By Eugene Maslov, Founder and Finance Broker at Lendr360
Published 23 September 2026 · Last reviewed 24 September 2026
From 1 October 2026, the way many Australian businesses handle card surcharges will change. Visa, Mastercard, American Express and eftpos are introducing no-surcharge rules for prepaid, debit and credit-card payments accepted through their networks.
For affected merchants, card-processing costs will no longer be able to be passed to customers as a separate surcharge for those payment types.
What changes on 1 October?
Until 30 September 2026, the existing rules continue to apply. Businesses may charge a card surcharge, provided it does not exceed the actual cost of accepting that payment method and is clearly disclosed.
From 1 October, affected merchant agreements will prevent surcharges on the relevant card transactions. Simply renaming the surcharge may not avoid the new rules.
The change concerns card-payment surcharges. It does not automatically remove unrelated charges such as a properly disclosed weekend, public-holiday or booking fee.
What should businesses review?
- Check notices from your bank or payment provider.
- Confirm which transactions are covered.
- Review your recent merchant fees.
- Consider whether your pricing still covers these costs.
- Update websites, invoices, menus, signs and payment systems before 1 October.
A small fee can still affect cash flow
A processing fee may look minor on one transaction. Across hundreds or thousands of payments, however, it can become a meaningful operating expense—especially for businesses with thin margins or a high proportion of card sales.
Start with the numbers: transaction volume, average sale value, merchant fees and gross margin. This will provide a sound basis for reviewing pricing, payment providers and working-capital needs.
If changing payment costs are putting pressure on your business cash flow, speak with Lendr360 about the finance options that may be available for your circumstances.
Read the RBA guidance | Read the ACCC guidance
General information only. Businesses should confirm the rules applying to their merchant agreement with their bank, payment provider or professional adviser.
Sources and further reading
- Reserve Bank of Australia — Removal of card payment surcharges from 1 October 2026
- Reserve Bank of Australia — Review of Merchant Card Payment Costs and Surcharging
The RBA confirms that eftpos, Mastercard and Visa will introduce no-surcharge rules from 1 October 2026. Its current FAQ also confirms decisions by American Express, UnionPay and PayPal.