This issue has been raised previously. Yes, it's standard procedure NOW to differentiate between card types. If you notice, Overseas cards cost even more as do business cards. And you have also realised why banks now push platinum and business cards.
Some of you have claimed that the retailer should include the cost of a card transaction into the cost of goods - The RBA argued that this discriminates against those paying cash, hence the changes a few years ago to the scheme cards and interchange.
There have also been some claims that its not worth Optus passing on the fees to customers (28 cents in on case). Whilst this is true in this instance, Over the whole customer base, it ends up being several hundred thousand dollars - So yes it is worthwhile in them doing it. Dont forget that billing is a huge expense for theses businesses and anything that they can get back is money in the bank. Billing is a cost centre.
There are also other arguments like why Bpay isnt charged for (Diners Club do it) or why cash isn't charged for (Banks charge a cash handling fee sometimes) to which there is no clear answer.
Perhaps a more appropriate way of dealing with the issue is to offer a
discount for cash or EFTPOS rather than a fee for a credit card.
If you really want to know about creidt card reform, try the RBA website
RBA: Media Release-Reform of Credit Card Schemes in Australia
One last note - Keep in mind just how much money we are talking here. If interchange is 0.50 - 0.6% of each credit card transaction and we spend 19 Billion plus per month - Well do the maths. This is a huge money making business.
Attached is the wholesale rates for interchange from Visa - This may help explain the situation - Please also note that not all is expressed as a % - Some are flat. Your bank needs to add its margin and other costs to this to make money.
Standard Consumer card Visa Credit transactions
Charity rate 0.0%
Visa Merchant Alliance Program rate 0.3300%
Micropayment rate 2.75 cents
Government Electronic rate 33.0 cents
Government Standard rate 81.4 cents
Utility Electronic rate 33.0 cents
Utility Standard rate 81.4 cents
Electronic rate 0.4411%
Express Payments and Small Ticket rate 0.4411%
Recurring Payment Transaction rate 0.4411%
Consumer Chip rate 0.5511%
Standard Rate 0.6017%
And for Platinum
Premium Consumer card Visa Credit transactions
Charity rate 0.0%
Visa Merchant Alliance Program rate 0.3300%
Premium Electronic rate 0.9900%
Premium Chip rate 1.10000%
Premium Standard rate 0.9900%
The rest is on the website;
Visa Australia | Interchange