9 in 10 small businesses owners believe their banks are profiting too much on card payment processing fees, while more than 2 in 5 don’t understand what the fees are for, according to new research from AMP Bank GO.
AMP Bank GO commissioned research to understand Australia-based small business owners’ attitudes around fairness in banking – a survey of 1,021 sole traders and small business owners (up to 19 employees) was conducted by Dynata in October 2025
The research found that many small businesses such as cafes, hairdressers, and the local corner store, are being forced to lift prices, surcharge their customers, or absorb the expense of card payment processing fees.
Gerard Barrios, a cafe owner in Sydney, absorbs $14,000 worth of card payment processing fees per year.
“As a small cafe, we’ve chosen to absorb the cost of card payments rather than pass on to customers, which sounds noble, until you realise we’re being ripped off by a system designed to confuse us. I don’t even understand why I’m the one being charged,” he said.
“I’ve watched countless cafes and restaurants close in recent years, not because they weren’t good businesses, but because they couldn’t absorb an unsustainable burden that shouldn’t exist in the first place. We just want transparency and fairness, not a one-sided game.”
John Arnott, Director AMP Bank GO said that it’s time for banks to give small businesses and their customers a fair go on card payment processing fees.
“Our small businesses – the backbone of local communities and Australia’s economy – deserve a card payment system that is transparent and fairly priced,” he said.
“AMP Bank GO is backing small businesses with three firm commitments, a no profit pledge on card payment processing fees until 2027, a commitment to lead on price, and to provide a plain-English breakdown on fees so business owners understand exactly what they’re paying for.”
The RBA estimates that card surcharges cost consumers around $1.2 billion each year, and is currently undertaking a review of card payment costs and surcharging.
