A surcharge reminder for the festive season

Eateries can charge any amount they like to recoup extra costs – such as increased staff wages – on a public holiday. But there are two things they must do:

• disclose the surcharge before you decide whether to dine there
• accurately describe why the surcharge is being applied.

At times in the past, we’ve seen eateries claim they’re applying a surcharge because it’s a public holiday, when it’s not actually a public holiday. This year, it’s clear what days over the festive season are public holidays.

They are Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and January 2.

And while we’re talking about surcharges, there’s another type to look out for over the holidays. Payment surcharges! These are the surcharges added by retailers when you pay by credit card or contactless debit card – and they shouldn’t be higher than 2%.

The Commerce Commission has said anything higher is likely to exceed the cost charged to the business accepting the payment, because the average fee is 1.2– 1.5%.

We’ve collected hundreds of your examples of high payment surcharges you’ve paid throughout 2024. In the new year, we’ll reveal some of the worst we’ve seen.