What changed?
In effect from 1 October 2026. Businesses cannot add a card-payment surcharge for Visa, Mastercard, eftpos or American Express transactions. This Australia-wide policy update matters to customers and businesses.
What can still appear on a bill?
Weekend and public-holiday surcharges are separate from fees for paying by card. Businesses can also change their base prices, so the reform does not guarantee a lower total bill.
What should I do?
Keep the receipt and ask the business what the fee covers and whether it will refund a card surcharge. Unresolved issues can be raised with the card network or issuing bank. The ACCC accepts reports of misleading pricing but does not enforce card-network rules or resolve individual disputes.
Checked 1 November 2026. Consult the official guidance for your circumstances.