The Victorian Fisheries Authority is a state government agency responsible for managing fisheries resources, licensing, compliance, and sustainable fishing in Victoria, Australia. The 'RFL' portion of the descriptor refers to Recreational Fishing Licence payments processed by the authority.
The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) is a Victorian State Government agency responsible for managing fisheries resources, licensing, compliance, and sustainable recreational and commercial fishing across Victoria, Australia. One of its key roles is issuing and administering Recreational Fishing Licences (RFLs), which are legally required for most adults who fish in Victorian marine, estuarine, and inland waters. Licences can be bought online via vfa.vic.gov.au, through the Service Victoria app, and at various retail agents, with options ranging from short‑term to multi‑year coverage.
A charge from the Victorian Fisheries Authority that includes “RFL” or “Recreational Fishing Licence” in the description usually relates to the purchase or renewal of a Recreational Fishing Licence. This might be a one‑off payment for a 3‑day or 28‑day licence, or a longer 1‑year or 3‑year licence that you or someone in your household purchased. In some cases, you may see a recurring charge if you opted in to automatic renewal for an annual or multi‑year licence. You may also briefly see a small pending or authorization amount when you first submit card details online, which will drop off once the payment is fully processed.
To verify this charge, start by checking your email for a licence confirmation or tax invoice from the Victorian Fisheries Authority or the Service Victoria platform on the date of the charge, and review any recent fishing licence applications by you or family members. You can also log into the online licensing portal linked from vfa.vic.gov.au to view active licences and payment history. If you still don’t recognise the transaction, contact the Victorian Fisheries Authority via the contact details on their website (vfa.vic.gov.au/contact) or by calling the Victorian Government customer service line listed there, providing the date, amount, and the exact statement descriptor. For suspected unauthorised use of your card, you should also contact your bank or card issuer to dispute the charge and request a new card if necessary.
Bank Statement Variations
1 known variations
These are the raw merchant codes that appear on bank and credit card statements that we've identified as belonging to Victorian Fisheries Authority.
Why was I charged by the Victorian Fisheries Authority with ‘RFL’ in the description?
The ‘RFL’ in the transaction description stands for Recreational Fishing Licence. This charge most commonly occurs when you, or someone in your household, has purchased or renewed a Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence online, through the Service Victoria app, or at a participating retailer using your card. Check recent fishing trips or licence applications around the date of the charge to confirm who made the purchase.
What are the typical costs for a Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence?
Recreational Fishing Licence fees vary by duration, with common options including short‑term licences (such as 3‑day and 28‑day) and longer 1‑year and 3‑year licences. Short‑term licences are usually in the low tens of dollars, while annual and multi‑year licences cost more but provide better value per day. Some people are exempt from needing an RFL, including children under a certain age and older Victorians; full details and current prices are listed at vfa.vic.gov.au under ‘Recreational Fishing Licence’.
Why do I see a Victorian Fisheries Authority RFL charge when I thought my licence was a one‑off purchase?
If you are seeing a new charge after an earlier purchase, you may have opted in to automatic renewal when buying a 1‑year or multi‑year Recreational Fishing Licence online. In that case, the system will bill the same card again just before your licence expiry to keep it active. You can review and change your renewal settings through the online licensing portal linked from vfa.vic.gov.au or by contacting VFA customer support.
How do I cancel auto‑renewal or stop future RFL charges?
To stop future automatic RFL charges, log in to your account via the Recreational Fishing Licence portal accessible from vfa.vic.gov.au and look for your licence or payment settings, then disable any auto‑renew or recurring payment options. If you purchased via the Service Victoria app, you may also be able to manage renewal settings there. If you can’t access your account, contact the Victorian Fisheries Authority using the details on their website and provide your licence number, name, and date of birth so they can update your billing preferences.
How can I get a copy of my Recreational Fishing Licence or receipt for this charge?
If you purchased online or via the Service Victoria app, a digital copy of your Recreational Fishing Licence and a tax invoice/receipt are usually emailed to you shortly after payment. You can also log in to the licensing portal (via vfa.vic.gov.au) using the email address or details you used at purchase to re‑download your licence and receipt. If you bought through a retail agent and have lost the paper receipt, contact VFA with as many details as possible (date, outlet, amount, and card used) so they can try to locate your record.
How do I request a refund or correction for a Victorian Fisheries Authority RFL charge?
Refunds are generally limited and are assessed according to the Recreational Fishing Licence terms and conditions; for example, change of mind after a licence has started is often not refundable. If you believe you were incorrectly charged (such as duplicate payments, wrong duration selected, or being eligible for an exemption), contact the Victorian Fisheries Authority directly via the contact form or phone number listed at vfa.vic.gov.au. Have your licence number, transaction date, and exact amount ready so they can review your case and advise on any refund or adjustment options.
Why do I see a small pending or repeated charge from the Victorian Fisheries Authority?
When you pay for an RFL online, your bank may first show a small authorization hold or a pending amount while the Victorian Fisheries Authority or Service Victoria verifies your card. This is a temporary step and either converts to the final licence fee or disappears within a few business days, depending on how your bank displays authorizations. If you see multiple completed charges rather than a single authorization, contact VFA and your bank to check for duplicates.
Can someone else’s RFL purchase show up on my card, and what should I do if I don’t recognise it?
It’s possible that a family member or friend used your card (with or without your knowledge) to buy their Recreational Fishing Licence, which would cause the charge to appear under your name. First, ask household members if they recently bought or renewed a licence around the transaction date. If no one recognises the purchase, contact the Victorian Fisheries Authority with the transaction details so they can search their records, and then speak to your bank or card issuer about disputing the charge and securing your account if fraud is suspected.