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

Cyber threats are growing fast, and small businesses are increasingly in the crosshairs. Attackers know that most businesses are focused on running their operations, not managing IT security. That makes them an easier target than most people think. The good news is that a few simple changes, done consistently, can make your business significantly harder to attack. Most Passwords Are Not as Safe as You Think If your password is shorter than 12 characters, there is a good chanc