Enclosed in my latest power bill was a slip headed: “Some of our fees have changed”. That translates as ‘our fees have risen’.

Not only did the price of electricity go up on the 1st. July, surcharges on credit and debit card payments also rose.

They are the charges that are illegal in the UK and US, but OK in Albostralia, where the new surcharges for card payments are now:

. Mastercard debit card 0.32%
. Visa debit card 0.15%
. Mastercard credit card 0.75%
. Debit and credit card
via Aus Post channels 0.54%

Also, people paying over the counter at Post Offices will be whacked with a fee of $3.30. And that seems to apply even if you pay cash.

If such fees can be banned in countries similar to Australia, why not here.

And, while they continue, why not a flat charge instead of a percentage of the bill total? It shouldn't cost any more to process, say, a $300 payment than does to process a smaller amount.

It is my understanding that it's not the business that is responsible for this rip off, but the banks and financial institutions they deal with. No wonder there is an ongoing nagging for people to go digital when the robber barons are raking in extra billions for doing nothing.

Personally, I pay my power bills via Bpay, and don't pay any fees just for paying the bill; and I avoid retail business and eateries who don't accept cash. I have no problems with occasionally using my Debit card, but only when I know there are no surcharges.

But I think that it is ludicrous that in Australia, some businesses and all the banks expect customers to pay for what is just another cost of doing business - particularly when it was their idea to push out cash. It is even more ludicrous that most people pay up without a squeak. It seems that they like being kicked about, not just by a Communist-style government, but greedy businesses, large and small.

In October 2024, the Albanese government proposed banning debit card surcharges in 2025. Debit card users are spending their own money after all. The Prime Minister's official web page actually said, “The Albanese Government is cracking down on unfair and excessive card surcharges to get a better deal for Australians and small businesses at the physical and online checkout”,

We are half way through 2025 now, and there has been no cracking down that I am aware of.

Perhaps the Reserve Bank is dragging its feet. The word was, at the time, that, “The Government is prepared to ban debit card surcharges, subject to further work by the Reserve Bank of Australia …”.

It was recognised that, “The declining use of cash and the rise of electronic payments means that more Australians are getting slugged by surcharges, even when they use their own money”. (Debit card users)

The release said that “We are prepared to ban debit card surcharging from 1 January 2026, subject to the consultation undertaken by the RBA, and sufficient steps and safeguards to ensure both small businesses and consumers can benefit from lower costs”.

So, there is still time, but in that time, at least one organisation has increased the fees.

Of course the old tune “it's incredibly complex” was chanted.

But, the web page announced last year: “we’re taking immediate action on excessive surcharging to save people money”.

There is nothing to indicate that any action has occurred, despite the claim that there was supposed to be $2.1 million to fund it.

If such fees can be banned in countries similar to Australia, why not here.
ttbn,
Other countries aren't buying the votes of people who want to see Australia ruined with Tax Dollars provided by Australians. !

I agree, handling electronic funds, entails a cost to business, just as handling cash does. The associated costs to the business should be reflected in the selling price (eg, it's hidden in the retail price with large supermarkets), and not listed a separate charge on the consumer. Others would argue that as a separate charge it gives the consumer transparency as to what they are paying.

BTW, in some cases that cost can be passed on to the consumer, but in a more completive market the business itself, may have to absorb that cost.

I remember from somewhere that there has to be at least one form of payment available that doesn't have an additional charge.

Kudos Kid,

Welcome back, no reference to your favorite philosopher, that well known Greek Fish N' Chip shop owner down Marrickville Road, Dimitri Arsethrottle with his "Cash Only" sign, and a no GST for me philosophy. I thought you must have consumed a dodgy late night souvlaki at Arsethrottle's Golden Parthanon Take-Away. Anyway I spread much Pixie Dust upon you on your return.