Excessive credit card charges to go

Australian families should find a range of goods and services cheaper after excessive surcharging on using the plastic is banned from Thursday.

Turnbull government legislation passed in February that prevents large businesses charging excessive fees on using cards or face substantial penalties, while smaller merchants will have a further 12 months to comply.

"Consumers are entitled to a fair deal. That's why the Turnbull government took action to ensure customers aren't charged more than they should be," Treasurer Scott Morrison said in a statement on Sunday.