Shoppers hit with soaring card surcharges—are you affected too?

The convenience of cashless transactions has become a double-edged sword for Australian consumers.

While the ease of 'tap and go' payments has undeniably transformed our shopping experience, it has also opened the door to a rising trend of card surcharges that are silently draining our wallets.


According to a recent report by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), there has been a significant increase in card acceptance surcharges.

In 2022, 7.1 per cent of all in-person payments by credit and debit cards attracted a surcharge, up from 4 per cent in 2019.

This represents a staggering 77.5 per cent increase in just three years.


SDC 5.png
There has been an increase in payments made using credit and debit cards since 2019. Image source: Freepik.


In 2022, the typical surcharge was 1.5 per cent across in-person and online card payments.

The RBA's findings suggest that as cash becomes increasingly obsolete, Australian consumers have grown more accepting of these surcharges.

The survey also indicated that fewer consumers would avoid a merchant who applies a surcharge than in 2019.

However, this acceptance comes at a cost, adding further strain to household budgets during a time of high inflation.


The RBA estimated the average costs for Eftpos (Electronic funds transfer at point of sale) to be less than 0.5 per cent, Visa and Mastercard debit between 0.5 per cent and 1 per cent, and Visa and Mastercard credit between 1 per cent and 1.5 per cent.

Surcharges tend to be highest for rewards cards, which can make the benefits of these cards less attractive.

Data from payments provider Tyro revealed that primarily smaller businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry, are increasingly resorting to surcharging.

In contrast, larger businesses like supermarkets tend to absorb card acceptance costs.

As of June 2023, 40 per cent of cafes and restaurants and over 40 per cent of pubs and bars levied surcharges in May 2023, compared to 25 per cent and 29 per cent, respectively, in May 2022.

Following the rules set by the RBA and enforced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), merchants are only supposed to charge the actual costs to the payment provider they use. Excessive payment surcharges are banned.

However, some businesses were found to charge a flat fee rather than a percentage surcharge, which should still reflect the merchants' costs.

As required by the ACCC, merchants must display surcharges when they are unavoidable.

The ban on excessive payment surcharges reportedly does not apply to BPAY, PayPal, Diners Club, American Express cards issued directly by American Express, or taxi fares.


The RBA report also highlighted the importance of using rewards cards strategically.

Sally Tindall, the Head of Research at comparison site RateCity, advised, 'If a merchant is going to charge you more for paying with a rewards credit card, the cost of the surcharge could easily outweigh the value of the points you'll collect.'

'When faced with a hefty surcharge for payment with a credit card, it’s good to have a debit card on hand.'

However, she added that if the merchant charges a flat fee regardless of your mode of payment, then you may as well collect the rewards.

The survey also showed a slight decline in the percentage of online card payments attracting a surcharge—from 9.2 per cent down to 8.5 per cent.

The ACCC has imposed financial penalties on Fitness First Australia (2018), Eurocar (2019), and Nine Entertainment in July (2021) for excessive payment surcharges. No financial penalties have been imposed since.

In contrast, since 2018, it has been unlawful in the United Kingdom and the European Union for retailers to charge additional fees when a consumer uses a particular credit or debit card.

The ban covers online purchases and includes other payment systems in the United Kingdom, like PayPal.
Key Takeaways
  • There has been a 77.5 per cent increase in the application of card surcharges on in-person payments since 2019, according to a report by the Reserve Bank of Australia.
  • Despite the rising cost, consumers are becoming more content with paying surcharges, and fewer are actively avoiding merchants who impose them compared to in the past.
  • Small businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry, are increasingly levying surcharges, with the cost often absorbed by larger businesses such as supermarkets.
  • Card payment surcharges for online payments have slightly decreased over time, while penalties have been imposed on companies for excessive payment surcharges.
What are your thoughts on card surcharges? Have you been hit with an unexpected fee? Share your experiences in the comments below.
 
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The convenience of cashless transactions has become a double-edged sword for Australian consumers.

While the ease of 'tap and go' payments has undeniably transformed our shopping experience, it has also opened the door to a rising trend of card surcharges that are silently draining our wallets.


According to a recent report by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), there has been a significant increase in card acceptance surcharges.

In 2022, 7.1 per cent of all in-person payments by credit and debit cards attracted a surcharge, up from 4 per cent in 2019.

This represents a staggering 77.5 per cent increase in just three years.


View attachment 36745
There has been an increase in payments made using credit and debit cards since 2019. Image source: Freepik.


In 2022, the typical surcharge was 1.5 per cent across in-person and online card payments.

The RBA's findings suggest that as cash becomes increasingly obsolete, Australian consumers have grown more accepting of these surcharges.

The survey also indicated that fewer consumers would avoid a merchant who applies a surcharge than in 2019.

However, this acceptance comes at a cost, adding further strain to household budgets during a time of high inflation.


The RBA estimated the average costs for Eftpos (Electronic funds transfer at point of sale) to be less than 0.5 per cent, Visa and Mastercard debit between 0.5 per cent and 1 per cent, and Visa and Mastercard credit between 1 per cent and 1.5 per cent.

Surcharges tend to be highest for rewards cards, which can make the benefits of these cards less attractive.

Data from payments provider Tyro revealed that primarily smaller businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry, are increasingly resorting to surcharging.

In contrast, larger businesses like supermarkets tend to absorb card acceptance costs.

As of June 2023, 40 per cent of cafes and restaurants and over 40 per cent of pubs and bars levied surcharges in May 2023, compared to 25 per cent and 29 per cent, respectively, in May 2022.

Following the rules set by the RBA and enforced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), merchants are only supposed to charge the actual costs to the payment provider they use. Excessive payment surcharges are banned.

However, some businesses were found to charge a flat fee rather than a percentage surcharge, which should still reflect the merchants' costs.

As required by the ACCC, merchants must display surcharges when they are unavoidable.

The ban on excessive payment surcharges reportedly does not apply to BPAY, PayPal, Diners Club, American Express cards issued directly by American Express, or taxi fares.


The RBA report also highlighted the importance of using rewards cards strategically.

Sally Tindall, the Head of Research at comparison site RateCity, advised, 'If a merchant is going to charge you more for paying with a rewards credit card, the cost of the surcharge could easily outweigh the value of the points you'll collect.'

'When faced with a hefty surcharge for payment with a credit card, it’s good to have a debit card on hand.'

However, she added that if the merchant charges a flat fee regardless of your mode of payment, then you may as well collect the rewards.

The survey also showed a slight decline in the percentage of online card payments attracting a surcharge—from 9.2 per cent down to 8.5 per cent.

The ACCC has imposed financial penalties on Fitness First Australia (2018), Eurocar (2019), and Nine Entertainment in July (2021) for excessive payment surcharges. No financial penalties have been imposed since.

In contrast, since 2018, it has been unlawful in the United Kingdom and the European Union for retailers to charge additional fees when a consumer uses a particular credit or debit card.

The ban covers online purchases and includes other payment systems in the United Kingdom, like PayPal.
Key Takeaways

  • There has been a 77.5 per cent increase in the application of card surcharges on in-person payments since 2019, according to a report by the Reserve Bank of Australia.
  • Despite the rising cost, consumers are becoming more content with paying surcharges, and fewer are actively avoiding merchants who impose them compared to in the past.
  • Small businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry, are increasingly levying surcharges, with the cost often absorbed by larger businesses such as supermarkets.
  • Card payment surcharges for online payments have slightly decreased over time, while penalties have been imposed on companies for excessive payment surcharges.
What are your thoughts on card surcharges? Have you been hit with an unexpected fee? Share your experiences in the comments below.
I have just found out that if you put your card in the machine with pin number you will not be charged a surcharge, I am in the process of checking this out. So far it is working.
 
And when they finally make us cashless everyone will add the surcharge and it will go up and up.
People willy nilly accept these charges, saying it's not that much
Obviously never heard of the old saying "If you take care of the pennies the pounds will take care of themselves".
 
Last edited:
The convenience of cashless transactions has become a double-edged sword for Australian consumers.

While the ease of 'tap and go' payments has undeniably transformed our shopping experience, it has also opened the door to a rising trend of card surcharges that are silently draining our wallets.


According to a recent report by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), there has been a significant increase in card acceptance surcharges.

In 2022, 7.1 per cent of all in-person payments by credit and debit cards attracted a surcharge, up from 4 per cent in 2019.

This represents a staggering 77.5 per cent increase in just three years.


View attachment 36745
There has been an increase in payments made using credit and debit cards since 2019. Image source: Freepik.


In 2022, the typical surcharge was 1.5 per cent across in-person and online card payments.

The RBA's findings suggest that as cash becomes increasingly obsolete, Australian consumers have grown more accepting of these surcharges.

The survey also indicated that fewer consumers would avoid a merchant who applies a surcharge than in 2019.

However, this acceptance comes at a cost, adding further strain to household budgets during a time of high inflation.


The RBA estimated the average costs for Eftpos (Electronic funds transfer at point of sale) to be less than 0.5 per cent, Visa and Mastercard debit between 0.5 per cent and 1 per cent, and Visa and Mastercard credit between 1 per cent and 1.5 per cent.

Surcharges tend to be highest for rewards cards, which can make the benefits of these cards less attractive.

Data from payments provider Tyro revealed that primarily smaller businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry, are increasingly resorting to surcharging.

In contrast, larger businesses like supermarkets tend to absorb card acceptance costs.

As of June 2023, 40 per cent of cafes and restaurants and over 40 per cent of pubs and bars levied surcharges in May 2023, compared to 25 per cent and 29 per cent, respectively, in May 2022.

Following the rules set by the RBA and enforced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), merchants are only supposed to charge the actual costs to the payment provider they use. Excessive payment surcharges are banned.

However, some businesses were found to charge a flat fee rather than a percentage surcharge, which should still reflect the merchants' costs.

As required by the ACCC, merchants must display surcharges when they are unavoidable.

The ban on excessive payment surcharges reportedly does not apply to BPAY, PayPal, Diners Club, American Express cards issued directly by American Express, or taxi fares.


The RBA report also highlighted the importance of using rewards cards strategically.

Sally Tindall, the Head of Research at comparison site RateCity, advised, 'If a merchant is going to charge you more for paying with a rewards credit card, the cost of the surcharge could easily outweigh the value of the points you'll collect.'

'When faced with a hefty surcharge for payment with a credit card, it’s good to have a debit card on hand.'

However, she added that if the merchant charges a flat fee regardless of your mode of payment, then you may as well collect the rewards.

The survey also showed a slight decline in the percentage of online card payments attracting a surcharge—from 9.2 per cent down to 8.5 per cent.

The ACCC has imposed financial penalties on Fitness First Australia (2018), Eurocar (2019), and Nine Entertainment in July (2021) for excessive payment surcharges. No financial penalties have been imposed since.

In contrast, since 2018, it has been unlawful in the United Kingdom and the European Union for retailers to charge additional fees when a consumer uses a particular credit or debit card.

The ban covers online purchases and includes other payment systems in the United Kingdom, like PayPal.
Key Takeaways

  • There has been a 77.5 per cent increase in the application of card surcharges on in-person payments since 2019, according to a report by the Reserve Bank of Australia.
  • Despite the rising cost, consumers are becoming more content with paying surcharges, and fewer are actively avoiding merchants who impose them compared to in the past.
  • Small businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry, are increasingly levying surcharges, with the cost often absorbed by larger businesses such as supermarkets.
  • Card payment surcharges for online payments have slightly decreased over time, while penalties have been imposed on companies for excessive payment surcharges.
What are your thoughts on card surcharges? Have you been hit with an unexpected fee? Share your experiences in the comments below.
My retired banker's memory reminds me that when cards were introduced, fees could be collected by merchants on credit account transactions but not on payments from cheque or savings accounts. Somehow in recent years the Reserve Bank and ACCC have varied the rules, without telling customers, to allow charging on any card transaction. I believe those changes to be illegal and should be withdrawn. Merchants have the ability to claim bank fees as tax deductible "insurance" against cash theft, customers have no access to such deductibility. The entire system needs to be re-examined and altered to favour customers. We should have followed the UK ban.
 
Merchants have to buy these efptos machines and then the bank charges them for everyone who uses this service.
Shouldn't the banks be paying merchants for providing this service. After all the banks no longer pay tellers or provide service to their customers. No wonder the big4 banks profits are over $74 billion in profit. In addition to that bank branches are closing to make more money. No wonder the country if f....d up.
 
I have just found out that if you put your card in the machine with pin number you will not be charged a surcharge, I am in the process of checking this out. So far it is working.
I mentioned this on SDC about 3 - 4 weeks ago.
 
I believe that is correct but not from experience.
I have experienced it and do it where I can. Next to no additional charges. Went shopping at Aldis a few days ago with the wife and we both looked at the receipt. Because we used a debit card with PIN, there were no additional charges on the receipt.
 
And when they finally make us cashless everyone will add the surcharge and it will go up and up.
People willy nilly accept these charges, saying it's not that much
Obviously never heard of the old saying "If you take care of the pennies the pounds will take care of themselves".
I have this opinion that if there is going to a surcharge of any sort, they should all be the same at a suggested amount of 0.5% - 1% and not the variance that a lot of surcharges currently are. Keep in mind folks too, that if you are being hit with bank fees, and this includes surcharges, if you keep your receipts and add them all up by end of financial year, they should be tax deductible. Don't quote me on this, do your own homework, and by all means correct me if I am wrong. ;)
 
The convenience of cashless transactions has become a double-edged sword for Australian consumers.

While the ease of 'tap and go' payments has undeniably transformed our shopping experience, it has also opened the door to a rising trend of card surcharges that are silently draining our wallets.


According to a recent report by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), there has been a significant increase in card acceptance surcharges.

In 2022, 7.1 per cent of all in-person payments by credit and debit cards attracted a surcharge, up from 4 per cent in 2019.

This represents a staggering 77.5 per cent increase in just three years.


View attachment 36745
There has been an increase in payments made using credit and debit cards since 2019. Image source: Freepik.


In 2022, the typical surcharge was 1.5 per cent across in-person and online card payments.

The RBA's findings suggest that as cash becomes increasingly obsolete, Australian consumers have grown more accepting of these surcharges.

The survey also indicated that fewer consumers would avoid a merchant who applies a surcharge than in 2019.

However, this acceptance comes at a cost, adding further strain to household budgets during a time of high inflation.


The RBA estimated the average costs for Eftpos (Electronic funds transfer at point of sale) to be less than 0.5 per cent, Visa and Mastercard debit between 0.5 per cent and 1 per cent, and Visa and Mastercard credit between 1 per cent and 1.5 per cent.

Surcharges tend to be highest for rewards cards, which can make the benefits of these cards less attractive.

Data from payments provider Tyro revealed that primarily smaller businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry, are increasingly resorting to surcharging.

In contrast, larger businesses like supermarkets tend to absorb card acceptance costs.

As of June 2023, 40 per cent of cafes and restaurants and over 40 per cent of pubs and bars levied surcharges in May 2023, compared to 25 per cent and 29 per cent, respectively, in May 2022.

Following the rules set by the RBA and enforced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), merchants are only supposed to charge the actual costs to the payment provider they use. Excessive payment surcharges are banned.

However, some businesses were found to charge a flat fee rather than a percentage surcharge, which should still reflect the merchants' costs.

As required by the ACCC, merchants must display surcharges when they are unavoidable.

The ban on excessive payment surcharges reportedly does not apply to BPAY, PayPal, Diners Club, American Express cards issued directly by American Express, or taxi fares.


The RBA report also highlighted the importance of using rewards cards strategically.

Sally Tindall, the Head of Research at comparison site RateCity, advised, 'If a merchant is going to charge you more for paying with a rewards credit card, the cost of the surcharge could easily outweigh the value of the points you'll collect.'

'When faced with a hefty surcharge for payment with a credit card, it’s good to have a debit card on hand.'

However, she added that if the merchant charges a flat fee regardless of your mode of payment, then you may as well collect the rewards.

The survey also showed a slight decline in the percentage of online card payments attracting a surcharge—from 9.2 per cent down to 8.5 per cent.

The ACCC has imposed financial penalties on Fitness First Australia (2018), Eurocar (2019), and Nine Entertainment in July (2021) for excessive payment surcharges. No financial penalties have been imposed since.

In contrast, since 2018, it has been unlawful in the United Kingdom and the European Union for retailers to charge additional fees when a consumer uses a particular credit or debit card.

The ban covers online purchases and includes other payment systems in the United Kingdom, like PayPal.
Key Takeaways

  • There has been a 77.5 per cent increase in the application of card surcharges on in-person payments since 2019, according to a report by the Reserve Bank of Australia.
  • Despite the rising cost, consumers are becoming more content with paying surcharges, and fewer are actively avoiding merchants who impose them compared to in the past.
  • Small businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry, are increasingly levying surcharges, with the cost often absorbed by larger businesses such as supermarkets.
  • Card payment surcharges for online payments have slightly decreased over time, while penalties have been imposed on companies for excessive payment surcharges.
What are your thoughts on card surcharges? Have you been hit with an unexpected fee? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Well, we do accept banks charging us for access to our own money and depositing cheques etc. I guess this is a natural extension of being apathetic.
 
The convenience of cashless transactions has become a double-edged sword for Australian consumers.

While the ease of 'tap and go' payments has undeniably transformed our shopping experience, it has also opened the door to a rising trend of card surcharges that are silently draining our wallets.


According to a recent report by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), there has been a significant increase in card acceptance surcharges.

In 2022, 7.1 per cent of all in-person payments by credit and debit cards attracted a surcharge, up from 4 per cent in 2019.

This represents a staggering 77.5 per cent increase in just three years.


View attachment 36745
There has been an increase in payments made using credit and debit cards since 2019. Image source: Freepik.


In 2022, the typical surcharge was 1.5 per cent across in-person and online card payments.

The RBA's findings suggest that as cash becomes increasingly obsolete, Australian consumers have grown more accepting of these surcharges.

The survey also indicated that fewer consumers would avoid a merchant who applies a surcharge than in 2019.

However, this acceptance comes at a cost, adding further strain to household budgets during a time of high inflation.


The RBA estimated the average costs for Eftpos (Electronic funds transfer at point of sale) to be less than 0.5 per cent, Visa and Mastercard debit between 0.5 per cent and 1 per cent, and Visa and Mastercard credit between 1 per cent and 1.5 per cent.

Surcharges tend to be highest for rewards cards, which can make the benefits of these cards less attractive.

Data from payments provider Tyro revealed that primarily smaller businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry, are increasingly resorting to surcharging.

In contrast, larger businesses like supermarkets tend to absorb card acceptance costs.

As of June 2023, 40 per cent of cafes and restaurants and over 40 per cent of pubs and bars levied surcharges in May 2023, compared to 25 per cent and 29 per cent, respectively, in May 2022.

Following the rules set by the RBA and enforced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), merchants are only supposed to charge the actual costs to the payment provider they use. Excessive payment surcharges are banned.

However, some businesses were found to charge a flat fee rather than a percentage surcharge, which should still reflect the merchants' costs.

As required by the ACCC, merchants must display surcharges when they are unavoidable.

The ban on excessive payment surcharges reportedly does not apply to BPAY, PayPal, Diners Club, American Express cards issued directly by American Express, or taxi fares.


The RBA report also highlighted the importance of using rewards cards strategically.

Sally Tindall, the Head of Research at comparison site RateCity, advised, 'If a merchant is going to charge you more for paying with a rewards credit card, the cost of the surcharge could easily outweigh the value of the points you'll collect.'

'When faced with a hefty surcharge for payment with a credit card, it’s good to have a debit card on hand.'

However, she added that if the merchant charges a flat fee regardless of your mode of payment, then you may as well collect the rewards.

The survey also showed a slight decline in the percentage of online card payments attracting a surcharge—from 9.2 per cent down to 8.5 per cent.

The ACCC has imposed financial penalties on Fitness First Australia (2018), Eurocar (2019), and Nine Entertainment in July (2021) for excessive payment surcharges. No financial penalties have been imposed since.

In contrast, since 2018, it has been unlawful in the United Kingdom and the European Union for retailers to charge additional fees when a consumer uses a particular credit or debit card.

The ban covers online purchases and includes other payment systems in the United Kingdom, like PayPal.
Key Takeaways

  • There has been a 77.5 per cent increase in the application of card surcharges on in-person payments since 2019, according to a report by the Reserve Bank of Australia.
  • Despite the rising cost, consumers are becoming more content with paying surcharges, and fewer are actively avoiding merchants who impose them compared to in the past.
  • Small businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry, are increasingly levying surcharges, with the cost often absorbed by larger businesses such as supermarkets.
  • Card payment surcharges for online payments have slightly decreased over time, while penalties have been imposed on companies for excessive payment surcharges.
What are your thoughts on card surcharges? Have you been hit with an unexpected fee? Share your experiences in the comments below.
ask if they charge a fee before you tap, otherwise insert.
 
The convenience of cashless transactions has become a double-edged sword for Australian consumers.

While the ease of 'tap and go' payments has undeniably transformed our shopping experience, it has also opened the door to a rising trend of card surcharges that are silently draining our wallets.


According to a recent report by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), there has been a significant increase in card acceptance surcharges.

In 2022, 7.1 per cent of all in-person payments by credit and debit cards attracted a surcharge, up from 4 per cent in 2019.

This represents a staggering 77.5 per cent increase in just three years.


View attachment 36745
There has been an increase in payments made using credit and debit cards since 2019. Image source: Freepik.


In 2022, the typical surcharge was 1.5 per cent across in-person and online card payments.

The RBA's findings suggest that as cash becomes increasingly obsolete, Australian consumers have grown more accepting of these surcharges.

The survey also indicated that fewer consumers would avoid a merchant who applies a surcharge than in 2019.

However, this acceptance comes at a cost, adding further strain to household budgets during a time of high inflation.


The RBA estimated the average costs for Eftpos (Electronic funds transfer at point of sale) to be less than 0.5 per cent, Visa and Mastercard debit between 0.5 per cent and 1 per cent, and Visa and Mastercard credit between 1 per cent and 1.5 per cent.

Surcharges tend to be highest for rewards cards, which can make the benefits of these cards less attractive.

Data from payments provider Tyro revealed that primarily smaller businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry, are increasingly resorting to surcharging.

In contrast, larger businesses like supermarkets tend to absorb card acceptance costs.

As of June 2023, 40 per cent of cafes and restaurants and over 40 per cent of pubs and bars levied surcharges in May 2023, compared to 25 per cent and 29 per cent, respectively, in May 2022.

Following the rules set by the RBA and enforced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), merchants are only supposed to charge the actual costs to the payment provider they use. Excessive payment surcharges are banned.

However, some businesses were found to charge a flat fee rather than a percentage surcharge, which should still reflect the merchants' costs.

As required by the ACCC, merchants must display surcharges when they are unavoidable.

The ban on excessive payment surcharges reportedly does not apply to BPAY, PayPal, Diners Club, American Express cards issued directly by American Express, or taxi fares.


The RBA report also highlighted the importance of using rewards cards strategically.

Sally Tindall, the Head of Research at comparison site RateCity, advised, 'If a merchant is going to charge you more for paying with a rewards credit card, the cost of the surcharge could easily outweigh the value of the points you'll collect.'

'When faced with a hefty surcharge for payment with a credit card, it’s good to have a debit card on hand.'

However, she added that if the merchant charges a flat fee regardless of your mode of payment, then you may as well collect the rewards.

The survey also showed a slight decline in the percentage of online card payments attracting a surcharge—from 9.2 per cent down to 8.5 per cent.

The ACCC has imposed financial penalties on Fitness First Australia (2018), Eurocar (2019), and Nine Entertainment in July (2021) for excessive payment surcharges. No financial penalties have been imposed since.

In contrast, since 2018, it has been unlawful in the United Kingdom and the European Union for retailers to charge additional fees when a consumer uses a particular credit or debit card.

The ban covers online purchases and includes other payment systems in the United Kingdom, like PayPal.
Key Takeaways

  • There has been a 77.5 per cent increase in the application of card surcharges on in-person payments since 2019, according to a report by the Reserve Bank of Australia.
  • Despite the rising cost, consumers are becoming more content with paying surcharges, and fewer are actively avoiding merchants who impose them compared to in the past.
  • Small businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry, are increasingly levying surcharges, with the cost often absorbed by larger businesses such as supermarkets.
  • Card payment surcharges for online payments have slightly decreased over time, while penalties have been imposed on companies for excessive payment surcharges.
What are your thoughts on card surcharges? Have you been hit with an unexpected fee? Share your experiences in the comments below.
This is why you don't go to cashless society control by other's over your money went to Office Choice the other day to get laminated sheets did realise there was a surge charge until I got home and checked the docket will be looking elsewhere from now on 🤬
 
Quite honestly I believe that the day Australia goes cashless is the day we lose control of our savings and financial affairs. The Banks then become the sole controller of your money and can make changes to their policies which can affect your money with them beyond your control. Also in the advent of a power failure then you will be without any capital to purchase anything. The same applies to a technical fault within the Banks computerised system, any 'Breakdown' and all of your access to your bank accounts is unobtainable.
We must never allow our Government or the banks to deny us the use of Cash in our day to day living.
 
Quite honestly I believe that the day Australia goes cashless is the day we lose control of our savings and financial affairs. The Banks then become the sole controller of your money and can make changes to their policies which can affect your money with them beyond your control. Also in the advent of a power failure then you will be without any capital to purchase anything. The same applies to a technical fault within the Banks computerised system, any 'Breakdown' and all of your access to your bank accounts is unobtainable.
We must never allow our Government or the banks to deny us the use of Cash in our day to day living.
Most of your comment applies to Superannuation as well
 

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