Card payment sucharges banned in Australia from 2026

[Mattg]

Regarding the new spend caps, I would expect to see the cards offering the higher end of points earned per dollar (e.g. 1 PPD) capping the full earn rate at a spend of approximately 5-6K per month.

Business cards won't be impacted as the interchange fees on these aren't being reduced.

 

[am0985]

It'll be interesting to see if Revolut shake up the market....they've already announced a debit card which looks like a good proposition and they've launched credit cards already in some countries with plans to roll them out elsewhere

 

[lovestotravel]

As I've said from the start, nothing good comes of this for points earners...

 

[SeaWolf]

As I've said from the start, nothing good comes of this for points earners...

I dunno, I'd say that knowing that the price on the sticker is the actual price and not getting surprise surcharges when you go to pay is pretty good for everyone, including points earners.

 

[CaptJCool]

The whole sign up bonus suits “fly by nighters” and adventurers willing to “chase the points” rewards for ditching and switching

It in no way rewards loyalty which seems incongruent with the purpose of a loyalty program

 

[Mr_Orange]

It in no way rewards loyalty which seems incongruent with the purpose of a loyalty program

Can you name a single 'loyalty' programme that does reward loyalty?

 

[CaptJCool]

Can you name a single 'loyalty' programme that does reward loyalty?

Touché

 

[lovestotravel]

I dunno, I'd say that knowing that the price on the sticker is the actual price and not getting surprise surcharges when you go to pay is pretty good for everyone, including points earners.

Yeah good luck with that....

 

[N0mad]

I dunno, I'd say that knowing that the price on the sticker is the actual price and not getting surprise surcharges when you go to pay is pretty good for everyone, including points earners.

i don't think you understand how many of us on here earn points. These changes absolutely do not benefit everyone especially many points earners.

While some transactions in isolation would benefit a points earner, many will not after the changes. one of the reasons for the change in legislation is that non-credit card users are often subsidising prices to the benefit of credit card users eg where a vendor builds the fees into their prices.

The biggest benefit to point earners currently is Sign up bonuses which will drop or go all together after these changes. These bonuses substantially reduce the cost of any fees, in fact after meeting the required spend if you aren't well ahead after accounting for fees you are doing it very wrong.

You need to look beyond the total you pay and factor in the total points you are receiving and their value.

 

[MelbFlyer]

Surprised to see so many big bonus points offers still available. Do we think banks will move on this in October 2026?

I've just applied for and been approved for a new CC - bonus 70k QFF points after a $4k spend and $99 annual fee, then at anniversary another 30k QFF points after another $4k spend (+ annual fee) in the 2nd year.

Dependent on what new offers are available in October - it will determine whether I keep this card until anniversary or apply for another.

I suspect the same card moving forward might have only a 50k points bonus after a $4k spend criteria (ie. same spend but less of a bonus).

 

[clifford]

i don't think you understand how many of us on here earn points. These changes absolutely do not benefit everyone especially many points earners.

I'm sorry, but I have no sympathy. Credit cards have destroyed frequent flyer schemes IMO.

Try flying more for the points.

 

[dajop]

I'm sorry, but I have no sympathy. Credit cards have destroyed frequent flyer schemes IMO.

Truth. Although not nearly as much as they’ve destroyed hotel “loyalty” schemes, but that’s not anything to do with Australian issued credit cards.

 

[transpactraveller]

I've just applied for and been approved for a new CC - bonus 70k QFF points after a $4k spend and $99 annual fee, then at anniversary another 30k QFF points after another $4k spend (+ annual fee) in the 2nd year.

Dependent on what new offers are available in October - it will determine whether I keep this card until anniversary or apply for another.

I suspect the same card moving forward might have only a 50k points bonus after a $4k spend criteria (ie. same spend but less of a bonus).

Can anyone recommend any good impartial independent comparison sites or lists of the best FF credit card offers? I know many of the sites that post about FF credit cards are getting paid to advertise them.

 

[TheCollecter]

Can anyone recommend any good impartial independent comparison sites or lists of the best FF credit card offers? I know many of the sites that post about FF credit cards are getting paid to advertise them.

I can’t, but if I take my cynical hat off I’d say Qantas.com… they don’t give a damn so long as you are now in their ecosystem