When the card surcharge ban was announced, we wrote about what it would mean for businesses. It's now close enough to be worth a second look. From 1 October 2026, surcharges on most card payments end, and that's roughly two months away. If you currently add a card fee at the checkout, this is a good time to have your plan in place rather than sorting it out in the last week of September. A quick refresher on what's changing From 1 October 2026, you won't be able to add a surc

VES Insights, your go-to newsletter for the latest in bookkeeping, automation, AI, Xero tips, and essential ATO updates to keep you informed and on track. From simplifying your bookkeeping to harnessing the power of automation and AI, our newsletter is packed with valuable tools and reminders to help you stay ahead. Credit Card Surcharges Are Being Banned — What This Means for Your Business Before October 2026 From 1 October 2026, card surcharges on Visa, Mastercard and EFTPO

From 1 October 2026, businesses across Australia will no longer be allowed to charge surcharges on most card payments, including Visa, Mastercard and EFTPOS. In-store or online, debit or credit, the rules apply across the board. Why Are Card Surcharges Being Removed? Card surcharges were originally designed to help businesses recover payment processing costs and nudge customers toward cheaper options like cash. But the way Australians pay has changed, a lot. Cash is rarely