Card surcharge ban used as ‘cover’ for larger price increases by Australian businesses, experts say

Key points

• Experts say businesses are using the ban on credit card surcharges as cover to pass on much larger price increases. Small Flat White reported that 17 per cent of surveyed cafes raised prices since the ban took effect on 1 October, with an average rise of 50c.
• The competition regulator has warned businesses not to mislead consumers by blaming surcharge changes for increases driven by other costs.
• Industry figures point to rising produce, rent and wage costs, along with higher interest rates.