New Zealand card surcharge ban stalls as Australia implements ban
Thursday 1 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story National Party, Commerce Commission, Consumer NZ, Cameron Brewer
Australia has introduced a ban on credit and debit card surcharges. While New Zealand's Retail Payment System Amendment Bill was intended to introduce similar restrictions by May, progress has stalled due to political opposition.
Key facts
4 facts
- Australia's ban on card surcharges began on Thursday, October 1.
- Commerce Commission decisions to cut interchange fee caps could save New Zealand businesses up to $290 million annually.
- 58 per cent of people in a Consumer NZ survey supported or strongly supported a surcharge ban.
- Three in 10 New Zealanders report they are rarely or never informed about surcharges before paying.
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Australia has implemented a ban on credit and debit card surcharges effective from Thursday. Under the Reserve Bank of Australia reforms, businesses can no longer add surcharges for eftpos, Visa, or Mastercard payments.
The New Zealand government's Retail Payment System (Ban on Merchant Surcharges) Amendment Bill has stalled despite an intention to have restrictions in place by May. Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer stated that the intention to ban surcharging remains unchanged and that officials are considering feedback.
Consumer NZ research indicates 58 per cent of New Zealanders support or strongly support a ban on card surcharges. In July, only 21 per cent of people believed it was fair for businesses to pass these costs to customers, compared to 28 per cent in April.
Business groups have expressed concern regarding the impact of a ban, with Retail NZ stating many retailers cannot absorb merchant service fees. The Green Party has proposed a 1 per cent cap on merchant fees to address retailer concerns.
Where reports differ
- Labour spokesperson Arena Williams criticised the government for three years of posturing, while Minister Cameron Brewer maintained that work is continuing to get the policy right.
Compiled from reports by 1News and NZ Herald.
