Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has welcomed the banning of excessive card surcharging for all businesses, which takes effect from today (1 September).

“This action will ensure the people of Hume are not ripped off when they make purchases with their cards,” he said.

“This will give our community the confidence that card surcharges reflect the true cost of the transaction, not an artificially inflated sum designed to profit gouge.

“I know many locals are thinking about buying tickets for footy finals or are now organising their summer holiday trips. They can now purchase tickets and airfares free of inflated card payment surcharge hits.”

The extension of the ban to all businesses from today follows the regime applying to large businesses from 1 September last year.

Smaller businesses were granted extra time to prepare for the ban, but from today all businesses will need to cease any excessive surcharging.

If they continue to impose a charge for card payments, they must restrict it to their reasonable cost of acceptance of the payment.

Businesses have been on notice for more than a year to review their surcharging practices and make sure they understand and comply with their obligations.

“Consumer watchdog the ACCC will act as a strong cop on the beat to police these rules,” Mr Taylor said.

If people find that they are being hit with an excessive surcharge when they go to the shops, buy tickets online or book a holiday, they should not hesitate to contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502.

Further guidance for businesses and consumers is available at: www.accc.gov.au.