Jim Chalmers delays ATO’s controversial ban on credit card payments following business outcry

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Published: 2026-10-09T01:05:53.431Z • Permanent link

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has announced a surprise delay to the Australian Tax Office's (ATO) plan to ban credit card payments for tax bills, citing concerns from businesses and the need for a year-long transition period. The move comes after a significant backlash from companies and researchers, who argued that the ban would cause unnecessary disruption and hardship for many individuals and businesses. Specifically, the ATO had planned to phase out credit card payments on November 30, but Chalmers has now announced that the ban will be delayed until at least November 2025. The decision was made after the ATO received feedback from over 1,000 businesses and individuals, who expressed concerns about the impact on their operations and finances.

Industry experts have praised the decision, saying that it demonstrates a willingness to listen to concerns from stakeholders and to find practical solutions. Specifically, the decision reflects the growing recognition that digital payment systems are an essential part of modern commerce, and that any attempts to restrict them must be carefully considered. The ATO has stated that the delay will allow for a more comprehensive review of the impact of the ban, and will enable the development of alternative payment systems that can meet the needs of businesses and individuals.

Pressure on the ATO to delay the ban has been led by several major companies, including Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, and ANZ, which have all expressed concerns about the impact on their customers and operations. Additionally, researchers at the University of Melbourne have published several studies highlighting the potential risks of the ban, including the potential for increased debt and financial hardship for vulnerable individuals.

The delay to the credit card ban has significant implications for the Global Infrastructure domain, particularly in terms of the impact on businesses and individuals. Specifically, the ban would have caused unnecessary disruption to the payment systems used by millions of Australians, and would have created significant challenges for companies that rely on credit card payments to operate their businesses. For example, the delay means that businesses will no longer have to worry about the potential disruption to their operations, and can focus on implementing alternative payment systems that meet the needs of their customers.

Furthermore, the delay also highlights the growing recognition that digital payment systems are an essential part of modern commerce, and that any attempts to restrict them must be carefully considered. Specifically, the delay reflects the importance of ensuring that payment systems are secure, reliable, and accessible to all individuals and businesses. The ATO has stated that the delay will enable the development of alternative payment systems that can meet the needs of businesses and individuals, and will help to ensure that the payment systems used in Australia are up to date and secure.

In terms of the broader impact, the delay to the credit card ban is likely to have significant implications for the research community, particularly in terms of the development of new payment systems and technologies. Specifically, the delay reflects the growing recognition of the importance of ensuring that payment systems are secure, reliable, and accessible to all individuals and businesses. Researchers at the University of Melbourne have published several studies highlighting the potential benefits of alternative payment systems, including the potential for increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved security.