New Zealand's card-surcharge ban did not happen
The promised ban on in-store card surcharges missed its May 2026 deadline after a coalition partner withdrew support, and the bill remains stalled with no confirmed date.
Why it matters: Surcharges of around 2 to 3% still turn up at cafes, taxis and small shops, worst in tourist towns, so keep watching the terminal before you tap.
New Zealand money guideThis is the permanent record of one change. The current fact lives on the guide linked above, which is re-checked on a schedule. For how we check and correct, see our methodology.