my city council is above the law in that case. heres is the...

my city council is above the law in that case. heres is the exact words from their website. " Recurring credit card payment

You can pay your Brisbane City Council Rates or Sundry accounts by recurring credit card payment.

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NOTE: By selecting recurring credit card payments for rate accounts you must ensure that the schedule you select will be enough to pay your rate account in full by the due date. 

This option will not result in Council taking the outstanding balance on your rate account at its due date. For this to occur, you will need to set up a Direct Debit. Alternatively, you can sign up to receive your rates notice by email and then opt-in for a free SMS reminder of your rate account balance seven days from the due date. 

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Cards accepted

You can arrange recurring credit card payments for Rates or Sundry accounts using:

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Council does not accept American Express or Diners cards."