For laundromats using cashless payments, now is a good time to review your payment setup, pricing and customer experience.
What is changing?
From 1 October 2026, eftpos, Amex, Mastercard and Visa are set to prevent businesses from adding a separate surcharge to customers for those card payments.
While laundromat operators will still pay payment processing fees, these costs will need to be managed as part of the overall cost of doing business rather than passed on as a separate card surcharge.
5 things laundromat owners should consider:
1. Check your current payment fees
Understand exactly what you're paying to accept card payments. Your payment provider should be able to provide a clear breakdown of your current costs.
2. Speak with your payment provider
Find out how the 1 October 2026 changes will affect your current system, including any changes to surcharging, transaction fees or service costs.
3. Review your machine pricing
If you currently add a card surcharge, consider whether your wash and dry pricing need to change once separate surcharging is no longer available.
4. Consider the customer experience
Cashless payment is about more than processing a transaction. Customers want a simple, convenient way to pay and get their laundry started.
5. Is your payment system still right for your business?
If you're already reviewing your payment costs, it's a good opportunity to look at the bigger picture. Does your system provide the functionality, reliability and convenience your laundromat needs?
At Total Commercial Equipment, we help laundromat operators select the right combination of commercial laundry equipment and payment solutions for their business.
From machine selection and layout to cashless payment solutions, installation and ongoing support, we can help you build a laundry operation ready for what's next.
CONTACT the Total Commercial Equipment team today.
Information in this article is general in nature and is based on information published by the Reserve Bank of Australia as at August 2026. Payment network rules and implementation arrangements may change. Laundromat operators should speak with their payment service provider for advice specific to their payment system.
Learn more: Reserve Bank of Australia - Card surcharging FAQs https://www.rba.gov.au/payments-and-infrastructure/review-of-retail-payments-regulation/2026-03/conclusions-paper/faqs/