Can You Still Pay the ATO by Credit Card? The ATO Said on 9 October 2026 That It Will Accept Credit Cards Until 30 June 2027, Then Only via Third Parties
You can still pay the ATO by credit card until 30 June 2027, according to an Australian Taxation Office (ATO) announcement on 9 October 2026; after that date the ATO will no longer accept credit cards directly, so card payments will have to go through third-party payment providers, while BPAY, bank transfer and debit card remain available.
The change came within nine days. On 1 October 2026 the ATO announced it would stop accepting credit cards after 30 November 2026. It cited the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) review of merchant card payment costs, under which businesses can no longer add surcharges to debit and credit card payments from 1 October 2026, and said it would not be appropriate for the cost of credit card merchant fees to be transferred to the community. Small business groups pushed back hard: SBS News reported on 9 October 2026 that the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry described the sector as “worried and angry”. The same day, Treasurer Jim Chalmers, the Minister for Small Business and the Assistant Treasurer issued a joint statement saying the government would provide transitional funding so the ATO can keep accepting credit cards until 30 June 2027.
A credit card is only one way to pay. This guide first compares every way to pay the ATO side by side, then explains how each one works and what you need, and finally separates what has been decided about the credit card change from what has not yet been announced.
Key Points
- Who should pay attention: foreigners working, studying or living long-term in Australia who owe tax after lodging a return; property owners and others with Australian tax obligations who live overseas; individuals and small businesses who pay the ATO by credit card or have a payment plan linked to a credit card.
- The quickest ways to pay the ATO are BPAY and ATO online services. Whatever method you use, enter the correct payment reference number (PRN), and allow up to 4 business days for the payment to reach your ATO account.
- Credit cards can be used as normal until 30 June 2027, and according to the ATO website no card payment fee currently applies. After that, credit card payments must go through third parties, so compare their fees and processing times yourself.
- Not yet announced: which third-party providers will be available and what they will charge, and what alternative arrangements there will be for people in financial hardship or unable to pay any other way.
Ways to Pay the ATO Compared: BPAY, Bank Transfer, Card, Post Office and Overseas Payments
Everything below comes from the ATO’s “How to pay” pages (Pay with BPAY updated 4 March 2026; all other pages updated 9 October 2026):
| Method | How to pay | What you need | After 30 June 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BPAY | Choose BPAY in Australian online banking, Biller code 75556 | Australian bank account, PRN | Available as usual |
| ATO online services | Pay inside myGov linked to the ATO, Online services for business, or Online services for foreign investors | Visa, Mastercard or American Express card, PRN | Debit card yes; credit card no |
| Government EasyPay | Pay online or by phone on 1300 898 089 | As above | Debit card yes; credit card no |
| Bank transfer (EFT) | Transfer to the ATO’s account at the Reserve Bank of Australia | PRN | Available as usual |
| Direct debit from your account | Australian cheque or savings account, via a direct debit request or your registered agent | At least 7 working days to activate | Available as usual |
| Australia Post | Pay cash, EFTPOS or cheque at a post office | Payment slip | Available as usual |
| Cheque or money order by mail | Post to the ATO’s locked bag | Payment slip; the ATO is moving away from cheques | Available as usual |
| Overseas payment | SWIFT transfer from an overseas bank, or an international money remitter | Payment in Australian dollars, PRN | Available as usual |
The ATO also states that you cannot make any payments at an ATO site or shopfront.
Before You Pay the ATO: Find Your Payment Reference Number (PRN)
The payment reference number (PRN), also called an EFT code, is how the ATO credits your money to the right account. Different tax types have different PRNs, for example one for income tax and another for activity statements, so use the one that matches the tax you are paying. A wrong PRN can delay your payment and lead to unnecessary debt collection activity.
According to the ATO’s “Other payment details” page, you can find your PRN:
- Individuals and sole traders: log in to myGov linked to the ATO and select Tax > Accounts > Summary.
- Businesses: log in to Online services for business and check the payment options under Accounts and payments.
- Other ways: on ATO notices or payment slips, from your tax agent, or by phoning 1800 815 886 between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
Whatever method you use, put only your PRN in the Reference field and nothing else.
Paying the ATO by BPAY and Bank Transfer: Biller Code, Account Details and PayID
BPAY: Biller Code 75556
If you have an Australian bank account, BPAY is one of the quickest ways to pay. Log in to online banking, find the BPAY option, enter Biller code 75556 and your PRN as the Reference, then select Pay. Button names vary by bank, for example “Submit” or “Pay bill”.
Bank Transfer (EFT) Details
These transfer details come from the ATO’s “Other payment options” page; check them on the ATO website before you pay:
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Bank | Reserve Bank of Australia |
| BSB | 093 003 |
| Account number | 316385 |
| Account name | ATO direct credit account |
| Reference | Your PRN |
The ATO states that it does not yet have PayID. Some banks offer Osko real-time payments, but you still need to use the BSB and account number above, and should check your own bank’s processing times.
Paying the ATO by Card: Credit Cards Accepted Until 30 June 2027, With No Card Fee for Now
Two Ways to Pay by Card
Until 30 June 2027 you can pay with Visa, Mastercard or American Express through ATO online services or Government EasyPay (online or by phone on 1300 898 089). You will need your PRN, card number, security code and expiry date, plus the billing address and phone number or email registered with your bank; your card issuer may also ask for a one-time PIN or fingerprint or facial recognition. Card payments appear on your statement as “ATO payment”, and a refund of an incorrect payment or overpayment can only go back to the same card.
Card Payment Fees
The ATO’s “Other payment details” page (updated 9 October 2026) states: “Card payment fees do not apply to payments.” The ATO’s easy-read explanation gives the background: taxpayers used to pay the card fee, but a new rule that started on 1 October 2026 means the ATO can no longer ask taxpayers to pay it, and that is why credit cards will not be accepted after 30 June 2027.
Why the ATO Wants to Stop Accepting Credit Cards
In a statement on 2 October 2026, Commissioner of Taxation Rob Heferen said merchant fees for accepting credit cards were estimated at almost $200 million a year and expected to keep rising. Because tax liabilities are set by law, the ATO cannot build card payment costs into prices the way a business can. The ATO approached credit card companies for lower fees, but they did not offer a sufficiently low rate.
The statement also set out who uses credit cards: in 2024–25, credit card payments made up about 2.3% of ATO collections; just over 2% of individual taxpayers and around 5% of small businesses paid by credit card; and by value, more than 60% of credit card payments came from privately owned and wealthy groups and public and multinational businesses.
Paying the ATO From Overseas: SWIFT Transfers and International Money Remitters
You can pay the ATO from overseas without an Australian bank account. The ATO’s “Other payment options” page sets out two ways.
1. A SWIFT transfer from an overseas bank. The payment must be sent in Australian dollars. The details below come from the ATO’s “Other payment options” page:
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Bank | Reserve Bank of Australia, 65 Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia |
| Bank identifier (SWIFT) | RSBKAU2S |
| BSB | 093 003 |
| Account number | 316385 |
| Account name | ATO direct credit account |
| Field 70 (details of payment) | Your PRN only |
Handling and exchange fees are generally deducted by the overseas bank and its companion bank in Australia before the money reaches the ATO, so the ATO may receive less than you send. Allow for this when deciding how much to transfer.
2. An international money remitter. Again, send Australian dollars and put only your PRN in the reference field. The ATO has an agreement with OFX and Xe: these two providers validate your PRN and send the full Australian-dollar amount you instructed without deducting cross-border fees. You can use other remitters, but their foreign exchange fees vary.
The Credit Card Change: What Is Confirmed and What Is Not Yet Known
Confirmed
Based on the ATO’s 9 October 2026 announcement, the Treasurer’s joint statement and related ATO pages:
| Item | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ATO accepting credit cards directly | Until 30 June 2027 | ATO announcement, Treasurer’s statement |
| Credit cards after 30 June 2027 | Only via third-party payment providers | ATO announcement |
| Still available after 30 June 2027 | Free and low-fee methods such as debit card and bank transfer | Treasurer’s statement |
| Card payment fee now | None | ATO Other payment details |
| Payment plans linked to a credit card | Must switch before the first instalment due after 30 June 2027; otherwise payments will fail and the plan may move into arrears or default | ATO Managing your payment plan |
| Transitional funding | Provided by the government, with costs to be finalised in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) | Treasurer’s statement |
Not Yet Announced as of 16 October 2026
- Which third-party providers and what they charge: the ATO only advises taxpayers to carefully consider fees, charges and processing timeframes, and to verify any provider’s credentials to avoid scams. It has not named any provider.
- Arrangements for people in hardship or unable to pay any other way: the government has asked the ATO to consult on these; details have not been published.
- Talks with card companies: the ATO says it will continue to engage with card companies; whether this will change anything has not been announced.
- Paying by BPAY from a credit card through your bank: the ATO’s BPAY page says your bank can help you pay by BPAY from a credit card account, but the ATO has not said whether this will still work after 30 June 2027.
Note that the body text of the ATO’s small business newsroom article still carries the earlier 30 November 2026 date, although a banner at the top now says credit cards are accepted until 30 June 2027. Rely on the banner and the 9 October 2026 announcement.
Payment Plan Linked to a Credit Card? How to Change the Way You Pay the ATO
According to the ATO’s “Managing your payment plan” page (updated 9 October 2026), if your payment plan is linked to a credit card you must change to another payment method before your next instalment due after 30 June 2027. In ATO online services you can:
- change your credit card to a debit card;
- change your credit card payment to a debit from a financial institution account;
- change every instalment due after 30 June 2027 to a different payment method, such as BPAY.
There are cut-off times: at least 1 business day before the instalment date for direct debit via debit card, and at least 3 business days for direct debit via bank account. To switch from a card to a bank account, you must cancel your existing plan and set up a new one. Individuals and sole traders can do this in ATO online services under Tax > Payments > Payment plans; businesses use Accounts and payments in Online services for business.
Common Misunderstandings About Paying the ATO
- “The ATO no longer takes cards.” As of 16 October 2026, credit cards are accepted until 30 June 2027, and debit cards will still be accepted after that. Tip: it is credit cards that are being phased out, not all cards.
- “Paying the ATO by card costs extra.” The ATO website states that no card payment fee currently applies. Tip: if you use a third-party provider after 30 June 2027, it may charge fees, so compare first.
- “I can pay the ATO by PayID.” The ATO says it does not yet have PayID. Tip: transfer to BSB 093 003, account 316385, with your PRN as the reference.
- “Paying on the due date means I’m on time.” Payments can take up to 4 business days to arrive, and mailed cheques take longer. Tip: you are responsible for any interest on late payments, so pay early.
- “I can pay cash at an ATO office.” The ATO does not accept payments at its sites. Tip: to pay cash, take a payment slip to Australia Post.
Example Scenarios for Paying the ATO
Scenario 1: A foreign employee in Sydney who owes tax after lodging a return. With an Australian bank account, the simplest route is to find the income tax PRN in myGov and pay by BPAY (Biller code 75556). Payments can take up to 4 business days, so pay a few days before the due date.
Scenario 2: An owner living in Taiwan or Hong Kong with a rental property in Australia. Without an Australian account, they can send a SWIFT transfer in Australian dollars from an overseas bank, with only the PRN in Field 70, or use one of the remitters the ATO has an agreement with so the full amount arrives. Bank fees deducted along the way still leave a shortfall on the tax account, so send a little extra margin.
Scenario 3: A small business owner paying a tax debt in instalments by credit card. Payments continue as normal until 30 June 2027, but before the first instalment due after that date the owner must switch to a debit card, a bank account or BPAY for each instalment. Moving from a card to a bank account means cancelling the old plan and setting up a new one, so leave time. If cash flow is tight, contact the ATO or a registered tax agent early to ask about hardship support.
How to Pay the ATO: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still pay the ATO by credit card?
Yes, for now. According to the ATO’s 9 October 2026 announcement, it will continue accepting credit cards directly until 30 June 2027, through ATO online services or Government EasyPay with Visa, Mastercard or American Express. After that, credit card payments will only be possible through third-party payment providers, while debit cards and bank transfers remain available.
What is the BPAY biller code to pay the ATO?
The ATO’s BPAY Biller code is 75556, and the Reference field is your payment reference number (PRN). Different tax types have different PRNs, for example one for income tax and one for activity statements, so use the matching one. BPAY payments can take up to 4 business days to appear on your ATO account.
Is there a fee to pay the ATO by card?
According to the ATO’s “Other payment details” page (updated 9 October 2026), no card payment fee currently applies. Taxpayers used to pay the card fee, but a rule that started on 1 October 2026 means the ATO can no longer charge it. Whether third-party providers will charge fees after 30 June 2027, and how much, has not been announced.
How do I pay the ATO from overseas?
You can send a SWIFT transfer in Australian dollars from an overseas bank to the ATO’s account at the Reserve Bank of Australia (bank identifier RSBKAU2S, BSB 093 003, account 316385), with only your PRN in Field 70, or use an international money remitter. The ATO has an agreement with OFX and Xe, which validate your PRN and send the full Australian-dollar amount.
Can I pay the ATO with PayID?
Not at the moment. The ATO says it does not yet have PayID. To pay by bank transfer, send the money to Reserve Bank of Australia, BSB 093 003, account number 316385, account name ATO direct credit account, with only your PRN as the reference. Some banks offer Osko real-time payments; check your bank’s processing times.
When do I need to change a payment plan linked to a credit card?
According to the ATO’s payment plan page, you must switch to another method before your next instalment due after 30 June 2027, or the payment will fail and the plan may move into arrears or default. Changes need at least 1 business day for a debit card and 3 business days for a bank account, and moving from a card to a bank account means setting up a new plan.
I can’t find my PRN. What should I do?
Individuals can log in to myGov linked to the ATO and select Tax > Accounts > Summary; businesses can find it in Online services for business. You can also check ATO notices or payment slips, ask your tax agent, or phone 1800 815 886 between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
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Important Disclaimer
This article is general information and does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice, nor does it represent the position of the Australian Taxation Office or any government body. It is based mainly on official announcements and pages from the ATO, the Treasury ministers and the Reserve Bank of Australia published between March and October 2026. Arrangements for the end of credit card payments are still under consultation and rules may change. Check the ATO website for the latest information before you pay, and consult a registered tax agent about your own circumstances.
Information is current as of 16 October 2026; please check the latest official notices from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
References
Australian Taxation Office – ATO extends transition period for taxpayers using credit cards until 30 June 2027 (9 October 2026) / Treasury Ministers – ATO to continue accepting credit cards until 30 June 2027 (9 October 2026) / Australian Taxation Office – ATO to stop accepting credit cards after 30 November 2026 (1 October 2026) / Australian Taxation Office – Commissioner statement: credit cards (2 October 2026) / Australian Taxation Office – Pay with BPAY / Australian Taxation Office – Pay with our online services / Australian Taxation Office – Other payment options / Australian Taxation Office – Other payment details / Australian Taxation Office – Managing your payment plan / Australian Taxation Office – Paying with credit card – easier to read / Australian Taxation Office – Changes to credit card payments / Reserve Bank of Australia – Merchant Card Payment Costs and Surcharging – Conclusions Paper In Brief / SBS News – How the ATO found itself embroiled in a battle over credit cards that forced a rethink (9 October 2026)
