31 March 2026
CHOICE response to the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) banning credit and debit card surcharges.
Quotes attributable to Morgan Campbell, Head of Policy at CHOICE:
“We welcome the RBA’s announcement today that they will be banning credit and debit card surcharges from October. CHOICE has been campaigning to scrap costly surcharges for years, and we know this will be welcome news for many – over 24,000 people signed our petition to ban debit card surcharges.”
“Card surcharges are a product of another time, and Australians will be glad to see the back of them. At a time when so many are doing it tough, the last thing consumers need is to be hit with a surprise surcharge at the checkout, particularly when many businesses no longer accept cash.”
“We’re also pleased to see the RBA taking steps to reduce costs in the payment system to support small businesses.”
“Today’s announcement to scrap surcharges means that from October, card payments will be simpler, more transparent, and most importantly, more affordable for consumers. In a cost of living crisis, this fair, free way to pay is more important than ever.”
