Rent-tech platforms sidestepping credit card surcharge ban with new fees and paid ‘memberships’

Online property management platforms are introducing new fees or paid memberships to bypass costs from the Reserve Bank’s ban on credit card surcharges, shifting financial burdens onto renters. Tenants in some regions, such as Victoria, where rent payment fees are already prohibited, are being urged to seek alternatives or challenge these charges. The move highlights growing tensions between landlords, tech-driven rental services, and consumer protections. Advocates are calling for renters to explore free payment options amid the regulatory changes.

Tenants encouraged to seek free options after online property platforms respond to Reserve Bank’s credit card payment reformGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastOnline property management platforms are charging renters new fees or pushing them on to paid “memberships” to avoid processing costs associated with card payments in the wake of the ban on surcharges.Tenants have been encouraged to challenge or bypass additional fees charged by so-called rent-tech platforms, including in Victoria, where fees on rent payments are banned. Continue reading...