Payment by credit card (MasterCard)

We applied for in person at the Chinese Consulate in Auckland for our China visas with prepaid self addressed courier pack to have passports with visas delivered to us in Hamilton - I understood I could pay by credit card but was informed Bank Cheque only - so had to leave and go get bank cheque - I cannot read this ruling anywhere in guidelines - in fact , I do not think it is correct - Answers welcomed please