- FCA membership for franchisors is tiered by network size. Published FCA forms show tiers from about $2,500 plus GST for 1 to 25 sites, up to around $16,000 to $17,500 plus GST for the top Influencer Plus tier.
- Applicants are reviewed by the FCA board, which may ask for your disclosure document or franchise agreement. Allow about three weeks.
- Members agree to member standards that sit on top of the Franchising Code, including standards on franchisee recruitment.
- For a business, the subscription is generally a deductible operating expense, and you can usually claim the GST.
Most franchisors consider joining the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) at some point. Membership costs money and comes with obligations, so it is worth knowing what you get and what you sign up to before you apply.
Membership tiers for franchisors
The FCA groups franchisor members by the number of sites in the network. Its member benefits page lists Incubator (1 to 25 sites), Innovator (26 to 50 sites), Immerse (51+ sites) and Influencer Plus (51+ sites). Service provider and franchisee memberships are also available.
| Tier | Network size | Indicative annual fee (plus GST) |
|---|---|---|
| Incubator | 1 to 25 sites | About $2,500 |
| Innovator | 26 to 50 sites | About $3,500 to $3,550 |
| Immerse | 51+ sites | About $4,900 |
| Influencer Plus | 51+ sites | About $15,900 to $17,500 |
| Service provider | Advisers and suppliers | About $2,900 to $3,000 |
Figures come from FCA application forms published online, which differ slightly from each other. Confirm current pricing with the FCA before you budget.
What membership includes
- Representation of the sector to government, and a say in the FCA’s submissions on national policy.
- Networking at state events and the annual national convention, with discounted tickets.
- Eligibility to enter the Franchise Industry Awards.
- A free employment compliance telephone hotline.
- Access to supplier offers and a listing in the member directory.
- For Influencer Plus members, the chance to join FCA delegations to Canberra.
The approval process
The FCA says new applicants go through a membership approval process to confirm they operate ethically and will adhere to the Franchising Code of Conduct. The board reviews each application and may ask for a current disclosure document or franchise agreement. Processing takes about three weeks. The application form also asks whether any principal or director has been refused membership of, or disciplined by, a professional body.
What you agree to as a member
The FCA’s member standards go beyond the legal minimum in some areas. They say a member should not sell a franchise if it knows, or ought to know, that a reasonably competent franchisee is unlikely to succeed. A franchisor should also make reasonable inquiries during recruitment about whether a prospective franchisee has the skills and resources to run the business.
Make sure your systems can show it. If you sign up to recruitment standards, keep records of how you assess applicants: their finances, experience and the site’s forecast. The same records support your Franchising Code compliance.
Tax treatment of the subscription
The ATO lists subscription fees to trade, business or professional associations among the operating expenses a business can generally deduct. If you are registered for GST and hold a tax invoice, you can usually claim the GST credit. Award entries, convention tickets and sponsorships are usually deductible too, as marketing or professional development, subject to the normal rules.
Is it worth it?
It depends on what you need from it. Membership tends to suit franchisors who are:
- actively recruiting, where buyers and brokers ask about FCA membership;
- planning to enter awards, which need membership;
- wanting a voice on Code changes and access to other franchisors’ experience;
- early in franchising, where education and mentoring are most useful.
It may matter less for a mature network that recruits mainly through referrals and has its own legal and compliance support. In either case, treat the fee as a marketing and compliance cost and judge it against the franchisee enquiries and support it brings.
Frequently asked questions
How much does FCA membership cost for a franchisor?
Published FCA forms show tiers from about $2,500 plus GST for 1 to 25 sites, up to around $16,000 to $17,500 plus GST for Influencer Plus. Confirm the current price with the FCA.
How long does FCA membership approval take?
The FCA says processing and review take about three weeks. The board may ask for your disclosure document or franchise agreement.
Is FCA membership tax deductible?
For a business, subscriptions to trade and business associations are generally deductible operating expenses, and you can usually claim the GST with a valid tax invoice.
Do I need FCA membership to enter the Franchise Industry Awards?
Yes. The FCA lists eligibility to enter its awards as a member benefit.
We help franchisors with fund accounting, Code reporting and the numbers behind recruitment. See our franchisor services, read about marketing fund reporting, or book a 15-minute call.
This article is general information only and does not take into account your personal circumstances. It is not legal, tax or financial advice. Franchise Co. is independent of the Franchise Council of Australia and is not endorsed by it.
Sources
- Franchise Council of Australia: Member benefits and categories
- Franchise Council of Australia: How to join
- Franchise Council of Australia: Member standards
- Franchise Council of Australia: Influencer Plus
- ATO: Deductions for other operating expenses
Sources checked November 2026. Fees and benefits change. Confirm current details with the FCA before acting.
Talk it through
Every franchise is different. Ask us how this applies to yours.
