From 1 October 2026, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) are making changes to Australia’s card payment arrangements. This will mean businesses and organisations can no longer apply surcharges to customers paying by eftpos, Mastercard, Visa or American Express.
Basketball South Australia has been working with Basketball Connect to make the transition as simple as possible for participants, families, clubs and associations.
Our focus is ensuring the amount our participants pays remains the same before and after 1 October.
The way payments are processed will change, but participants should not need to pay more overall as a result of this change when the new model is implemented.
Why are Basketball Connect payment charges changing?
From 1 October 2026, changes to Australia’s card surcharges mandated by the RBA will affect how card payment processing costs are handled. Basketball SA is committed to ensuring that these changes do not adversely affect our participants.
Can prices increase even though the surcharge has been removed?
The ACCC explains the rights to increasing fees here: https://www.accc.gov.au/business/pricing/card-surcharges#toc-guidance-about-changes-to-card-payment-surcharges
Will I pay more?
The new Basketball Connect payment model is structured so the total amount participants pay can remain the same before and after 1 October.
Do I need to do anything?
No, you can continue using Basketball Connect and registering for your competitions and programs as usual.
Will my registration fee change?
The way fees are set up or appear in Basketball Connect is changing. Your total fee amount should remain the same.
Why is the amount shown differently?
The way payment processing costs are handled is changing, but is deliberately designed to be cost neutral for Basketball SA participants. The new model is designed to keep the total amount the participant consistent with before 1 October 2026.
Who do I contact if I have a question about my fee?
Basketball SA. We will support participants, member organisations and other affiliated competitions through the transition.
Why is the total amount remaining the same?
While the RBA changes mean a separate card surcharge can no longer be added to a payment, there are still costs associated with accepting and processing electronic payments. These costs are part of the payment services used by businesses and organisations across Australia. They are not unique to basketball or to Basketball SA.
We are a club/association and don’t know what we should be doing?
Your Club/Organisation will need to familiarise itself with the RBA mandates and follow instructions from your merchant providers. If you use Basketball Connect, review the guidance provided and update your pricing or payment settings as required before 1 October 2026.
For questions about your Basketball Connect setup, contact Basketball Connect through your usual support channel first. Or if you use an alternative app, get in touch with them.
I have an Amex card, what happens with this?
Due to Amex high transaction fees, Basketball SA will no longer be accepting Amex.
Where can I find out more about the changes made by the RBA?
Read the RBA’s FAQs
Read the ACCC FAQs
Read the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman information
