20 Dec 2013

No evidence found that Air NZ engaged in unfair trading

7:15 am on 20 December 2013

The Commerce Commission says its investigation into credit charge surcharging by Air New Zealand found no evidence the airline had engaged in unfair trading conduct.

The commission also says an agreement it reached with the banks and financial institutions in 2009 in relation to the fees charged to retailers and other merchants who accept credit cards has saved retailers more than $70 million.

The commission says the agreement also stopped perceived anti-competitive practices by banks, including their previous ban on merchants charging surcharges to cover credit card costs.

Chairman Mark Berry says retailers' ability to charge surcharges enhances their ability to negotiate lower fees for accepting credit cards from their banks.