Phan Campbell & Associates will continue to accept credit and debit cards after the national surcharge ban takes effect on 1 October 2026, and we will absorb the cost ourselves. Many law firms are responding to the ban by raising their fees or removing card payments altogether. We are doing neither.
For background on the ban itself, see our companion article, What the National Surcharge Ban Means for Businesses.
Questions about how this affects a payment you need to make to us? Talk to our team.
Book a Free Consultation →Card Payments Are Staying
For many of our clients, paying by card is not a convenience. It is how small business owners manage cash flow, and how clients in family law or litigation matters keep a time-sensitive payment from becoming a problem in their own case. We are not willing to make either of those things harder.
Other Ways to Pay
If you would prefer to avoid card payments altogether, a direct bank transfer remains the simplest option. Our online payment system also supports EFT, sometimes called Pay by Bank, as an alternative to card, currently with no transaction fee. You are also welcome to pay in person at our Footscray office by cash.
Payment Plans
If you are currently on a payment plan, we are temporarily pausing credit and debit card payments for direct debits. Direct debits will move to EFT through our online payment system instead, and we will contact affected clients directly to arrange the change.
Payments Into Trust
We are also temporarily pausing card payments into our trust account through our online payment system, while we confirm a replacement process that fully complies with the Legal Profession Uniform Law. Funds paid into trust must be paid by EFT. We do not accept cash for trust monies.
Why We're Doing This
Our fees have not changed because of this ban, and they will not change because of it. We continue to charge fair and reasonable legal fees in accordance with the Uniform Law, regardless of how you choose to pay.
How Phan Campbell & Associates Can Help
If any of this affects a payment you need to make to us, whether it's a one-off invoice, a payment plan, or funds you need to pay into trust, get in touch and we will walk you through the easiest option for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Phan Campbell & Associates charge a card surcharge?
No. We will continue to accept credit and debit cards after 1 October 2026 and absorb the cost ourselves.
2. How can I pay if I want to avoid card fees?
By direct bank transfer, or by EFT, sometimes called Pay by Bank, through our online payment system, which currently has no transaction fee. You can also pay in person at our Footscray office by cash.
3. What happens if I'm on a payment plan?
We are temporarily pausing credit and debit card payments for direct debits. Direct debits will move to EFT through our online payment system, and we will contact affected clients directly to arrange the change.
4. Can I pay trust monies by card?
Not at the moment. We are temporarily pausing card payments into our trust account while we confirm a replacement process that complies with the Legal Profession Uniform Law. Funds paid into trust must be paid by EFT, and we do not accept cash for trust monies.