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National Seniors Australia (NSA) is celebrating another important advocacy success, with the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) confirming that surcharges on most debit and credit card payments have been banned from 1 October 2026.
The decision delivers on a key recommendation put forward by NSA in its submission to the RBA's Review of Retail Payments Regulation and reinforces the message behind NSA's Keep Cash campaign : older Australians deserve fair, affordable, and accessible payment options.
NSA Chief Executive Officer, Chris Grice, said the change would mean that all costs are incorporated into the shelf price rather than added on at the checkout.
"The removal of card surcharges means consumers will no longer be hit with unexpected fees when paying by most debit or credit cards," Mr Grice said.
While businesses will still face payment processing costs, NSA supports those costs being incorporated into the ticket price rather than appearing as an added charge at the checkout. We don't tag on the cost of GST, goods transport or any other part of the supply chain cost onto the end of a transaction, so this change creates a consistent and fair approach.
Other reforms by the RBA are also putting downward pressure on payment processing fees.
Mr Grice said the surcharge ban, together with the Federal Government's Cash Mandate introduced earlier this year, represents a significant step forward in ensuring Australians retain genuine choice in how they pay for goods and services.
The power of the Keep Cash campaign
The latest announcement is another milestone for NSA's Keep Cash campaign, launched in 2023 to protect the right of Australians to pay with notes and coins.
Since then, thousands of NSA supporters have distributed "We Accept Cash" stickers to retailers, displayed "KEEP CASH" bumper stickers, participated in consultations, or otherwise helped keep the issue firmly in the public spotlight.
NSA has also partnered with atmx, which offers fee-free withdrawals at its cash machines for account holders with many banks.
Those collective efforts contributed to one of NSA's biggest recent advocacy successes: the introduction of the Cash Mandate, requiring major supermarkets and petrol stations to continue accepting cash.
NSA welcomed the mandate as an important safeguard for older Australians, many of whom rely on cash because it is familiar, helps with budgeting, provides a backup during technology outages, and reduces exposure to scams and digital exclusion.
More advocacy wins delivering real results
The surcharge ban is just one of several recent wins achieved through NSA's ongoing advocacy on behalf of older Australians.
Extension of the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
NSA has strongly advocated for certainty in aged care services delivered through the CHSP.
The Federal Government recently announced the program will continue until 30 June 2029, providing reassurance to hundreds of thousands of older Australians who depend on support services such as cleaning, meals, transport, home maintenance, and social connection programs.
The extension also gives providers greater certainty to continue delivering services in communities across Australia.
A measured approach to deeming rates
NSA successfully called on government to take a cautious approach to increasing deeming rates. The resulting decision phased in increases while coinciding with pension indexation, helping minimise the impact on older Australians.
Importantly, the changes occurred alongside the largest increase to the Age Pension since 2023, helping many pensioners manage rising living costs.
Medical Costs Finder improvements
NSA has long argued that Australians need clearer information about out-of-pocket health expenses.
Advocacy from NSA contributed to improvements to the Medical Costs Finder website , helping consumers better understand and compare medical costs before treatment.
Greater transparency enables older Australians to make more informed healthcare decisions and avoid unexpected expenses.
Support for seniors looking to downsize
Housing affordability and appropriate housing options remain major concerns for many retirees. NSA has consistently advocated for stamp duty concessions that make it easier for older Australians to downsize into homes that better suit their needs.
Recent state government initiatives, including concessions for eligible seniors, reflect the type of policy reform NSA has championed as part of its broader housing advocacy.
A strong voice that gets results
These outcomes demonstrate the value of collective advocacy. Whether it is protecting access to cash, reducing payment costs, improving aged care certainty, advocating for fair pension settings, increasing healthcare transparency, or supporting housing reforms, NSA continues to ensure the voices of older Australians are heard by decision-makers.
Australians aged 50 and over can be confident that NSA will keep fighting for practical solutions that improve financial security, fairness, and quality of life.
Together, we can and do make a difference.
