Queensland Small Business Warns Card Surcharge Ban Could Cost It $13,000 a Year

A Queensland small business owner, Debbie Gordon of Pet Wellness Hub, estimates that changes to card surcharges could increase her annual expenses by over $13,000. The government announced a ban on bank card surcharges for customers on October 1, directed by the RBA, framing it as cost-of-living relief. However, businesses like Gordon’s fear this will create additional financial pressure by preventing them from passing on card-processing fees.

• A Queensland small business owner may face over $13,000 in additional annual expenses due to new card surcharge rules.
• The government announced a ban on bank card surcharges for customers, effective October 1, as directed by the RBA.
• Small businesses fear they will face increased financial pressure if they can no longer pass card-processing fees to customers.
• Debbie Gordon, owner of Pet Wellness Hub in Bundaberg, highlighted the potential significant impact on her business.