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ANZ credit card holders will no longer earn frequent flyer points when paying tax to the Australian Tax Office (ATO). From 27 February 2016, ATO payments are specifically excluded from point earning.
ANZ is just the latest in a series of credit card providers to reduce or remove the ability to earn points when paying the tax office by credit card. Numerous banks, including Westpac have already reduced earn rates for ATO payments. Others, such as Citibank, have removed the ability to earn points altogether.
Naturally, our members are largely unimpressed by this recent announcement from ANZ.
This is such a shame!! look like ANZ has singled out ATO deliberately. The only positive with the black card is the uncapped points, otherwise there is not much of an advantage given the high annual fees.
Meanwhile, other members are looking beyond the inability to earn points with the ATO. While the loss of points will be a blow, ANZ’s rewards cards still have numerous attractive features.
It’s a great card otherwise. Good insurances, reasonable annual fee, good points earn. Will make a big payment to ATO come Feb, but will keep the card.
Paying the tax bill or HECS debt by credit card has been a popular method of earning some extra frequent flyer points. The ATO does charge a surcharge of 0.42% for MasterCard and Visa, or 1.45% for Amex transactions. But many have been willing to pay this in order to earn points.
As the major banks crack down on points for tax payments, it is becoming increasingly necessary to look towards the smaller providers. Banks and credit unions including Bankwest and Qantas Credit Union continue to award points for ATO payments.
READ MORE about the loss of points on tax payments with ANZ.
(And check out our mega-thread for the latest information on earning frequent flyer points for ATO tax payments.)
