Surcharge ban calculator
Card surcharge calculator: business payment costs?
From 1 October 2026 you can't surcharge eftpos, Mastercard or Visa payments under the card schemes' rules, following the RBA's reforms. That surcharge becomes a cost you absorb. This calculator estimates it and what the providers we compare would charge to process the same card volume.
Why this matters right nowYour surcharge ban cost
Not sure? Most surcharges sit between 1% and 2%. Use your current effective card rate if you don't surcharge.
Impact summary
From 1 October 2026 you'll absorb
Indicative only — 1.1% is a market benchmark, not a quote you've been matched to. Actual savings depend on your circumstances and on comparing like with like, and exclude any exit or early-termination fees payable to your current provider — check your agreement. See providers ranked at your volume
Prepared 18 September 2026 · compayr.com.au
Shrink the hit before October
The lower your rate, the less you absorb. Compare providers by estimated card acceptance cost.
Get a reminder before the ban takes effect
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Surcharge ban FAQ
Surcharge ban — common questions
- How much will the surcharge ban cost my business?
- From 1 October 2026 you can no longer add a surcharge to card payments, so the card fee you used to pass on to customers becomes a cost your business absorbs. Compayr's surcharge ban cost calculator estimates that absorbed cost from your monthly card turnover and the surcharge percentage you currently add — shown per month and per year — and estimates the potential saving on a lower-cost plan. Figures are indicative estimates in Australian dollars; confirm current pricing with your provider.
- When does the surcharge ban start and which payments are included?
- It starts on 1 October 2026 and applies to consumer card surcharging on eftpos, Mastercard and Visa. American Express has confirmed it follows the same rule. The ban is enforced through the card schemes' operating rules rather than by legislation.
- Does Compayr both explain the surcharge ban and calculate what it will cost me?
- Yes. Compayr's October 2026 Reform Hub and Knowledge Centre explain what changes and which payments are covered, the surcharge calculator estimates the cost of the ban to your specific business (the surcharge you currently recover and the card cost you will absorb from 1 October 2026), and the comparison tool then ranks 18 providers (22 listings) by estimated card acceptance cost at your real turnover and card mix — so you can carry that cost for less.
- Is the surcharge ban calculator free, and is it financial advice?
- The calculator and the full provider comparison are free and self-service, with no account required. Figures are indicative estimates only and are not financial advice — always confirm current pricing with the provider.