Estelle OzK

If your mortgage already feels expensive, hearing that Australian interest rates could rise again is probably not what you want to hear. But before worrying about another increase, it helps to understand why the Reserve Bank of Australia is still being cautious. The simple version is this: inflation is still higher than the RBA would like, and some of the pressures pushing prices up — including energy costs and strong demand in parts of the economy — have not disappeared yet. Here is what that means in everyday terms. Contents 1. Where interest rates stand now 2. Why rates could rise again 3. What fuel and groceries have to do with it 4. What it could mean for your mortgage 5. What households can do now 6. What to watch next Where Interest Rates Stand Now The RBA’s cash rate is currently 4.35% . That cash rate is not the same as the interest rate on your home loan, but it strongly influences the rates banks charge bo...

You order a coffee for $5.50, tap your card, and somehow the amount on the terminal is a little higher than the price you just saw. It is a small difference, but it is something Australians have become very familiar with. From 1 October 2026 , that everyday checkout experience is about to change. Contents 1. What changes on October 1? 2. Which cards are included? 3. Does this mean shopping will be cheaper? 4. Which surcharges can still remain? 5. Why is Australia changing the system? 6. What shoppers should remember 1. What changes on October 1? The Reserve Bank of Australia has completed a major review of card payment costs and surcharging. From 1 October 2026, eftpos, Mastercard and Visa will introduce rules preventing businesses from adding a separate surcharge simply because a customer pays with their cards. In practical terms, if an item is advertised at $10, you should no longer reach the card terminal and find a...