16 July RBA Proposal Risks Higher Costs for Businesses July 16, 2025 By Amanda Rixon Industry Notice, Media Release 0 The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has released a proposal that would eliminate card surcharges for Visa, Mastercard and eftpos transactions across both debit and credit cards. While this has been positioned as a win for consumers, the reality for businesses is quite different. ATIA has been actively engaging with decision-makers on behalf of our members to ensure the real-world implications of such a policy are understood—particularly the challenges travel businesses face in absorbing card processing fees under existing scheme rules and inequitable interchange structures. Unless these structural issues are resolved before implementation, this proposal will place even greater cost burdens on small businesses, many of whom already operate on tight margins. As part of our response, I have issued the following statement to media: “The Reserve Bank’s proposal to remove card surcharges is deeply disappointing. While the intent may be to benefit consumers, the reality is it will leave them worse off. Without equalisation of interchange fees and unfair scheme rules before implementation, many businesses won’t be able to absorb the costs and will be forced to reduce services or increase prices elsewhere where they can. The risk is clear: consumers will face significantly diminished value and flexibility when using their cards. This change must not proceed without comprehensive reform to ensure fairness for businesses and choice for Australians. Nobody wants a situation where credit cards are no longer accepted.” We will be preparing a formal submission as part of the consultation process and will continue to advocate for fair, practical reforms that reflect the realities faced by Australian travel businesses. Read the RBA’s announcement here: 🔗 RBA Media Release – 12 July 2025 If you would like to contribute data or case studies to support our advocacy, please contact our Policy Team at atia@atia.travel. Related Articles ATIA Calls for Stronger Support for Travel Businesses in Federal Election With Australia’s airfares surging — up 13% nationally and as much as 95% on key routes — travellers are paying the price for a market dominated by just two airline groups controlling 98% of domestic passengers. Claiming tax deductions for travel businesses: webinar reminder for ATAS members One of the many benefits of ATAS accreditation is ongoing education for participating travel professionals, and next Tuesday’s webinar will welcome a guest presenter from the ATO to explain claiming tax deductions for small businesses. TravelTick launches: Exclusive consumer directory for ATIA Accredited businesses goes live A new era of visibility and consumer trust has begun for ATIA Accredited businesses, with the launch of TravelTick, the exclusive national directory showcasing accredited travel professionals across Australia. Calypso Collapse a reminder to only Book with ATAS-Accredited Businesses The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) today issued a reminder to consumers about the importance of booking travel through ATAS-accredited businesses. Rising Costs and Impacts of Flight Cancellations on Australian Travel and Tourism, Revealed by ATIA Research The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) today draws attention to the significant economic impact of domestic flight cancellations, as detailed in a recent research paper commissioned by the ATIA. Mainstream Media Profiling Delivers for ATAS Businesses The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA)’s ongoing mainstream media profiling of ATAS businesses is a winner, with members who continue to benefit from national media exposure. Showing 0 Comment