The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is commencing its Review into Retail Payments Regulation. This review will examine the costs merchants face when accepting card payments and the framework for surcharging. The RBA has today released an Issues Paper, inviting stakeholders to provide detailed feedback on the current regulatory framework and to suggest potential regulatory responses. This feedback will be crucial in shaping future reforms to ensure a safe and efficient payments system.
Australians extensively use cards to pay for goods and services. They benefit from the convenience and security provided by card payments. However, in an environment of heightened concern around the cost of living, card payment costs and surcharging are attracting more attention from merchants and consumers. These issues are linked, since merchants would be less likely to surcharge consumers if card payment costs were lower. It is timely, therefore, to review whether regulatory settings could be adjusted to put further downward pressure on merchant card payment costs and whether the RBA's surcharging framework remains fit for purpose. This recognises that many years have passed since these rules first came into effect.
Stakeholders can provide written submissions by 3 December 2024.
Detailed assessments of reform proposals would form the next stage of this review. If the Payments System Board forms a view that consultation on regulatory action is in the public interest, the RBA will further consult on any reform proposals prior to any decisions being made.
