Commonwealth Bank Challenges RBA's Card Fee Reform

0

In its submission to the RBA’s Review of Merchant Card Payment Costs and Surcharging, Commonwealth Bank argued that the perceived benefits of these changes would not materialise for consumers or businesses. The controversy arises amidst the RBA’s proposal to tighten restrictions on interchange fees for various transactions, including those using EFTPOS, Mastercard, and Visa.

Despite assurances from the RBA that banks would fully transfer any savings to customers, major financial players like Westpac, NAB, ANZ, and Visa stand in opposition, citing potential negative consequences. They argue that the reforms could lead to increased consumer costs, reduced access to credit, and less reward offerings.

The proposed changes by the RBA are poised to significantly impact both businesses and consumers across Australia. While banks support the removal of surcharge fees to align with European Union practices, they are concerned that cutting interchange fees could burden consumers with higher costs. Major retail chains could raise prices to counterbalance lost revenue from volume-based merchant rates, thereby contributing to wider inflationary pressures in the economy.

The debate indicates a potentially uneven playing field, with alternative payment methods like buy now, pay later apps remaining outside these regulations. Critics warn that these changes could push consumers towards these higher-cost alternatives and complicate the already intricate payment landscape.

The RBA faces a formidable challenge in balancing the interests of financial institutions, consumers, and small businesses. As financial entities voice strong opposition, highlighting potential drawbacks, the wider financial ecosystem could see shifts in consumer behaviour towards alternative payment solutions.

Economists and industry experts predict that further dialogues between the RBA, banks, and business councils are necessary to refine the proposal and possibly enhance the regulatory framework. The ongoing debate underscores the importance of considering diverse stakeholder impacts and achieving fairness within the financial services industry.

Future developments hinge on the RBA’s responses to stakeholder feedback and its ability to implement reforms that equitably distribute benefits without unduly harming any single group. As the submissions are reviewed, it is clear that a careful and collaborative approach will be essential in shaping Australia’s payment system landscape moving forward.

Published:Friday, 12th Sep 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

Commonwealth Bank Challenges RBA's Card Fee Reform

12 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

Australia’s leading financial institution, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, has openly criticised the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) for its calculations related to a proposed reduction in debit and credit card transaction fees. The RBA suggested that the reform would save Australian businesses $1.2 billion annually and benefit the majority of companies, a claim that the Commonwealth Bank strongly disputes. - read more

Ongoing Consumer Spending Surge Threatens Future Interest Rate Cuts

11 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

Amid a period of robust consumer spending, Australia's mortgage holders may face limited future interest-rate cuts. The Commonwealth Bank has observed Australians increasing their spending over the last six months, spurred by rising incomes, a robust job market, and previously lowered interest rates. - read more

CSLR Funding Concerns as Special Levy Decision Remains Pending

11 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

The Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR) recently highlighted potential delays in compensation payments due to insufficient special levy funds. In July, the CSLR's proposed FY2025–26 levy plan allocated $67.29 million for financial advisers, surpassing the $20 million limit set for the subsector. This shortfall of $47.29 million prompted the Treasury to initiate a consultation in August to determine funding solutions for the excess levy. - read more

Retiree Surge to Drive Demand for Financial Advisers in Australia

10 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

A recent study by Adviser Ratings, as outlined in the 2025 Australian Financial Advice Landscape Report, indicates that the number of financial advisers in Australia will need to increase significantly. From the present count of 15,500 advisers, the industry is expected to require more than 50,000 over the next thirty years to cater to a growing retiree population. - read more

FAAA Advocates Balance in Non-Compete Reform for the Financial Sector

10 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian government is examining potential reforms to non-compete clauses in employment contracts, driven by concerns that current laws may impede workers from advancing their careers and, in turn, hinder economic growth. In this context, the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) has raised concerns about these reforms, urging that the proposed changes should balance the interests of both employees and employers. - read more

Aussie Incomes Lag in OECD Amid Productivity Concerns

09 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

Australia has recorded a sluggish rise in real per capita household disposable income over the past decade, making it the slowest growth among major English-speaking countries. According to OECD data, from Q1 2015 to Q1 2025, Australian incomes only increased by 3.5%, starkly contrasted with Canada's 8.9%, the United States' 20.6%, and the United Kingdom's 8%. The OECD average during this period was 18.7%, further highlighting Australia's economic challenges. - read more

Mayfair 101 Director Restricted from Financial Promotions for 15 More Years

09 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

James Mawhinney, a key figure at Mayfair 101 Group, has been issued a 15-year extension on his restraint from engaging in financial promotions or fund-raising, after the Federal Court finalised orders against him. This decision blocks Mawhinney from soliciting or receiving funds, as well as marketing any financial product, following the court's findings of his 'reckless' behaviour in the financial sector. - read more

Surge in Auction Success Drives Housing Market Upswing

08 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian housing market is showing significant signs of recovery with a noticeable upswing in auction clearance rates. The national monthly average final auction clearance rate for August climbed to 69%, marking the strongest result since February 2024. Recent figures from Cotality reveal that auction success continues, with 75% of auctions holding nationwide leading to successful sales, sustaining a four-week streak of strong clearance rates at or above this benchmark. - read more

US Economy's Slowdown Triggers Market Rally as Fed Rate Cuts Loom

05 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

The latest release of the US jobs opening data and the Federal Reserve's Beige Book indicates signs of a slowing American economy. While reasons range from the current government's economic policies to broader market challenges, the outcomes have intrigued Wall Street and bond markets alike. This weakening scenario has set a stage where the Fed might consider cutting interest rates sooner than expected, contributing to a market rally. - read more

Melbourne: Australia's Most Affordable Major City Housing Market

03 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

Recent data from PropTrack highlights Melbourne as the most affordable major capital city in Australia for housing, as it continues to record the slowest dwelling value growth compared to other state capitals. Over the year leading up to August, Melbourne's property prices increased by merely 2.1%, starkly overshadowed by the growth rates in cities like Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. - read more

Click for more Finance News