Monday read for Australian shoppers. Three things are coming this week. Card surcharges are banned from Thursday, the Reserve Bank announces its decision tomorrow, and new inflation figures come out on Wednesday. Before then, the Myer Mid Season closeout ends tonight. NSW school holidays start today, and the Knights have made their first NRL Grand Final in 25 years.
Card Surcharges Are Banned From Thursday
From 1 October, card network rules from Visa, Mastercard, American Express and eftpos stop businesses adding a surcharge when you pay by debit, credit or prepaid card, according to the ACCC. The Reserve Bank is also lowering the caps on interchange fees at the same time.
It is good news at the checkout, but there is a catch to watch. Catie McLeod at The Guardian reports that Canstar’s Sally Tindall is urging card holders to watch for changes to rewards points, annual fees and interest rates. In Victoria, a new version of the Energy Retail Code also starts on 1 October, giving households in payment difficulty automatic access to their retailer’s best offer, according to the Essential Services Commission.
Rate Decision Tomorrow, Inflation on Wednesday
Graham Cooke at Finder reports that 37 of the 41 experts in Finder’s latest survey expect the Reserve Bank to raise the cash rate 0.25 points to 4.60% on Tuesday. Steve Mickenbecker at Canstar reports that all four major banks now forecast a September move. Canstar estimates a rise of that size would add about $91 a month to a $600,000 loan, reports Eden Radford.
The next number to watch is inflation. The ABS releases its August Monthly CPI at 11.30am AEST on Wednesday 30 September.
Last Day for the Myer Closeout
Tonight is your last chance for Myer’s Mid Season Sale closeout and durational offers. Myer’s $10 click and collect bonus gift card offer ends today as well. The Myer Toy Sale featured offers run until Sunday 4 October, which suits school holiday shopping now that NSW students are on break from today.
Two more end dates to note. The Good Guys has an offer ending at 11.59pm AEST on Wednesday 30 September, and Coles posts a preview of Wednesday’s new catalogue from 5pm today.
Knights Make the NRL Decider
Newcastle beat Penrith 22 to 14 at Accor Stadium yesterday to reach their first Grand Final in 25 years, reports Martin Lenehan at NRL.com. The decider is on Sunday 4 October, so there is still a week to find a new TV. The JB Hi-Fi Footy Finals Frenzy runs to 7 October, and the selected Harvey Norman TV Sale deals end Wednesday.
Top 5 Deals of the Day
Six categories, six winners. The deepest headline discounts surfaced from a Monday morning sweep of every retailer live on It’s On Sale.
SportsgirlToday’s Top DiscountWomenswear90%OFF2
Rebel SportSports85%OFF3
HouseHomewares81%OFF4
Kick PushSurf & Skate80%OFF5
Baku SwimwearSwimwear70%OFF% discounts shown are indicative across each store’s sale range. Individual product savings vary.
Other Deals Worth a Look
- Colette by Colette Hayman: up to 69% off bags, jewellery and accessories in the sale section.
- ALDI Wednesday 30 September: Nutella 900g for $11.99, Moccona Classic 400g for $25.99, Tasmanian salmon fillets four pack for $18.99 and Huggies fragrance free wipes 400 pack for $13.49.
- Target at Kmart Big Brand Toy Sale: runs to Sunday 11 October.
- Safety check: Myer has listed a recall for the Love to Dream Sleep Machine, which may overheat while charging. Stop using it and follow Myer’s return instructions.
What to Watch This Week
Today, the NSW school holidays start, Coles posts its catalogue preview at 5pm and the Myer closeout ends at midnight. The Reserve Bank decision is at 2.30pm AEST on Tuesday 29 September. On Wednesday 30 September, the ABS Monthly CPI comes out at 11.30am AEST, the new supermarket catalogues and ALDI range start, and the Harvey Norman and Good Guys offers end. Card surcharges are banned from Thursday 1 October. Sunday 4 October brings the NRL Grand Final and the start of daylight saving, and Monday 5 October is a public holiday in NSW, the ACT, South Australia and Queensland.