“This brings an end to the unfair practice of some retailers and service providers charging fees well above the actual cost to the business of the credit card transaction,” Federal Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker said.

“While there is a cost to business to make a credit card transaction, the fee they pass on must be reasonable. In some cases, airlines, ticketing agencies, hotels and a range of other businesses have been charging inflated surcharges of up to seven per cent on top of the cost of the item or service.

“This is well above the real cost of the credit card transaction to these businesses.”

Mr Hartsuyker encouraged Bellingen Shire residents to report any unscrupulous businesses that fail to comply with the legislation.

“I would also urge consumers to vote with your feet and take your business elsewhere if you find a business is failing to comply with the ban,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

“Any business with credit card payment facilities, including online businesses, can expect to come under scrutiny from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which will be responsible for enforcing the surcharging regulations.

The Coalition Government passed the credit card fee legislation in February this year to stop big business from slugging consumers with exorbitant fees. Small business will have 12 months to comply with the ban.