FAQs for Payment Providers

Learn about the no-surcharge rules effective 1 October 2026
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The following FAQs provide general information about the changes to card payment surcharges being implemented in Australia on 1 October 2026. The information provided does not constitute legal or professional advice and should not be relied on as such. Information relating to card network rules is current at the time of publication but may be subject to change. Businesses (merchants) should contact their bank or payment service provider (PSP) to obtain further information relevant to their circumstances.

Payment Providers

I am being asked by multiple card networks to implement no-surcharge rules by 1 October 2026. How should I prepare for this change?

Banks (acquirers), payment service providers (PSPs), gateway and software providers should begin planning now by reviewing existing surcharge functionality, identifying affected business products and channels, preparing business communications, and testing required system changes and implementation plans ahead of 1 October 2026.

The card networks have worked with AusPayNet to develop common messaging for consumers, businesses and payment service providers, while preserving each scheme’s own rules and compliance processes.

What obligations do acquirers and payment service providers have in respect to these changes?

Acquirers and payment service providers will play an important role in supporting business compliance, including consumer education, system changes, monitoring and remediation processes. This may include ensuring surcharge functionality is removed or disabled where required, helping businesses understand the rules, responding to compliance enquiries, and supporting remediation where potential non-compliance is identified. Specific obligations will be communicated through card network rules and implementation guidance if applicable.

What obligations do terminal or gateway software providers have in respect to these changes?

Software providers should work with their bank (acquirer), payment service provider and business customers to ensure payment systems support compliance with the new requirements by 1 October 2026. This may include removing or disabling card-based surcharge functionality, updating software configurations, testing system changes and supporting businesses during implementation. Specific requirements will depend on the services provided and the needs of individual consumers.