ATO (tax office) payments by credit card

[Kimster]

Thing to keep in mind is most of the Visa/Master cards award no/reduced points for ATO transactions. The ones that do will most definitely limit the earn rate - not just for ATO but for all transactions.

 

[kpc]

Thing to keep in mind is most of the Visa/Master cards award no/reduced points for ATO transactions. The ones that do will most definitely limit the earn rate - not just for ATO but for all transactions.

Im interested in what happens to Nab's Qantas Business Signature Visa card (as I have it ) which currently earns 1 Qf point per $1.50 spent paying the ATO directly. I expect the points earn to reduce if and when the credit card surcharges are banned.

 

[daft009]

If surcharge is 0 and the earn rate for ATO is reduced so be it.. still free points

 

[MelbFlyer]

I've just paid a quarterly instalment to the ATO via Sniip to contribute to a sign-up bonus.

Unfortunately the payment didn't clear in time for my statement (a phone consultant told me my statement would be issued on the 29th (first month of having this particular card)), so I'm not sure if it counted towards the spend criteria for the sign-up bonus.

Taking into account the amount of the instalment, I've definitely spent the minimum required though, so if the points are awarded next month I'll know it's counted.

If not, I'll still have other things to spend on and another month to do so.

 

[blacksultan]

Just wait, the number of points earned will reduce dramatically IMHO.
How can it continue if the fees are not being received.
I think AMEX may not be affected but might be wrong

Aren’t there regular fees being received from the merchant as normal ?

 

[Kangol]

interested in knowing this as well. seems to be a good deal/promo?
did you find out the answer to your question?

Turns out that is an old table for ATO.
Fees on a NAB VISA are:
1.21% (no bonus points)
2.31% (1 B2B point per $2)
2.75% (1 B2B point per $1)
Inc GST

QBR redemption rate is: 1 B2B Points = 1 Qantas Point

 

[cove]

With Qantas having torched the value of Qantas frequent flyer points that is a pretty ugly price to get them.

 

[AuSammy]

Im interested in what happens to Nab's Qantas Business Signature Visa card (as I have it ) which currently earns 1 Qf point per $1.50 spent paying the ATO directly. I expect the points earn to reduce if and when the credit card surcharges are banned.

Announced for general spend

NAB slashing earn rates to .75 first and .25 thereafter also increased fees. All from Oct 1

 

[kpc]

Announced for general spend

NAB slashing earn rates to .75 first and .25 thereafter also increased fees. All from Oct 1

Above is not related to the Business card. Any change for the Business card has not been announced as yet.

 

[kpc]

No changes on card fees on the ATO website even as we tick over to 1st October.

Some AFFers are mentioning reports the ATO will no longer accept credit card payments but nothing to confirm this in writing at the time of postng.

 

[infinity]

Im interested in what happens to Nab's Qantas Business Signature Visa card (as I have it ) which currently earns 1 Qf point per $1.50 spent paying the ATO directly. I expect the points earn to reduce if and when the credit card surcharges are banned.

I have this too. I read NAB site today. Looks like no changes

Yippee if correct

 

[Doctore1003]

No more ATO card payments from 30 Nov

ATO ends credit card payments from November 30 in response to surcharge ban

Taxpayers that rely on credit cards to pay the ATO will need to find a new payment method.

www.smartcompany.com.au

 

[albyd]

I guess we don’t need our foreign Amex cards now. What’s the next play here other than pay by BPay which is what it likely the only option.

 

[kpc]

No more ATO card payments from 30 Nov

ATO ends credit card payments from November 30 in response to surcharge ban

Taxpayers that rely on credit cards to pay the ATO will need to find a new payment method.

www.smartcompany.com.au

So after 17.5 years, payments to the ATO by credit card comes to an end

I wonder if credit card payments to the ATO from now ti Nov 30 attract any card fee? I assume not....Edit: the ATO website said there will be no fee

https://www.ato.gov.au/media-centre/ato-to-stop-accepting-credit-cards-after-30-november-2026

 

[Kangol]

So after 17.5 years, payments to the ATO by credit card comes to an end

I wonder if credit card payments to the ATO from now ti Nov 30 attract any card fee? I assume not....Edit: the ATO website said there will be no fee

https://www.ato.gov.au/media-centre/ato-to-stop-accepting-credit-cards-after-30-november-2026

The link doesn't say anything about "no fee" for ccs from 1 Oct to 30 Nov?

ATO to stop accepting credit cards after 30 November 2026​

Alternative payment options for taxpayers are outlined at ato.gov.au/howtopay.

Last updated 1 October 2026



Following the Reserve Bank of Australia's Review of Merchant Card Payment Costs and Surcharging, the ATO will stop accepting credit cards as a payment method after 30 November 2026.

As a government agency, the ATO has decided it would not be appropriate for the cost of credit card merchant fees to be transferred to the community.

Alternative payment options for taxpayers are outlined at www.ato.gov.au/howtopay.

The ATO recognises that some taxpayers currently rely on credit card payments to manage their tax payments and understands this change may require some adjustments. The ATO is committed to helping taxpayers transition to alternative payment methods and will continue to support those experiencing financial hardship or other circumstances that make it difficult to meet their obligations.

To assist taxpayers, the ATO is writing directly to those who currently have a payment plan linked to a credit card to explain the changes and the steps they need to take. Taxpayers with a direct debit arrangement linked to a credit card will need to update their payment method before their next instalment due after 30 November 2026 to ensure compliance with their payment plan. Taxpayers can update the payment method linked to their payment plan by following the guidance at www.ato.gov.au/managepaymentplan.

Taxpayers who need extra support are encouraged to visit www.ato.gov.au/supporttolodgeandpay, contact the ATO on 13 11 42 during business hours or speak with their registered tax professional.

Notes to journalists​

• The vast majority of taxpayers are not paying their tax with a credit card. Approximately 2.3% of tax payments were made with credit cards in 2024–25, with more than 60% of card payments being made by privately owned and wealthy groups and public and multinational businesses.
• ATO stock footage and images are available for use in news bulletins from our media centre.
• Detailed information about how to update the payment method for a payment plan is available on the ATO website.

 

[LondonAussie]

What’s not fully clear from that is if the ATO will still accept debit cards?

HRMC in the UK hasn’t allowed tax bills to the paid with a personal credit card since 2018, but debit cards are accepted fee free, and corporate credit cards are accepted with a 1.5% fee.

 

[Kangol]

Found it here:

Card terms and conditions
Card payment fee

Card payment fees do not apply to payments.

https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/paying-the-ato/how-to-pay/other-payment-details

Looks like we've got a 2 month golden window