Card surcharges end on 1 October 2026 for Visa, Mastercard and eftpos. See what changes, and what stays the same, if you pay business bills by card with RewardPay.
From 30 November 2026, the ATO will stop accepting credit card payments directly. But you can still pay your BAS and other ATO bills with your credit card through RewardPay, and continue to earn rewards:
- Still use Amex, Mastercard or Visa to pay the ATO
- Earn up to 2.25 points per $1 spend
- Manage cash flow with up to 55 days interest free
If you’re already using RewardPay, you don’t need to change anything. Keep paying the way you do now.
What’s changing at the ATO
The ATO has announced it will stop accepting credit cards as a payment method after 30 November 2026, following the Reserve Bank’s review of card payment costs and surcharging.
How it works
You pay with your eligible American Express, Visa or Mastercard credit card via RewardPay. We then pay the ATO for you by bank transfer. That’s why the change doesn’t affect payments made through RewardPay.
What you can still do
Fees
RewardPay charges a processing fee. The amount depends on your payment method and plan, and you’ll see it before you pay. Card fees start from 1.25% for Visa and Mastercard and 2.10% for American Express. See our pricing page for full details. Talk to your accountant about how the fee is treated for tax.
Frequently asked questions regarding ATO change
When will the ATO stop accepting credit cards?
After 30 November 2026, the ATO will no longer accept credit cards as a payment method.
Why is the ATO stopping credit card payments?
The ATO says it would not be appropriate for the cost of credit card merchant fees to be transferred to the community. The decision follows the Reserve Bank’s review of card payment costs and surcharging.
Can I still pay the ATO with Amex, Visa and Mastercard after November 2026?
Yes. You can continue paying eligible ATO bills using your American Express, Visa or Mastercard through RewardPay, even after 30 November 2026 when the ATO stops accepting credit cards directly.
Will I still earn points on my tax payments?
Yes. Eligible credit card points and RewardPay partner points can still be earned after we pay the ATO via bank transfer for you, subject to the relevant card and loyalty program terms.
Do I need to change anything in my RewardPay account?
No changes to your usual payment process are required as a result of the ATO announcement. You can continue managing eligible payments through your RewardPay account.
How do I join RewardPay?
Signing up is free, takes around 5 minutes, and there are no setup fees or ongoing obligations. Register for a free RewardPay account. You will need your ABN, email address, and mobile number. When creating your password, make sure it is unique to RewardPay and stored somewhere safe. Once registered, check your email to verify your email address, then log in and complete a one-time identity verification. Once verified, your account is ready to start making payments and earning rewards.
Continue earning rewards on your business payments with RewardPay.
The bottom line
The ATO are stopping credit card payments as of 30 November 2026. However, there are no changes to paying the ATO through RewardPay.
New to RewardPay? Create a free account and start earning rewards on your business expenses.
This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Card rewards are subject to the terms and conditions of your card issuer and relevant rewards program. RewardPay fees and partner rewards are subject to applicable RewardPay terms and conditions. Information about the November 2026 ATO credit card changes is current at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
Still have questions? Chat with us.