Australia's surcharge rules are changing

Here's what that means for our software platforms and merchants.

Updated on 28 July 2026


From 1 October 2026, businesses in Australia will no longer be permitted to apply a surcharge to Visa, Mastercard, eftpos or American Express (Amex) card payments.


Whether you're a business accepting payments or a software partner supporting merchants, we're here to help you understand what is changing and prepare for the transition.

For merchants

Understand whether your business may be affected, what payment fees will continue to apply, and what you can do to prepare.

Visit the Merchant Resource Hub

For software partners

Access approved messaging, FAQs and resources to support merchant conversations and prepare your business.


Visit the Partner Resource Hub

What is changing?

  • From 1 October 2026, surcharges on Visa, Mastercard, eftpos and Amex card payments will no longer be permitted in Australia.
  • Businesses will continue to incur payment processing costs when customers pay by card.
  • The key change is that these costs can no longer be recovered through a separate card surcharge.
  • This is an industry-wide transition. Changing payment providers will not alter the requirement.

A graphic timeline image that illustrates the RBA surcharge reform timeline.
A graphic timeline image that illustrates the RBA surcharge reform timeline.

Common questions

What is changing?

Card surcharges on Visa, Mastercard, eftpos and Amex card payments will end from 1 October 2026.

No. Businesses will continue to incur payment processing costs when customers pay by card.

Merchants who are existing customers do not need to make an immediate change, but should begin reviewing their current surcharge arrangements and payment costs.

Choose the Merchant Resource Centre or Partner Resource Centre above.

Have your say

We invite you to share your perspective as part of our RBA surcharge reform research program. Your feedback will shape how we approach pricing, support and communication to you through these changes.

Register your interest here