Australia · Card payments
Card surcharges are over
Since 1 October 2026 cafés and restaurants can't add a surcharge to eftpos, Mastercard or Visa payments. Here's what it costs you and how to cover it
Flat white and banana breadReceipt
Subtotal$13.50
Card surcharge 1.5%$0.20
Guest pays$13.50
The surcharge line can't appear on eftpos, Mastercard or Visa payments any more
What it costs you
The surcharge you used to pass on is now yours to cover
Check an old receipt if you're not sure
You now cover
Each month$450$5,400 a year
Per $10 coffee order$0.15
Your bank's card rate may also fall, because the Reserve Bank is lowering the cap on interchange fees. Ask your payment provider for your new rate.
Four ways to cover it
- 01Check your card rateInterchange caps are coming down, so your provider's rate should too
- 02Look at your menu pricesA small rise on your best sellers can cover it
- 03Take online orders yourselfAn order moved off a delivery app saves more than the surcharge ever made on it
- 04Bring guests back more oftenStamps and automatic messages give guests a reason to come back
The facts
Start date1 October 2026Already in force
Cards coveredeftpos, Mastercard and Visa, debit and creditSet by the Reserve Bank of Australia
What changesNo surcharge line on those card paymentsYour card costs stay with you
Card feesInterchange caps are being loweredAsk your provider for your new rate