Paying for dental treatment should be simple. When you are looking after your health, the last thing you want is to reach the payment counter and discover an unexpected fee simply because you chose to use your credit card.
From 1 October 2026, Australia’s card payment landscape is changing, with card surcharges being removed across major payment networks.
At HD Dental Studio in Mount Gravatt, we welcome the change. But for our patients, there is actually nothing new for us to introduce.
We have never charged our patients a surcharge for paying by credit card.
It has always been part of our belief that pricing should be transparent, payment should be simple, and patients should be free to choose how they would like to pay.
What Is Changing With Card Surcharges in Australia?
From 1 October 2026, new rules will remove card payment surcharges across eftpos, Visa and Mastercard transactions in Australia. American Express has also announced that it will remove surcharging from the same date.
For consumers, the aim is simple: greater transparency and fewer unexpected costs when it comes time to pay.
For many businesses, this will mean changing the way they process card payments.
For HD Dental Studio, it will be business as usual.
We Have Never Charged Credit Card Surcharges
Long before these changes were announced, HD Dental Studio chose not to pass credit card surcharges on to our patients.
Whether you choose to pay with Visa, Mastercard or American Express, we have never added a card surcharge to your dental bill.
Why?
Because we believe the cost discussed with you should be the cost you expect to pay.
Dental treatment can already involve a lot of information and decisions. Adding unexpected payment fees at the end does not fit with the experience we want to provide.
Transparency is an important part of trust, and trust is an important part of good dental care.
Payment Should Be About Choice
Everyone manages their finances differently.
Some people prefer cash. Others use a debit card for everyday expenses. Some patients prefer to put larger dental expenses on a credit card, while others like the flexibility of Afterpay.
We do not believe there should be one “correct” way to pay.
That is why HD Dental Studio offers a range of payment options, including:
- Cash
- Debit cards
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- Afterpay
Our philosophy is simple. You choose the payment option that works best for you.
Why We Accept American Express Too
We know some patients prefer American Express because of the benefits associated with their particular card.
Not every business accepts AMEX, and some businesses have traditionally charged a higher fee for using it.
At HD Dental Studio, we accept American Express alongside Visa and Mastercard, and we do not add a credit card surcharge.
It is another small way we can give our patients greater flexibility when managing their dental care.
Making Dental Treatment Easier to Plan
Transparent payment policies are particularly important when treatment involves more than a routine dental visit.
A patient may be considering orthodontic treatment, a dental crown, root canal treatment, wisdom teeth removal, or other restorative care. Understanding the treatment plan and associated costs helps patients make informed decisions.
We believe payment options should support that process rather than make it more complicated.
When treatment is recommended, our team can explain the treatment plan and associated fees so you understand what is involved before proceeding.
There should not be an unexpected credit card percentage added simply because of the card you choose to take out of your wallet.
Fun Facts About How Australians Pay
- Card payments have become such a normal part of everyday life that avoiding card surcharges has become increasingly difficult for Australian consumers.
- The Reserve Bank of Australia found that most Australian consumers wanted card surcharging to end.
- The upcoming changes do not mean accepting cards suddenly becomes free for businesses. Businesses still pay costs associated with processing card transactions. At HD Dental Studio, we have simply chosen not to pass a separate credit card surcharge on to our patients.
No Surcharges. More Choice. No Surprises.
The upcoming changes to card surcharges are designed to make payments simpler and more transparent for Australians.
Those are principles we already believe in.
At HD Dental Studio, we have never charged a credit card surcharge, and our patients can choose from a range of payment options including cash, debit card, Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Afterpay.
It is a small detail, but we think small details matter.
When you visit our dental practice in Mount Gravatt, we want you to feel informed and comfortable not only with your dental care, but with the entire experience from the moment you arrive to the moment you pay.
Your Team @ HD Dental Studio
