From 1 October 2026, Australian businesses will no longer be able to apply surcharges to payments made using eftpos, Visa and Mastercard. The changes form part of the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) broader payment reforms, which aim to simplify pricing, improve transparency and reduce payment costs for both businesses and consumers.
For fitness businesses, gyms, studios and wellness operators, these reforms are an opportunity to review pricing strategies, payment systems and customer communications well before the new rules take effect.
What Is Changing?
From 1 October 2026, businesses will no longer be able to add a separate surcharge when customers pay using eligible debit, prepaid or credit cards issued through eftpos, Visa or Mastercard. Instead, the cost of accepting these card payments will need to be incorporated into your overall pricing. The reforms apply to both in-person and online transactions.
At the same time, the RBA is introducing additional reforms designed to lower the cost of accepting card payments by reducing interchange fee caps and improving transparency around merchant fees. This will make it easier for businesses to compare payment providers and better understand the fees they pay.
What Does This Mean for Fitness Businesses?
If your business currently applies a card surcharge, you'll need to review how payment processing costs are managed. Rather than adding a surcharge at checkout, you'll need to decide whether to absorb these costs or incorporate them into your pricing structure.
Now is a good time to:
- Review your current pricing and membership fees.
- Speak with your payment provider about how the reforms will affect your business.
- Check whether your point-of-sale, online payment platform and membership billing systems will be updated before 1 October 2026.
- Review your merchant service fees and compare providers where appropriate.
- Update customer-facing pricing, signage, websites and payment information before the changes commence.
- Consider the impact on profitability, budgeting and cash flow if your business currently relies on surcharge revenue.
Are All Payment Methods Included?
The surcharge ban applies to payments made using eftpos, Visa and Mastercard. Other payment methods, including American Express, Diners Club and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services, are not currently covered by these reforms and remain subject to their existing arrangements.
Why Is the Change Being Introduced?
The RBA found that card surcharges have become increasingly confusing for consumers and often don't reflect the actual cost of accepting payments. The reforms are designed to:
- Improve price transparency by displaying one final price.
- Reduce payment costs for many businesses.
- Make it easier to compare payment providers.
- Create a simpler and more consistent payment experience for consumers.
Prepare Your Business Early
Although the new rules don't commence until 1 October 2026, businesses should start preparing now. Reviewing your pricing strategy, payment systems and customer communications ahead of time will help ensure a smooth transition and minimise disruption to your operations.
Learn More
Our technology partners have developed practical guides to help fitness businesses understand the upcoming reforms and prepare for implementation.
- Xplor Membr explains what the card surcharge changes mean for fitness businesses, including practical operational considerations.
- Xplor Mariana Tek provides additional guidance on reviewing pricing strategies, payment systems and business operations ahead of the October deadline.
We encourage all fitness businesses to explore these resources and begin planning well before the changes come into effect.
