Telstra increases credit card charges

A trial scheme set up by the Australian Tax Office (ATO) which allows people to pay their tax bills via credit card has come under criticism from a number of groups, it has emerged.One of these is the Consumer Credit Legal Centre, where principal solicito

Credit card users are set to find paying Telstra bills to be a more expensive process, it has been revealed.

Moves by the telecoms firm will see its credit card processing fee for those paying via MasterCard, American Express and Visa increased to one per cent.

Those in possession of Diners Club cards will be charged two per cent.

In addition, those paying over the counter at post offices or Telstra stores will be hit with a $2.20 administration charge, as will customers paying bills by mail.

However, a number of customers - including those on the company's Pensioner Discount and Disability Program plans - will be exempt from such charges, which come into effect from September 14th.

Telstra points out that those paying by direct debit will continue to avoid such fees, something that could be of interest to those looking to set up such a payment programme from their bank account.

People searching for Australian banking tips could also be interested in guidance from AccountantsRus chief executive Adrian Raftery who advised people that credit cards - although useful for emergencies - should not be relied upon as a long-term spending tool.

Written by Kate Guthrie