CommBank cuts its flat merchant rate to 0.99%: what it means for you
Compayr Research · · 4 min
Commonwealth Bank has announced it will lower its flat merchant service fee from 1.1% to 0.99% per transaction from 1 October 2026 — the same day the surcharge ban takes effect [1]. With surcharging ending, the cost of accepting cards lands on the business, so a headline rate cut like this is worth understanding rather than taking at face value.
What has changed
On CommBank's flat-rate ('Simple Merchant Plan'-style) pricing, the blended rate on card transactions moves from 1.1% to 0.99% [1]. A flat rate charges the same percentage whatever card is tapped, which is simple to reconcile but means you pay the same on a cheap eftpos debit tap as on a premium credit card.
Why it is happening now
From 1 October 2026 merchants can no longer surcharge eftpos, Mastercard and Visa payments, and the RBA is also cutting the interchange caps that sit underneath card costs [2]. Providers are responding with rate changes; CommBank's cut is one example.
What it means for you
A lower flat rate helps — but whether 0.99% is competitive for your business depends on your turnover and card mix. A debit-heavy business might pay less on an interchange-plus plan with least-cost routing; a business taking lots of premium credit might prefer a flat rate. The only way to know is to compare at your own numbers.
Things to check
- Confirm which CommBank plan the 0.99% applies to, and any terminal rental or monthly fees (shown separately from the rate).
- Ask whether least-cost routing is enabled for your contactless debit.
- Compare the flat rate against other providers at your volume before assuming it is the lowest cost for you.
See where 0.99% ranks for your business — enter your turnover and card mix and compare the providers we track by estimated card acceptance cost, with rental and hardware shown separately. Compare now →
Related: flat-rate vs interchange-plus and least-cost routing.
Reported provider pricing is indicative and may change — confirm current terms directly with the provider. General information, not financial advice.
References
- [1] SmartCompany, "CBA lowers merchant service fees to ease small business pressure", 1 September 2026.
- [2] Reserve Bank of Australia, "Review of Merchant Card Payment Costs and Surcharging", 2026. https://www.rba.gov.au/
See what you'd really pay — compare the major providers we track at your turnover
Compare nowRates and provider details are indicative, last verified July 2026 — verify with providers. Compayr may earn a referral fee when a merchant switches via our comparison.
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