By May 2026, the government will scrap in-store payment surcharges, aiming to save New Zealanders up to $150 million a year.

Announced by Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson, the move will ban all extra charges for contactless and credit card payments, including the vague percentages often tacked on at the till.

“That pesky note or sticker on the payment machine will become a thing of the past,” Simpson said.

Surcharges, which retailers have used to cover payment processing fees, have long frustrated shoppers and added up to an estimated $65 million in excessive costs.

For Coasties, it means peace of mind at checkout, whether you're tapping your phone at the dairy or swiping at a local café, the price you see will be the price you pay.

The decision follows a recent Commerce Commission move to reduce Visa and Mastercard interchange fees for businesses, which is expected to save retailers around $90 million a year.

Simpson says the goal is transparency.

“It means no more surprises for people who currently feel like they’re being charged to use their own hard-earned money.”

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