Debit card surcharges could be scrapped in crackdown

Consumers may still bear the cost if debit card surcharges are scrapped, business groups warn. (Dan Peled/AAP PHOTOS)

Surcharges for payments made by debit card could soon be dumped, but business groups have warned there might be unintended consequences for consumers.

The federal government said it was prepared to ban debit payment surcharges by 2026, pending a review carried out by the Reserve Bank.