Payment to the Dept of Immigration & Citizenship

[day-heg]

Hi all, hoping someone can help me out here.

I'm just about to pay DIaC about $4000 for them to process my permanent residency application and naturally am trying to maximise points earn.

I believe rules around AMEX payments to the ATO have changed recently with earnings dropping to 0.5 pts per $ (?), and didn't know if that extended to other Govt departments?

The options I have are...
1.
Westpac Altitude Black Plat card (normal earn is 3 Altitude pts per $, which converts to 1.5 Velocity pts plus occasional 15%ish bonus offer from Velocity)
2.
Velocity Platinum AMEX (normal earn Velocity 1.5 pts $)
3.
Virgin Aus Visa card (earn 1pt per $ for first $1500, then 1/2 pt per $)

So, ideally I'll avoid the Visa as earn is poor and there is no mention of additional charges for an AMEX.

Question is, which one do I use? Will points earn change for either as I'm paying a Govt department?

Much obliged in advance for your help.
D-H.

 

[greenfrog86]

The Amex points earn is lower for government charges where the Amex card is issued directly by them.

Most bank Amex cards don't distinguish...

Sounds like your biggest question is whether they accept Amex, and if so what the surcharge would be.

 

[day-heg]

Thanks Greenfrog.
According to the documentation they accept AMEX and there is no mention of surcharges.
Westpac AMEX it is then, given what you've suggested.
Great to know, thanks again.

 

[TKK]

I paid DIAC a 5-figure sum earlier this year on Westpac SQ Amex. No surcharge.