The variation directly regulates merchant card payment costs and surcharging practices, which are core acquiring functions affecting how acquirers charge merchants for card acceptance.
The regulation of surcharging conditions applied to consumers using card payment methods relates to card scheme rules and network governance of merchant practices.
Specialism
The variation directly regulates merchant surcharging practices and card payment costs, establishing standards that govern when and how surcharges can be applied to consumers using card payments.
The regulation affects payment service providers and card payment systems operating in Australia, making it relevant to the broader supervision and oversight of payment market participants.
2026-04-16 09:19:05·kgurnani@vixio.com
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TITLE: Australia's Treasury Department Implements Merchant Card Payment Costs and Surcharging Variation
BODY:
On April 14, 2026, Australia's Department of the Treasury brought into force the Payment Systems (Regulation) Standards (Merchant Card Payment Costs and Surcharging) Variation 2026 under the Payment Systems (Regulation) Act 1998.
The variation amends the Payment Systems (Regulation) Standards to address merchant card payment costs and surcharging practices. This development affects merchants, payment service providers, and card payment systems operating in Australia. The variation establishes or modifies standards governing how merchants may be charged for accepting card payments and the conditions under which surcharges can be applied to consumers using card payment methods.
The legislative instrument came into force on April 14, 2026, and is now in effect. The variation is administered by the Department of the Treasury and is registered as F2026L00434 in the Federal Register of Legislation. Merchants and payment system operators should review the updated standards to ensure compliance with the new requirements regarding payment costs and surcharging arrangements.
REFERENCES:
Payment Systems (Regulation) Standards (Merchant Card Payment Costs and Surcharging) Variation 2026, Federal Register of Legislation, https://www.legislation.gov.au/