Payment processing fee FAQs

Why is Termina adding a payment processing fee?

From 1 October 2026, card schemes no longer allow businesses to pass card fees on as a surcharge. Card payments still cost us to process, so a 1.8% payment processing fee now applies to all invoices and all payment methods. We provide an equivalent bank payment discount to clients who pay by bank transfer or bank direct debit.

Why is the bank payment discount not taken off the invoice up front?

If you are set up on bank direct debit, the discount is applied directly to that invoice. If you pay by bank transfer, the discount is applied to your next invoice once we see the bank payment.

How much is it?

1.8% of the invoice total, including GST.

I pay by bank transfer. Do I pay the payment processing fee?

No, in effect. The payment processing fee appears on your invoice, and once we receive your bank payment a matching bank payment discount is added to your next invoice. Any transaction fees that are not card related still apply.

I pay by direct debit. Do I pay the payment processing fee?

If your direct debit runs from a bank account, the bank payment discount is shown on the same invoice, so there is nothing extra to pay. If your direct debit runs from a card, the payment processing fee applies. Any transaction fees that are not card related still apply.

How do I switch from card to bank direct debit?

You can set up bank direct debit in your account settings. It takes a few minutes and applies from your next invoice.

I have a September invoice. What happens if I pay it by card in October?

The rules apply to when the payment is made, not when the invoice was issued. Payments made on or after 1 October will not carry a card surcharge.

Does this change my energy rates?

No. Your energy rates and Termina's savings split are unchanged. This only covers the cost of processing payments.