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

Tenants encouraged to seek free options after online property platforms respond to Reserve Bank’s credit card payment reform

• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

Online 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.