Earning more points: Credit card earn rates vs. government payment caps

If you’re a business owner, you’ve likely chosen your credit card carefully, eyeing those attractive reward points.

But when it comes to government payments, particularly to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), your trusted card might be falling short.

Let’s uncover how your business credit card could be limiting the amount of credit card points you earn and what you can do about it.

Could your credit card be working against you?

Before we dive deeper, let’s look at how some popular business credit cards perform when it comes to ATO payments.

Last updated: Jan 2026

American Express cards

ANZ cards 

NAB cards

Westpac cards

Other cards

Can’t find your card listed? Visit your card provider’s website for specific earn rate details. Remember, earning rates can vary based on payment amount, so it’s crucial to double-check with your provider for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

If you are surprised by these numbers, you’re not alone. Many business owners are unaware of these reduced rates, potentially losing thousands of points each year.

How does pay.com.au allow me to get my full earn rate on government payments?

pay.com.au enables you to earn your card’s full points on ATO payments through a simple process:

1. You pay pay.com.au instead of the ATO directly.
2. pay.com.au then forwards your payment to the ATO.
3. Your credit card provider sees this as a standard purchase, not a government payment.
4. You earn points at your regular rate, potentially doubling your rewards.

This method turns a typically low-earning transaction into a valuable points-earning opportunity for your business.

How to make your card work for you, not against you

Here’s a simple strategy to turn the tables:

1. Identify your card’s earn rate for ATO payments.
2. Calculate the potential points lost on your typical tax bill.
3. Consider using a B2B payment service like pay.com.au to process your ATO payment.
4. Earn full points at your card’s standard rate.
5. Consider double-stacking your rewards with PayRewards.

The Bottom Line

Your business credit card should be a tool that works for you, not against you. By being aware of capped earn rates and using smart payment strategies, you can ensure you’re not leaving valuable points on the table. Remember, those points translate to real benefits for your business – from travel upgrades to business class seats and more.

As banks increasingly reduce or eliminate rewards for ATO transactions, staying informed and proactive is more important than ever. Don’t let your credit card work against you and make every payment count, especially those big ATO bills.

Take a closer look at your credit card’s fine print. You might find that when it comes to government payments, your card isn’t the loyal employee you thought it was. But with this knowledge and the right strategies, you can turn those necessary expenses into valuable rewards for your business.

Written by Dan Withinshaw

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About the author

Dan is a content marketing specialist at pay.com.au who transforms complex rewards programs into compelling stories. Drawing from his Kiwi roots and global adventures, he brings a unique perspective to finding value in points redemptions. With experience in startups and scale-ups, he helps readers unlock the potential of their rewards. Outside of work, you'll find Dan producing music, mixing on the decks, and immersing himself in Melbourne's sports and music culture.