Business trendsFees dropped from Oct.1 give consumers relief but pressure retailersBusinesses are still being charged by Visa and Mastercard to process transactions, but will no longer be able to levy a surcharge on customers to help cover those costs. (Photo by Rurika Imahashi)October 1, 2026 09:50 JSTSYDNEY -- A ban on credit and debit card payment surcharges from Oct. 1 is set to save Australians 1.6 billion Australian dollars ($1.12 billion) every year, while putting hard-pressed retailers under fresh financial pressure.