ALDI shoppers are divided over tap-and-go fees—where do you stand?

An ALDI shopper thought her grocery run was business as usual—until she noticed something unexpected on her receipt.

It was only a small amount, but enough to spark confusion and frustration.

What she saw left other shoppers equally shocked when she shared it online.


The woman posted to social media after spotting two separate ‘Credit Surcharge GST’ charges—labelled A and B—totalling 84 cents.

‘I only just noticed it,’ she wrote, asking others if this had always been a thing.

Responses poured in, with many admitting they had also been caught off guard.


image1.png
Shopper stunned by ALDI’s hidden card fee. Image source: Facebook


‘I noticed it too for the first time the other day. Was surprised,’ one shopper said.

‘I’ve never noticed before either. Appreciate your sharing,’ another added.

‘I didn’t know this!’ said a third.

The fee, shoppers explained, came down to the way people paid.

Depending on the card type and bank, tapping rather than inserting could trigger the surcharge.

‘I always insert my card into the machine and don’t have extra charges. If you tap there is a surcharge. Very sneaky,’ one person said.

Another agreed: ‘Insert your card, just make sure you remember your pin. Be interesting to know just how much profit is made by people tapping their cards and being charged this surcharge.’


Not everyone was willing to accept it so lightly.

‘[It’s] the main reason I don’t shop at ALDI… Hopefully the government goes through with stopping businesses from charging these surcharges to use card, especially as they are wanting to steer towards cashless,’ one shopper wrote.

‘Complete BS!! I don’t carry my physical card on me so it’s annoying,’ another fumed.

When approached, ALDI confirmed that the charge was nothing new.

The retailer said the surcharge applied to all credit card and contactless purchases as a way of keeping product prices low, instead of inflating them to cover transaction fees.

Customers could avoid the extra cost by inserting their card and selecting savings or cheque.


If you thought ALDI’s card surcharge was frustrating, it turns out this is part of a bigger conversation happening across the checkout.

Experts have started warning that these extra fees are popping up in more places than ever, raising questions about fairness and transparency.

One recent story highlights just how concerning this trend has become.

Read more: ‘Where do we stop?’: Expert slams shocking new surcharge trend

Key Takeaways
  • An ALDI shopper noticed an unfamiliar fee on her receipt.
  • The charges appeared as ‘Credit Surcharge GST A’ and ‘B’, totalling 84 cents.
  • Shoppers revealed the fee applied mainly to contactless card payments.
  • ALDI confirmed it was a long-standing policy designed to keep shelf prices lower.

Would you be willing to change how you pay just to avoid a few cents in fees?
 

Seniors Discount Club

Sponsored content

Info
Loading data . . .
Here in wa almost every shop now passes on the bank charge for having and using an EFTPOS machine to the customer... even some do not even accept cash. I have learnt now to only use cash and if they don't accept it, i walk out... why should I be penalised for paying with my own hard earned money... don't have a credit card, banks charge you for it then shops charge you to use it.
 
  • Love
Reactions: Chicky
This is why I use cash because of the surcharge on cards. I noticed it along time ago now. That's my money they are getting for nothing. Food costs enough as it is.
 
It’d not the surcharge that I don’t like about our local Aldi as it has been public knowledge for years that Aldi charges one if you use your card (unless you insert it).
Our local Aldi has 6 self serve counters and one manned counter..
ALL six shelve serve counters are ”Card only” forcing people to pay by card.
If the service counter is not manned I simply demand to be served and pay cash!
I don't work at any of the supermarkets so I wait and go through the staffed check outs. 🙂
 
I object to pay a fee on my credit card and pay cash, it is still King
 
Goes to show most people don't check the docket. I always do and find lots of overcharges on a regular basis. The fees levied by banks on businesses are tax deductible and there is no justification for collecting them from customers as well - double-dipping in fact. Unfortunately the Reserve Bank so far has sanctioned them being on-charged. To begin with, only credit cards were to be charged, not savings or cheque accounts. It's time the system was corrected to favour the customer.
I always insert my card & pay directly from my Savings a/c. No charge of any kind for the 'inconvenience' of spending a few more seconds at the check out.
 
I sometimes shop at Aldi and didn’t notice they charge for tapping the debit card.. Next time I will insert my card..
I also noticed that Aldi sold the Deli 8 chip packets for $4.99. Woolworths sell 10 pack for $5.47..that was a surprise for me..since I thought Aldi was always cheaper than other stores( I think on some items )
 
I only have and use a Debit Card and have avoided this charge BUT on Saturday 6th September I went to was my car at a big car wash in Braddon. No cash, Card only BUT then a card surcharge. I left. This is disgusting and possibly verging beyond moral.
 
I used the insert card the other day and still got the fee!
 
I used the insert card the other day and still got the fee!
You may have selected the wrong account. There are usually 3 options on offer. I was nearly caught last weekend because the merchant had a different unit from others I use regularly.
 

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×