Card surcharges are ending from 1 October 2026
Subheading: If you pay your Occom account by card, from 1 October 2026 we’ll stop adding a card surcharge to your payments. You don’t need to do anything.
What's changing
Until 30 September 2026, paying Occom by card has included a surcharge of 1.10% for Visa and Mastercard and 1.65% for American Express, with a minimum of $0.38. From 1 October 2026, that surcharge is $0.
The change applies to payments processed on or after 1 October 2026. That includes automatic payments and payments for bills issued before that date.
| Payment method | Until 30 Sep 2026 | From 1 Oct 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Visa | 1.10% ($0.38 minimum) | No surcharge |
| Mastercard | 1.10% ($0.38 minimum) | No surcharge |
| American Express | 1.65% ($0.38 minimum) | No surcharge |
| PayID | No surcharge | No change |
| Bank transfer | No surcharge | No change |
| Direct debit from your bank account | $0.38 per transaction | No change |
| WeChat Pay / Alipay | 1% per transaction | No change |
What you need to do
Nothing. If you pay by card, we’ll simply stop adding the surcharge. You don’t need to change your payment method or update any details. Your bills and receipts from 1 October 2026 will no longer include a card surcharge.
Why is this happening?
After a review of card payment costs, the Reserve Bank of Australia removed its rule that stopped card networks from banning surcharges. Visa, Mastercard and EFTPOS have decided to introduce no-surcharge rules from 1 October 2026, and American Express is removing surcharging on the same date. That means businesses across Australia, including Occom, will no longer be able to add a separate surcharge to payments on those cards.
What isn't changing
Your plan and your other terms stay the same. Your plan’s monthly price isn’t changing as part of this update. Other fees on our Additional Charges page, such as dishonour and direct debit rejection fees, aren’t part of this change. You can always pay with no surcharge by PayID or bank transfer.
Where to find the details
Your Critical Information Summary and our Additional Charges page show the payment methods we accept and any fees. We’ve updated both to reflect this change.
FAQ
I receive my invoice before 1 October but I'll pay on or after 1 October. Will the surcharge apply?
No. What matters is when the payment is processed. Card payments processed on or after 1 October 2026 won’t include a surcharge.
Will I be refunded surcharges I've already paid?
No. Payments processed before 1 October 2026 were made under the surcharge terms that applied at the time. If you think you’ve been charged incorrectly, contact us and we’ll look into it.
Are other payment methods or fees changing?
No. PayID and bank transfer remain surcharge-free. The bank account direct debit fee ($0.38 per transaction) and the WeChat Pay/Alipay fee (1% per transaction) aren’t part of this change.
Is my plan price changing?
No. Your plan’s monthly price isn’t changing as part of this update.
I have a business account. Does this apply to me?
Yes. The card network rules apply to business payments as well as personal ones.
Need help?
Call us on 1300 299 999 or email support@occom.com.au. We’re here daily from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm AET, including weekends and public holidays. You can also use live chat, WhatsApp or WeChat from our website.
Written by
Mike Li
Marketing and BD Manager
Bringing expertise in marketing strategy and business development, Mike helps organizations strengthen their market presence, drive growth, and build meaningful customer relationships through data-driven marketing initiatives and strategic partnerships.
