ACCC Cracks Down on Excessive Card Surcharges Amid Rising Complaints

The regulator can fine businesses up to $50,000 for overcharging consumers.

An image of a Brisbane City Council parking payment machine—with a notice about card surcharges—under King George Square in Brisbane CBD, Australia on Dec. 7, 2024. Daniel Y. Teng/The Epoch Times

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has warned businesses that excessive card surcharges will no longer go unchecked, following a surge in public complaints.

“From coffee to groceries, consumers are feeling the pinch of inflated fees added to everyday purchases,” said ACCC Chief Gina Cass-Gottlieb, as she announced a stronger focus on enforcement.