Government plans to ban card payment surcharges by May 2026

Wednesday 30 July 2025 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Wed 30 Jul 2025, 5:00am

In this story Commerce Commission, Massey University

The government intends to scrap in-store surcharges for Visa and Mastercard payments by May 2026. While some consumers welcomed the news, retail and hospitality businesses have warned they may increase prices to cover the additional costs.

How they headlined it

5am

1. NZ HeraldWed 30 Jul 2025, 5:00am

   Why banning surcharges may hike prices for all – The Front Page (opens in new tab)

2. StuffWed 30 Jul 2025, 5:00am

   Why the tax for a tap? Retail surcharges explained (opens in new tab)