Doc Summary
Short answer #
Yes—some credit card loyalty programs in Australia do award points or cashback on visa-related purchases, including immigration application fees. However, many cards either exclude government charges from earning or apply a reduced earn rate. Because visa payments to the Department of Home Affairs often process under a government merchant category, you should confirm your card’s eligibility rules, evaluate any payment surcharges, and calculate whether the net value of rewards exceeds the surcharge before paying.
How visa-related payments are coded—and why it matters #
When you pay visa application charges online, the transaction is typically coded as a government service (commonly associated with a government merchant category code). Issuers use this coding to determine whether a purchase earns points or cashback and at what rate. Many Australian cards either:
- Exclude government charges from earning entirely; or
- Apply a reduced points earn for government transactions compared with everyday spend.
Before you pay, read your card’s product disclosure statement (PDS) and eligible transactions policy for terms related to “government charges” or “government services.” For fee references, see Home Affairs’ official fees page: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/fees-and-charges.
What benefits can you get on visa-related purchases? #
Depending on your card issuer and network, you may receive:
- Reward points (e.g., bank rewards, airline points, flexible points) at either the standard or a reduced earn rate.
- Cashback or statement credits if your card or bank runs a promotion that includes government spend.
- Spend-based offers (e.g., “Spend $X and get Y points”) that may include government payments—always check the offer’s eligible spend definitions.
Cards typically do not attach travel insurance or purchase protection specifically to visa fees, so the primary value is points or cashback.
Australia-specific considerations: surcharges and net value #
Government portals may add a payment surcharge for credit cards. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission explains how surcharges work here: https://www.accc.gov.au/business/pricing/displaying-prices/payment-surcharges. Always weigh:
- Surcharge cost (percentage or fixed amount) vs
- Rewards value (points multiplied by your realistic cents-per-point value, or the cashback amount).
If the surcharge is higher than the rewards you’ll earn, consider paying via debit or an alternative method if available. If you hold a high-earning card and value the points for flights or upgrades, paying by credit card can still make sense—especially for large visa charges.
How to choose the right credit card for visa fees #
- Check eligibility for government charges: Look for explicit wording that government transactions earn points (even at a reduced rate). If excluded, you won’t earn rewards.
- Confirm the earn rate: Some cards drop government spend to a lower tier. Calculate your expected points and translate to dollar value.
- Review caps and thresholds: Monthly or yearly points caps can limit returns on large visa fees.
- Watch surcharges: Compare the surcharge to expected rewards value. If close, consider timing payments with bank promotions.
- Consider flexibility: Points that transfer to multiple airline partners can deliver higher value than fixed-value rewards.
- Mind annual fees: If you opened a premium card solely to pay a visa fee, ensure the rewards exceed the annual fee and surcharge combined.
For a neutral overview of rewards programs and pitfalls, see ASIC’s Moneysmart guide: https://moneysmart.gov.au/credit-cards/credit-card-rewards.
Common scenarios for migrants and international students #
- Student visas: Fees can be substantial. If your card earns on government charges and you redeem points at a high value (e.g., long-haul flights), the rewards may offset part of the cost—provided the surcharge is modest.
- Skilled migration and partner visas: Large single payments can be efficient for hitting spend-based bonus offers—again, only if government spend qualifies.
- Multiple applications (family): If you’re paying several fees, check for monthly points caps to avoid earning at a near-zero rate beyond the cap.
Always confirm current Home Affairs fees and accepted payment methods on the official site: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/fees-and-charges.
Quick checklist before you pay #
- Read your card’s PDS for “government charges” eligibility and earn rates.
- Estimate rewards value (points or cashback) vs the credit card surcharge.
- Check for spend-based or category-inclusive promotions that might apply.
- Confirm points caps and monthly statements timing if using multiple cards.
- Keep payment receipts for application records.
Get practical support for your migration journey #
Visa applications are complex—and so are the costs. For personalised guidance on studying, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), and moving to Australia, speak with the team at Skills Campus. We help you plan your pathway and budget effectively, including understanding typical visa-related expenses and timelines.
Talk to Skills Campus #
Have questions about your study plan, skills recognition, or migration options? Contact us today: https://skillscampus.com.au/contact
