Since Thursday 1 October 2026, businesses in Australia can no longer add a surcharge when you pay by eftpos, Mastercard or Visa.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) concluded it was in the public interest to remove card surcharging – and the three card networks it regulates introduced ‘no-surcharge’ rules from that date. They apply to credit, debit and prepaid cards, including cards issued overseas.
American Express, UnionPay and PayPal have also decided to drop surcharging, although the RBA doesn’t formally regulate them. PayPal’s rule took effect from 5 October.
What still counts as a legitimate fee
The ban only covers surcharges added because someone pays by card. It doesn’t cover weekend or public holiday surcharges, booking fees or service fees, so you’ll still see those on restaurant bills and venue quotes. What you shouldn’t see is an extra line that’s there only because of how you paid.
Businesses can still offer a discount for using a different payment method. They can also build their card costs into their overall prices, so a supplier’s rates may shift even when the surcharge line disappears.
Supplier invoices are covered too
Card payments between businesses aren’t exempt unless a card network’s rules or the law provide an exemption. That matters if you put supplier invoices on a corporate card.
The date on the invoice doesn’t change things either. If an invoice was issued before 1 October but paid by card on or after that date, the supplier may no longer be able to add a surcharge.
Taxi fares sit outside these changes. Surcharges on taxi fares remain a matter for state and territory regulators.
What to do if you spot one
Check invoices and booking confirmations paid by card since 1 October for any card-fee lines. If one has slipped through, raise it with the business first.
The card networks, not the RBA, are responsible for enforcing the rules, so you can also report it to the relevant network. The receipt shows which network was used.
If you think a business has misled you about its pricing, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has guidance on card surcharges. You can report misleading price displays to the ACCC or to your state or territory consumer protection agency.
It’s also worth a quick word with your finance team, so they’re looking for the same thing when they reconcile corporate card statements.