Rent‑Tech Platforms Slip Through the Crack with New Membership Fees After Credit‑Card Surcharge Ban

When the Reserve Bank announced a ban on credit‑card surcharges for rental payments, the property‑tech sector responded by rolling out paid membership options. These memberships, while marketed as offering extra benefits, are often charged to a tenant’s credit card – the very loophole the regulator aimed to close.

Tenants have been urged to seek free alternatives, with consumer groups warning that the new fees could add to the cost of renting. The Reserve Bank later issued a follow‑up notice clarifying that any fee linked to credit‑card usage for rental payments remains prohibited.

Industry participants are now adjusting their offerings. Some platforms are trialling “no‑fee” periods to retain customers, while others continue to promote their membership models. The outcome of this regulatory tug‑of‑war remains to be seen, but the episode highlights how quickly the rent‑tech market can adapt when faced with new rules.