Card-surcharge changes are in force. Check the charge rather than its new label

Changes to card-payment surcharging took effect on 1 October 2026. The ACCC's current guidance says businesses can no longer add a surcharge for Visa, Mastercard, American Express and eftpos card payments, while the RBA explains how network rules implement the change.

This does not mean every fee on a receipt has been abolished. A weekend or public-holiday surcharge is different from a charge imposed because a customer pays by card. Price-display and misleading-conduct rules remain relevant to how other fees are described.

Start with what triggered the extra amount

If a total changes only when a card is selected, the important question is what the fee is for. Calling a card surcharge a service or administration charge does not by itself change its nature. The ACCC warns against using another label to avoid the network rules.

Keep the displayed price, payment screen and receipt if asking a business to explain a charge. A clear record makes it easier to identify whether the issue is the payment method, a separately disclosed service or a misleading total.

Businesses need consistency across channels

An updated terminal is only part of the change. Online checkout, booking systems, invoice payments and customer-facing price information can be configured separately. Ask the payment provider what it controls and check a genuine transaction path through each relevant channel.

Consumers can raise surcharge concerns with the business and the relevant card network or payment provider. The ACCC distinguishes those network rules from its consumer-law role; it does not resolve every individual pricing complaint.

The practical objective is a total that customers can understand before paying. The change does not require a business to pretend accepting payments has no cost, but pricing explanations must remain accurate. This is general reporting on the published guidance, not legal advice about a particular merchant contract or dispute.

Related video: Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman. The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman explains the card-surcharge change and preparations for businesses. Watch What small businesses need to know about the card surcharging ban and how to prepare.