From 1 October 2026, businesses will no longer be able to apply surcharges to eftpos, Mastercard, Visa or American Express card payments.
For operators accepting these payment types, now is the time to make sure your business is ready.
Before 1 October:
- Check with your payment provider about disabling card surcharges
- Review whether processing costs need to be incorporated into your prices
- Update menus, websites, booking platforms, signage and price lists
- Remove notices about card payment surcharges
Businesses can still offer discounts for payment methods such as cash or PayID. Weekend, public holiday, booking and delivery fees can also continue where applicable and clearly disclosed.
Current card-surcharging rules remain in place until 30 September 2026. Learn more on the Australian Government website.
Resources to prepare you business
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has developed a ready-to-use toolkit with key messages, social media assets and FAQs to help businesses communicate the changes.
Further guidance on pricing and payment requirements is also available from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
