AusPayNet, Visa and Mastercard launch card-surcharge site

AusPayNet, the eftpos network, Mastercard and Visa launched cardsurcharge.com.au to provide guidance on new rules that ban card-specific surcharges from 1 October 2026. The site offers practical information and frequently asked questions for consumers, merchants and payment providers.

The resource was developed jointly by AusPayNet and the three designated card networks to give consistent details on what will change. From 1 October 2026 merchants will not be able to add a surcharge simply because a customer pays with an eftpos, Mastercard or Visa card.

The ban covers in-store, online and digital transactions, including payments made through mobile wallets. It applies to personal, commercial, corporate, credit, debit and prepaid cards. Fees that do not depend on the payment method, such as service charges unrelated to how a bill is paid, are not affected. Where a law or regulation specifically permits surcharging, for example certain regulated taxi fares, those charges may continue.

The change follows the Reserve Bank of Australia’s Review of Merchant Card Payment Costs and Surcharging, which found that card surcharging was no longer meeting its intended purpose. The card networks say the rules are intended to make prices at the point of sale clearer for consumers.

Businesses are advised to prepare ahead of the start date. The guidance recommends merchants work with their bank, payment service provider, payment gateway or point-of-sale supplier to remove card-specific fees, review pricing and cost structures, update displayed prices and checkout information, and test payment systems to ensure compliance.

Andy White, chief executive of AusPayNet, described the coordinated action as delivering a single, simultaneous change for consumers and merchants and emphasised the need for stakeholder education. Lynn Kraus, chief executive of eftpos, said the new website provides practical guidance and gives businesses time to prepare. Paul Monnington, Division President Australasia at Mastercard, noted the change should bring greater clarity and consistency at checkout and that Mastercard will work with industry to support the transition. Alan Machet, Group Country Manager for Visa Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands, said removing surcharging should make the checkout experience more consistent and that Visa will assist businesses and customers during the change.

cardsurcharge.com.au is presented as the central hub for information on the scope of the ban and the steps businesses and payment providers should take before 1 October 2026.