Consumer NZ urges the government to push ahead with a surcharge ban, with research finding almost three in five New Zealanders support a ban on card payment surcharges, and only 15% oppose the proposal.
It’s estimated that excessive card payment surcharges cost New Zealand shoppers approximately $65 million a year. Yet since December 2025, businesses’ costs associated with accepting card payments have reduced, saving businesses an estimated $90 million a year.
“Two-thirds of New Zealanders think that businesses should cover the cost of card payments themselves,” says Jessica Walker, Consumer NZ campaign manager.
Since 2023, Consumer has received over 300 complaints about excessive surcharges. The highest reported surcharge was 25%.
Walker says New Zealanders are frequently being stung by excessive, hidden and unavoidable surcharges.
“Too many businesses are flouting the guidelines which say surcharges should be transparent, avoidable and not excessive.
“Over a quarter of New Zealanders told us they think they are rarely or never informed of surcharges ahead of payment, and more than four in ten said they've paid a surcharge because they couldn’t use a no-fee option.”
According to Consumer, the best way to fix the surcharge mess is an all-out ban.
“A ban would be simple for businesses and would stop consumers from being hit with hidden or excessive surcharges. If a business chooses to pass on additional costs due to the ban, we expect those costs to be minimal.
“Internationally we are seeing a more progressive stance when it comes to surcharging, with Australian regulators signalling they will ban surcharges on debit and credit card payments from mid-2026. In the UK and EU, surcharging is already largely banned. We don't think it's fair New Zealand consumers are expected to continue shouldering these costs.”
Consumer says there’s widespread surcharge frustration amongst shoppers and it's time for the government to fix the surcharge mess.
