Card Surcharge Ban 2026 related Ideas & Tips

Card Surcharges Are Ending: What Your Business Needs to Know Before 1 October 2026

From 1 October 2026, Australian businesses will no longer be able to charge surcharges on most card payments, including EFTPOS, Visa and Mastercard transactions. The changes, introduced by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), are designed to reduce payment costs and improve fee transparency.

Businesses that currently rely on surcharge income should review their merchant fees, pricing strategies and payment systems before the changes take effect. While lower interchange fees may reduce some costs, businesses may need to absorb card processing fees, adjust pricing, or review alternative payment providers.