terms like “Australian Federal Police”, “AFP National Police Check”, or “afp.gov.au” around the date of the charge. Most online payments generate an automated confirmation or tax invoice that lists the fee type and amount. If you cannot find it, visit afp.gov.au and use the contact or enquiries section, quoting your name, transaction date, amount, and any reference numbers you have so the AFP can re‑issue or confirm your receipt.

How do I cancel or withdraw an AFP service request and stop further charges?

Because AFP fees relate to specific services (such as a police check or FOI request), you generally cannot “cancel a subscription” but you can request to withdraw or amend an application before it is processed. Go back to the instructions in your original confirmation email or application form, which usually include contact details for the relevant AFP area. Contact that business area directly via the email or phone listed on your correspondence or via afp.gov.au, and ask whether your application can be withdrawn and if any portion of the fee is refundable.

How do refunds work for AFP payments if I made a mistake or was charged incorrectly?

Refunds for AFP fees are assessed on a case‑by‑case basis and depend on whether the service has already been delivered or significant processing work has commenced. If you believe you were charged in error—for example, you submitted duplicate applications or a system error occurred—contact the AFP using the details on your receipt or via the afp.gov.au contact page. Provide evidence such as transaction records, reference numbers, and any error messages. If a refund is approved, it is usually returned to the original payment method within standard banking timeframes.

Why do I see a small AFP pending amount or an authorisation that later disappeared?

Some AFP online payment systems may place a temporary authorisation hold on your card to verify that the payment method is valid. This can appear as a pending transaction or a small test charge that never fully posts to your account. These authorisations should automatically drop off within a few business days; if they do not, contact your bank and, if needed, the AFP with the date and reference of the pending item.

I don’t recognise this AFP charge—could it be related to my employer or a visa application?

Yes. Many employers, government agencies, and migration/visa processes require AFP checks or clearances, and the fee might have been paid using your card during an online application or at your employer’s request. Review any recent job onboarding, working with vulnerable persons, immigration, or security‑related paperwork you completed, and check for references to an AFP National Police Check or similar service. If you are still unsure, contact the AFP and your employer or migration agent to confirm who authorised the transaction.

How can I contact the Australian Federal Police about a transaction on my statement?

Go to afp.gov.au and navigate to the “Contact us” or “Online services” section, where you’ll find enquiry forms and contact details for specific services such as National Police Checks, FOI, or finance/accounts. Use the contact channel that matches the type of service you think the charge relates to, and include your full name, contact details, transaction date and amount, and any application or reference numbers from your emails. For urgent issues relating to suspected card misuse, you should also immediately notify your bank so they can secure your account while the AFP or your bank investigates the transaction.

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