21 November 2019
Today’s authorisation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) of changes to the Banking Code of Practice, as recommended by Commissioner Hayne in his final report, is an important step in further strengthening protections for customers.
Changes recommended, and now authorised by the ACCC, include:
- Banning charging default interest on distressed agricultural loans
- Providing inclusive and accessible banking services to those with limited English and those living in remote areas
- Giving concession card holders access to accounts with no overdraft and dishonour fees
- Making the features of a basic, low and no fee bank account for low income earners uniform across the industry (in addition to the recommendations of the Final Report).
The industry now awaits final approval by the Australian Securities Investments Commission of the Royal Commission changes the Code, with implementation early next year.
ENDS
Contact: Rory Grant 0475 741 007
Latest news
E&OETV InterviewInterview on News24 AM Agenda1 October 2026 Topics: Card surcharging ban; Interest rates; Refinancing Laura Jayes: Well credit card, any card surcharges are banned from today. I know customers will be happy. Small business, though, they’re not so sure. Joining me live now is the Australian Banking Association Chief Executive, Simon Birmingham. Simon, great… Read more »
E&OERadio InterviewInterview on FiveAA Adelaide1 October 2026 Topics: Card surcharging ban Stacey Lee: Well, speaking of budgets, everyone’s are tight at the moment and they might get a little bit tighter from today because card surcharges have come to an end. It’s the first of October. It’s a deadline on a whole lot of things,… Read more »
E&OERadio InterviewInterview on ABC Adelaide1 October 2026 Topics: Interest rates; Hardship support from banks; Card surcharging ban Sonya Feldhoff: Simon Birmingham is the CEO of the Australian Banking Association. He’s also a former SA senator and finance minister. So, all of these things have been very much in his purview for a long time. Simon… Read more »