Cafes, shoppers at a crossroads as surcharge ban looms

There's a good chance some businesses will raise prices once a card surcharge ban takes effect. (Susie Dodds/AAP PHOTOS)

A ban on card surcharges is supposed to deliver savings for Australian shoppers, but the reality could be quite different if retailers raise prices and the banks claw back losses by axing rewards.

The reform, driven by the Reserve Bank of Australia, comes into effect from Thursday, when anyone paying with a debit or credit card will be spared the surprise of extra charges at the till.