ATO to stop accepting credit cards

after 30 November 2026

The ATO announced it will stop accepting credit cards directly starting December 1, 2026. This decision follows new Reserve Bank of Australia rules that ban businesses and organizations from passing card surcharge fees on to customers. The ATO stated it would be inappropriate to transfer merchant service fees onto the wider community. 

 

Alternative Payment Options

After November 30, 2026, you can use other methods such as:

 

• BPAY (from debit or cheque accounts)
• Direct debit (from non-credit accounts)
• EFT / Bank transfer
• Cash or EFTPOS in person at an Australia Post Office 

 

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.

 

Article posted  8/10/2026