Story perspectives

ATO credit-card ban delayed to June 30, 2027

By Drooid · Oct 9, 2026, 11:03 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced funding to postpone the ATO credit-card ban until 30 June 2027.
The ban had been scheduled for 30 November 2026 after the Reserve Bank’s surcharge ban began 1 October 2026.
The ATO warned that accepting credit cards would cost about A$200 million each year.
Business groups led by ACCI chief Andrew McKellar said the delay gives small firms needed breathing space.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor called the ban a double-standard and urged its full repeal.

History

Historical Context

In 2003 the Reserve Bank of Australia removed the ‘no-surcharge’ rule, leading many merchants to add fees; about 42 % of businesses were assessing surcharges by 2013. The ACCC banned excessive surcharges in 2017, and after a 2026 consultation the RBA set a full ban for 1 Oct 2026. Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ June 2027 postponement extends that regulatory timeline.

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Story summary

Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced funding to postpone the ATO credit-card ban until 30 June 2027.
The ban had been scheduled for 30 November 2026 after the Reserve Bank’s surcharge ban began 1 October 2026.
The ATO warned that accepting credit cards would cost about A$200 million each year.
Business groups led by ACCI chief Andrew McKellar said the delay gives small firms needed breathing space.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor called the ban a double-standard and urged its full repeal.

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