In an era where every penny counts, Australians over 60 are always on the lookout for savvy ways to save money. It's no secret that card surcharges at cafes and other small businesses can be a thorn in the side of your budget. These seemingly insignificant fees can quickly accumulate, leaving you out of pocket more than you might expect. According to a report by The Age, Australians lost a staggering $1 billion to surcharges last year alone. But what if there was a simple trick to bypass these pesky charges without reverting to the old-fashioned method of carrying cash?


Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the importance of stretching your dollar further. That's why we're excited to share a tip that's been circulating on social media, promising to save you hundreds over time. The solution is surprisingly straightforward and doesn't involve a drastic change to your spending habits.


The secret to avoiding card surcharges lies in the way you use your card at the point of sale. A recent TikTok video by Millie Muroi has brought to light a method that many of us might have overlooked. Instead of tapping your card, which is a convenient but often surcharge-incurring method, try inserting or swiping your card and selecting the 'checking' or 'savings' option. Then, enter your PIN as usual. This simple action could be the key to dodging those additional fees.


Millie demonstrated this by purchasing a $4.20 coffee and successfully avoiding the surcharge by using her card in this manner. The result? She paid only for the coffee, without the extra cost. This revelation has been met with enthusiasm online, with many expressing relief at finding a way to sidestep unnecessary expenses.

However, some of you might be wondering about the practicality of this approach, especially in an age where digital wallets on smartphones are becoming increasingly popular. How does this work if you're paying with your phone? The good news is that some banking apps, including those from Bank of Melbourne and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), now allow you to select the credit or savings option when tapping to pay, just as if you were using a physical card.

It's important to note that while this method can help you avoid surcharges in many cases, it's not foolproof. Some establishments may still apply a surcharge regardless of the payment method, displaying the total with the surcharge included before you even tap or insert your card. However, businesses are legally required to offer at least one surcharge-free payment option, such as cash.


As seniors, it's crucial to be aware of the various ways to maximize your financial resources. While card surcharges may seem trivial on their own, they can add up to a significant amount over time. By adopting this simple payment hack, you can keep more money in your pocket for the things that truly matter.
We'd love to hear from you, our valued Seniors Discount Club members. Have you tried this method to avoid card surcharges? Do you have any other tips and tricks for saving money at cafes or other retailers? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below, and let's help each other make the most of our hard-earned cash!