No Credit Check :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

NSW Takes Decisive Steps Against Unlawful Merchant Fee Practices

NSW Takes Decisive Steps Against Unlawful Merchant Fee Practices

NSW Takes Decisive Steps Against Unlawful Merchant Fee Practices?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

The New South Wales (NSW) Government is taking robust measures to rectify years of unlawful merchant fee surcharges on customer transactions.
Despite ongoing legal concerns, these fees persisted for nearly a decade, a legacy of policy directives laid out by the former Liberal-National government.

During a review of the 2023-24 financial statements, the NSW Auditor-General highlighted the issue of unauthorized fee surcharges. The revelations were surprising, bringing the matter forcefully to the notice of the current administration.

For years, legal advice from the Crown Solicitor's Office, beginning in February 2016 through December 2022, consistently warned against the unlawful imposition of merchant fees by Service NSW. Despite such advice, over 92 million transactions incurred charges close to a whopping $144 million. The surcharges, conceptualized as cost recovery for transaction fees by payment providers, were initially sanctioned by NSW Treasury in 2012.

The spotlight is on mini transactions such as 30 cents for a driver's licence renewal, 29 cents for a marriage certificate, and a $1.92 fee to renew a small car registration. These seemingly small fees added up, creating a significant financial burden on the public.

With this information now public, the current government, led by the Minns Labor administration, has moved swiftly, creating a dedicated incident management taskforce to stem these unauthorized charges and to mitigate future occurrences.

Notably, customers affected by these charges are urged to register for updates regarding the government's corrective measures through Service NSW channels either online at the official website or via their service hotline.

The Ministers for Customer Service, Digital Government, and Finance, have sought an independent inquiry by requesting the NSW Ombudsman to investigate potential maladministration. The department's Secretary has also escalated the case to the Ombudsman and the Independent Commission Against Corruption, highlighting concerns over ignored legal advice.

A proactive approach by the new taskforce has successfully shut down over 80% of unlawful surcharges in Service NSW transactions and more than 90% of online payments. For now, all other remaining transaction fees, including those from in-person credit card terminals, are being rapidly phased out. To accommodate citizens, Service Centres are offering surcharge-free payment alternatives, such as cash payments.

Amid ongoing remedial undertakings, the NSW government has instructed all departments to audit their merchant fee practices by the end of November to ascertain legal oversight and compliance, echoing Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos’s comments: “Families, households, and businesses expect governments to act within the confines of the law.”

Minister Jihad Dib also emphasized the urgency, stating: “Our priority has been to halt these charges swiftly.” He underscored the ethical need for transparency regarding the past continuation of these fees despite the legal advisories.

 

Published:Monday, 4th Nov 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Finance News

Buy Now Pay Later Rules Are Changing for Australian Borrowers
Buy Now Pay Later Rules Are Changing for Australian Borrowers
19 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia's buy now pay later sector is moving into a more regulated era, with providers being brought closer to the consumer credit framework that already applies to many personal loans and credit products. For borrowers, the practical message is simple: short-term convenience is being matched with stronger scrutiny around affordability, hardship support and responsible lending. Find out now if you qualify and compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check! - read more
Why Personal Loan Pricing Is Still Uneven for Australians
Why Personal Loan Pricing Is Still Uneven for Australians
12 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent personal loan market updates suggest Australian borrowers are seeing more competition in some parts of the lending market, but the benefits are not being shared evenly. Secured borrowers with stable income and strong repayment histories may find sharper advertised rates, while people applying for unsecured loans, short term loans or specialist bad credit loans still face a more complicated pricing picture. - read more
Why loan affordability matters as rate pressure lingers
Why loan affordability matters as rate pressure lingers
04 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent personal lending updates from Australia’s loan comparison market suggest borrowers are still facing a mixed environment. While some advertised rates have become more competitive, unsecured personal loan pricing remains uneven, especially for applicants who do not fit a mainstream bank profile. For Australians with limited credit history, casual income, self-employment or past repayment issues, the headline rate is only one part of the decision. - read more
Debt Consolidation Demand Rises as Households Juggle Repayments
Debt Consolidation Demand Rises as Households Juggle Repayments
28 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
Debt consolidation is moving back into focus as Australians continue to balance higher living costs, credit card balances, buy now pay later commitments and personal loan repayments. Recent finance sector commentary suggests more borrowers are looking for ways to simplify their debts, not necessarily to borrow more, but to make existing obligations easier to manage. - read more
ASIC’s Private Credit Warning: What It Means for Borrowers
ASIC’s Private Credit Warning: What It Means for Borrowers
21 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia’s fast-growing private credit market is again under the regulatory spotlight, with ASIC warning that borrowers, investors and superannuation members may be more exposed to private lending risks than many realise. The latest concern centres on a sector that has expanded as banks have become more selective, especially in areas such as property development, construction finance and specialist business lending. - read more
HSBC Penalty Puts Scam Protection Back in the Spotlight
HSBC Penalty Puts Scam Protection Back in the Spotlight
23 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
HSBC Bank Australia has been ordered to pay a $35 million penalty after admitting serious failures in how it protected customers from scams. The case is significant because it moves beyond warning consumers to be alert and places stronger focus on the systems banks use to detect, prevent and respond to unauthorised transactions. - read more
Surge in Personal Loan Borrowing as Australians Face Rising Living Costs
Surge in Personal Loan Borrowing as Australians Face Rising Living Costs
16 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
In the first quarter of 2026, Australians borrowed a record $5.1 billion in new personal loans, reflecting the mounting financial pressures from escalating living costs. This significant increase underscores the challenges many individuals face in managing daily expenses. - read more
OnDeck Boosts Lightning Loan Limits to Empower Australian SMEs
OnDeck Boosts Lightning Loan Limits to Empower Australian SMEs
16 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
OnDeck Australia has announced an increase in its Lightning Loan limits, now offering up to $300,000 in unsecured funding for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This enhancement aims to meet the growing demand for quick and accessible business financing. - read more
Australian Businesses Show Renewed Confidence with Increased Credit Demand
Australian Businesses Show Renewed Confidence with Increased Credit Demand
16 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
In December 2025, Australian businesses demonstrated a significant increase in credit demand, with applications rising by 5.1% compared to the previous year. This uptick suggests a shift from cautious financial management to proactive investment in growth and expansion. - read more
RIC's New Financial Support for Australia's Primary Producers
RIC's New Financial Support for Australia's Primary Producers
09 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
The Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) has announced the introduction of two new low-interest loan products aimed at supporting Australian farmers and fishers grappling with the adverse effects of drought and harmful algal blooms. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to bolstering the resilience of the nation's primary producers in the face of environmental challenges. - read more


Finance Articles

Are No-Credit-Check Loans Legal in Australia? Responsible Lending and Borrower Protections
Are No-Credit-Check Loans Legal in Australia? Responsible Lending and Borrower Protections
No-credit-check and bad-credit loans are not automatically illegal in Australia, but regulated consumer lenders generally still need to assess whether credit is suitable and affordable. This guide explains responsible lending, borrower protections, hardship rights and warning signs to check before applying. - read more
Savvy Spending: Innovative Budgeting Tips for Smooth Loan Repayments
Savvy Spending: Innovative Budgeting Tips for Smooth Loan Repayments
Managing personal finances judiciously becomes paramount when dealing with loans and their repayments. A potential obstacle many encounter is preserving or enhancing their credit score while simultaneously undertaking the necessary financial commitments of loan repayments. Understanding how to navigate this terrain is vital to financial health. - read more
The Importance of an Emergency Fund: A Guide for Families
The Importance of an Emergency Fund: A Guide for Families
Let's dive into the essential topic of emergency funds. An emergency fund is a stash of money set aside to cover the financial surprises life throws your way. These unexpected events can include sudden unplanned repairs, medical emergencies, or job loss. - read more
How to Create a Budget That Keeps Your Debt in Check
How to Create a Budget That Keeps Your Debt in Check
A clear budget can help you understand where your money goes, plan loan and credit card repayments, and reduce the risk of taking on more debt when expenses change. This guide explains practical budgeting steps, debt repayment methods and review habits that can support better day-to-day money management. - read more
Debt Management Tips for Young Adults in Australia
Debt Management Tips for Young Adults in Australia
Managing debt early in adult life can make day-to-day money decisions easier and help build a more stable financial foundation. This guide explains practical ways to understand what you owe, create a workable budget, choose a repayment strategy, use credit carefully and know when to seek professional support. - read more
What to Do if You've Been Denied a Loan Due to Your Credit Score
What to Do if You've Been Denied a Loan Due to Your Credit Score
Your credit score is a critical number that plays a significant role in your financial life. It represents your creditworthiness, or in simpler terms, how reliable you are in repaying borrowed money. - read more
Budgeting Basics to Keep Your Credit Score Healthy While Seeking a Loan
Budgeting Basics to Keep Your Credit Score Healthy While Seeking a Loan
Understanding the nuances of financial health is a crucial component in the journey of loan acquisition. It is the bedrock on which potential borrowers build their case for credibility and reliability. Among the myriad of factors influencing your fiscal stability, credit scores stand out as a beacon indicating your creditworthiness to lenders. A robust credit score simplifies the path to securing loans, garnering favorable interest rates, and negotiating better terms. - read more
Quick and Easy Tips to Boost Your Loan Approval Odds Without Affecting Credit
Quick and Easy Tips to Boost Your Loan Approval Odds Without Affecting Credit
Loan approval can often be a crucial milestone in achieving your financial goals. Whether you're looking to buy a home, pay for education, or consolidate debt, securing a loan can provide the financial boost you need to move forward. - read more
Costs and Fees to Understand Before Taking a No-Credit-Check Loan
Costs and Fees to Understand Before Taking a No-Credit-Check Loan
Before applying for a no-credit-check or short-term loan, Australian borrowers should understand the total repayment cost, not just the amount borrowed. This guide explains common fees, interest, repayment frequency, loan terms and risk factors to compare. - read more
Loan Hunting with Confidence: How to Check Options Without Credit Damage
Loan Hunting with Confidence: How to Check Options Without Credit Damage
Embarking on the journey to secure a loan can feel like navigating a minefield with your credit score as the prize. It's no secret that your credit score is your financial fingerprint, impacting not just your loan prospects but also the terms you're offered. However, the act of loan hunting itself, if not done carefully, can take a toll on this crucial number. - read more


Need Help Finding a Loan?
Find out now if you qualify and compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check!

Loan Amount:

Postcode:

All quotes are provided obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.

All finance quotes are provided free and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Interest Rate:
A rate which is charged or paid for the use of money. An interest rate is often expressed as an annual percentage of the principal. It is calculated by dividing the amount of interest by the amount of principal. Interest rates often change as a resul


Quick Links: | No Credit Check Loans | Personal Loans No Credit Check | Bad Credit Loans | Business Loans No Credit Check | Fast Cash Loans Australia | Unsecured Loans | Guaranteed Approval Loans | Short Term Loans | Emergency Loans | Same Day Loans