Rent-tech platforms in Australia are sidestepping the credit card surcharge ban by introducing new fees and paid memberships for renters. Following the Reserve Bank's ban on surcharging from 1 October, platforms like OurProperty have stopped accepting direct card payments and instead route transactions through services that charge their own fees. This shift is leaving tenants to bear additional costs, despite regulations aimed at protecting them.
How Rent-Tech Platforms Are Circumventing the Surcharge Ban
In response to the ban, many rent-tech platforms have restructured their payment processes. OurProperty, for example, previously charged a 1.95% surcharge on card payments. Now, it directs payments through Pay4it, a platform founded by OurProperty's founder, which charges a 1.95% "service fee." This effectively maintains the same cost for renters while technically complying with the ban.
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Other platforms are pushing renters towards paid "memberships" that offer reduced fees or other perks, but ultimately add to the overall cost of renting. These memberships can cost upwards of $10 per month, adding hundreds of dollars annually for tenants. The background to this story is set out in Australia Card Surcharge Ban 2025: What It Means for Your Wallet. A related thread runs through Card Surcharge Ban in Australia: How Will You Pay Now. Earlier coverage in Card Surcharge Ban Fuels Larger Price Hikes in Australia shows how the argument developed.
The Impact on Australian Renters
With at least 1.2 million rent payments made monthly on these platforms, the financial impact is significant. Many renters are unaware that these fees may be avoidable or even illegal in some states. In Victoria, for instance, fees on rent payments are banned, yet some platforms continue to charge them. A closer look at the same subject appears in Australia News: Card Surcharge Ban and Pauline Hanson's Aide. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Australia: latest articles. The same theme surfaces in ATO Credit Card Ban: Ministers Urge Reversal for Small Business, which takes a different angle.
Tenants are being encouraged to challenge these fees. Consumer advocates argue that passing on transaction costs to renters undermines the spirit of the surcharge ban, which was designed to prevent businesses from profiting off payment methods. Context on how this played out before sits in Rising Add-On Utility Fees: How They Lead to Tenant Evictions. A companion piece, RentTech Data Demands Clash with Victorian Tenant Privacy Laws, approaches the same subject from another angle.
Comparison of Payment Options and Fees
| Payment Method | Typical Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Card Payment (pre-ban) | 1.95% surcharge | Now largely discontinued |
| Third-Party Service (e.g., Pay4it) | 1.95% service fee | Often the only card option |
| Platform Membership | $5-$15 per month | May offer reduced fees or other benefits |
| Bank Transfer | No fee | But less convenient for some |
Key Takeaways for Renters
- Check your state's regulations: Some states, like Victoria, ban fees on rent payments.
- Question additional charges: Ask your property manager if fees can be avoided.
- Consider alternative payment methods: Bank transfers often incur no fees.
- Stay informed: Understand your rights under the surcharge ban.
FAQ
Is it legal for rent-tech platforms to charge new fees?
It depends on your state. In Victoria, fees on rent payments are banned, so such charges are illegal. In other states, the legality is less clear, but consumer advocates argue that these fees may contravene the spirit of the surcharge ban.
Can I avoid paying these extra fees?
Yes, you can often avoid fees by using bank transfers instead of cards. Additionally, you can challenge the fees with your property manager or platform, especially if you live in a state where they are banned.
What should I do if I'm being charged illegal fees?
First, inform your property manager in writing that the fees are illegal in your state and request a refund. If they refuse, contact your state's consumer affairs body or tenancy authority for assistance.
As the rental market continues to evolve, renters must stay vigilant and informed about their rights. By understanding the changes brought by the surcharge ban and knowing how to challenge unfair fees, tenants can protect their finances.
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