You might not like paying taxes, but when you pay taxes via credit card can be quite rewarding. The key is to earn credit card rewards that more than offset tax payment fees. For example, if you’ve signed up recently for a card that requires large spend to get a big welcome bonus, paying taxes via credit card can be the solution.
Here’s everything you need to know about paying taxes with credit cards…
Important due dates
2024 Tax Year Due Dates
- April 15th, 2025: 2024 annual tax filing due
2025 Tax Year Due Dates
- April 15th, 2025: 1st Quarter 2025 estimated taxes due.
- June 16th, 2025: 2nd Quarter 2025 estimated taxes due.
- September 15th, 2025: 3rd Quarter 2025 estimated taxes due.
- January 15th, 2026: 4th Quarter 2025 estimated taxes due.
- April 15th, 2026: 2025 annual tax filing due
5 reasons to pay federal taxes with a credit card or gift card
1. Profit w/ a Cash Back card earning up to 3%
A number of credit cards earn cash rewards greater than 2%. Some even earn up to 3% cash back:
- The PayPal Mastercard earns 3% cash back on all PayPal purchases. This approach only works with the services that allow payment through PayPal.
- The Discover It Miles card earns 3% for the first year of card membership (you earn 1.5% and then at the end of the year all cash back earned is doubled).
- The Robinhood Gold card earns 3% cash back on all spend.
- Several Bank of America cards earn 2.62% everywhere for those with Platinum Honors status. Details here.
Example:
- $10,000 tax payment + 1.75% fee = $10,175
- Cash back earned at 3% = $305
- Profit = $305 – $175 = $130 (1.3% of $10K)
For more examples of cards that earn better than 2% rewards, see: Best Rewards for Everyday Spend.
2. Meet minimum spend requirements
If you recently signed up for new credit cards, chances are good that you have to spend thousands of dollars in order to earn the associated signup bonuses. Paying taxes is a cheap and easy way to accomplish that.
Below are some of the most valuable current welcome bonuses for consumer cards. If you’re interested in business cards, please click here to see the best business card offers.
Click on a card for details; Press “Next” to see more offers:
Card Offer
Click to learn about first year value estimates100K Points ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer100K after $5K spend in 3 months$95 Annual Fee
Click to learn about first year value estimates90K points ⓘFriend-ReferralThis is a friend-referral offer. A member of the Frequent Miler community may earn a referral bonus if you are approved for this offer90K points after $6K in purchases in the first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)$325 Annual FeeAlternate Offer: 75K points after spending $6,000 in 6 months + 20% back at restaurants worldwide (limit $250 back)Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.Recent better offer: 100K after $6K in the first 6 months + 20% back at restaurants for the first 12 months up to $250 back [Expired 11/10/24 - referrals only]
Click to learn about first year value estimates75K Miles + $250 travel credit ⓘFriend-ReferralThis is a friend-referral offer. A member of the Frequent Miler community may earn a referral bonus if you are approved for this offer75k miles after $4k spend within first 3 months + $250 Capital One Travel credit$95 Annual FeeAlternate Offer: Some links will sometimes display a better 100K offer.Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Click to learn about first year value estimatesLimited Time Offer - 175K Points + free night certificate ⓘFriend-ReferralThis is a friend-referral offer. A member of the Frequent Miler community may earn a referral bonus if you are approved for this offer175K after $6K spend in first 6 months. Free night certificate every year - first certificate is awarded 8-12 weeks after approval. Terms apply.
(Offer Expires 4/29/2025)$550 Annual FeeInformation about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.Recent better offer: (Expired 1/9/25) 175K + free night award after $6K in spend
Click to learn about first year value estimates3 x 50K Free Night Certificates + 50K points ⓘFriend-ReferralThis is a friend-referral offer. A member of the Frequent Miler community may earn a referral bonus if you are approved for this offerEarn three 50K free night certicates after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months + 50Kpoints after speniding $6,000 total on eligible purchases in the first 6 months.$95 Annual FeeThis card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).Recent better offer: 5 x 50K free night certificates after $5K in spend (expired 1/9/24)
Click to learn about first year value estimates100K points + 10x Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer. We always present the best offer even when it means less revenue for Frequent Miler100K points after $8K spend in 6 months + 10x points at restaurants worldwide on up to $25K spend in 6 months. Terms apply.$695 Annual FeeInformation about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.Recent better offer: 175K points after $8K spend in 6 months.
Click to learn about first year value estimatesLimited Time Offer - 130K Points + free night certificate ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer130K points and a free night certificate after $3K spend within the first 6 months. Terms apply.
(Offer Expires 4/29/2025)$150 Annual FeeRecent better offer: (Expired 7/31/24) 130K points + free night certificate after $3K spend within the first 6 months.
(Offer Expires 5/7/2025)$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Click to learn about first year value estimates75K Miles ⓘFriend-ReferralThis is a friend-referral offer. A member of the Frequent Miler community may earn a referral bonus if you are approved for this offer75k miles after $4k spend within first 3 months. $395 Annual FeeInformation about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.Recent better offer: Expired 3/14/22: 100K after $10K spend in 6 months + $200 credit for vacation rental spend in first year
Click to learn about first year value estimatesLimited Time Offer - 185K Points ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer185k points after $6K spend within the first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
(Offer Expires 5/14/2025)$650 Annual Fee
Click to learn about first year value estimates90K Miles + 500 PQPs ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer90K miles and 500 PQPs after $4K spend in the first 3 months. Plus, earn an extra 5,000 miles after you add an authorized user to your account in the first 3 months your account is open.
(Offer Expires 5/7/2025)$350 Annual FeeThis card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
(Offer Expires 4/30/2025)$99 Annual FeeInformation about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.Recent better offer: 30K points after $1K spend in the first 3 billing cycles + 2 companion certificates, 2 upgrade certificates and 2 lounge passes
(Offer Expires 5/14/2025)$250 Annual Fee
Click to learn about first year value estimatesLimited Time Offer - 70K Points + free night certificate ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer70K points and a free night certificate after $2K spend within the first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
(Offer Expires 4/29/2025)No Annual FeeAfter clicking through, be sure to choose the card you want on the landing page.Recent better offer: (Expired 7/31/24) 70K points + free night certificate after $2K spend within the first 6 months.
Click to learn about first year value estimates80K points Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer. We always present the best offer even when it means less revenue for Frequent Miler80K after $8K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply.$695 Annual FeeInformation about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.Recent better offer: 125K points after 6k spend [Expired 11/8/23]
Click to learn about first year value estimates80K points Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer. We always present the best offer even when it means less revenue for Frequent Miler80K after $8K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)$695 Annual FeeThis card is only available to clients that maintain an eligible Schwab brokerage account.Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.Recent better offer: 100K points + 10x when you Shop Small in the US & at restaurants worldwide [Expired 1/20/22]
Click to learn about first year value estimates60K points Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer.60K after $4,000 spend in first 3 months.$95 Annual FeeInformation about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Click to learn about first year value estimates50K Points + $100 Voucher Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer. We always present the best offer even when it means less revenue for Frequent Miler50K points plus $100 companion voucher after $1K spend in 90 days (enter any random five-digit number as "employee code")$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $79Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Click to learn about first year value estimatesLimited Time Offer - 30K points + Companion Pass Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer. We always present the best offer even when it means less revenue for Frequent Miler30K points + Companion Pass valid through 2/28/26 after $4K spend in the first 3 months.$99 Annual FeeAlternate Offer: 50K points after $1K spend in the first 3 monthsThis card is known to be subject to Chase's 5/24 rule.Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Click to learn about first year value estimates50K miles ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer50K miles after $2K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150Alternate Offer: Dummy booking offer of 50K + $500 credit. See this for more details.Recent better offer: 80K after $3K spend in 6 months [Expired 4/2/25]
Click to learn about first year value estimates60K Points ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer60K after $5K spend in 3 months$550 Annual FeeAlternate Offer: 70K after $4K spend showing on some accounts when logged-in to ChaseRecent better offer: Expired 12/1/22: 80K after $4K spend
Click to learn about first year value estimates60K points Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer.60K points (worth up to $600) after $4K spend in 90 days$95 Annual FeeInformation about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Click to learn about first year value estimates75K points Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer. We always present the best offer even when it means less revenue for Frequent Miler75K (worth up to $750) after $5K spend in 90 days$550 Annual FeeInformation about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
(Offer Expires 4/14/2025)$79 Annual FeeInformation about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.Recent better offer: (Expired 1/10/25) Earn 50K bonus miles + 10K status miles after $2.5K in first 90 days
(Offer Expires 5/7/2025)$695 Annual FeeThis card is available to you if you do not have any United Club card and have not received a new Cardmember bonus for any United Club card in the past 24 months.
(Offer Expires 7/16/2025)No Annual FeeThis card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Click to learn about first year value estimates60K miles ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer60K miles after $3K spend in 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)$350 Annual FeeAlternate Offer: Dummy booking offer of 70K + $400 credit. See this for more details.Recent better offer: 90K after $4K spend in 6 months [Expired 4/2/25]
Click to learn about first year value estimatesUp to $350 back ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offerUp to $350 back: $200 back after $2K in the first 6 months + 10% back at restaurants for the first 6 months up to $150 back. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)No Annual Fee
(Offer Expires 4/30/2025)$99 Annual FeeInformation about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Click to learn about first year value estimates70K miles ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer70K miles after $5K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)$650 Annual FeeRecent better offer: 100K after $6K spend in 6 months. [Expired 4/2/25]
Click to learn about first year value estimates$150 Amazon Gift Card ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer$150 Amazon gift card upon approval. Terms apply. No Annual FeeRecent better offer: $200 Amazon gift card after first purchase (expired 12/5/24)
(Offer Expires 4/30/2025)No Annual FeeInformation about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Click to learn about first year value estimates$100 Amazon Gift Card ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offerEarn up to a $100 Amazon gift card instantly upon approval. Log in to your Amazon account to see what offer you qualify for. Note that you may be offered the Amazon Prime Visa if you are a Prime member.No Annual Fee
Click to learn about first year value estimatesNone (call to apply) Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer. We always present the best offer even when it means less revenue for Frequent MilerThis card does not currently have a welcome offerNo Annual FeeBonus offer is not available to either current or previous UBS credit cardmembers
Click to learn about first year value estimatesNone Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer. We always present the best offer even when it means less revenue for Frequent MilerNo bonus at this time.$400 Annual FeeInformation about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Click to learn about first year value estimatesNone (call to apply) Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer. We always present the best offer even when it means less revenue for Frequent MilerThis card does not currently have a welcome offer$495 Annual FeeBonus offer is not available to either current or previous UBS credit cardmembers
![](http://cdn.nextinsure.com/imaging/opt/0fb236dd-aecb-49ed-9f28-94aaf0efd9a2.png?w=300" alt="Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card" />)
3. Buy points cheaply
Several credit cards offer as much as 1.5 transferable points or miles per dollar. In these cases, a 1.75% tax payment fee means that you can essentially buy miles for 1.15 cents each. Even better, some cards earn 2 transferable points per dollar for all qualifying purchases. With these 2X everywhere cards you can essentially buy points/miles for 0.86 cents each. Either way, if you plan to use your points toward high value awards, this is a cheap way to acquire those points.
2X Example:
- $10,000 tax payment + 1.75% fee = $10,175
- Miles earned at 2X = 20,350
- Cost per mile = $175 / 20,350 = 0.86 cents per mile (round up to 1 cent per mile)
1.5X Example:
- $10,000 tax payment + 1.75% fee = $10,175
- Miles earned at 1.5X = 15,263
- Cost per mile = $175 / 15,263 = 1.15 cents per mile
Cards that offer 2X transferable points per dollar:
Note that some cards offering 2x everywhere are not included below because their points are worth much less than airline miles. An example is that most Marriott cards offer 2x everywhere rewards.
- Citi Double Cash: Earns 2 cents per dollar, uncapped. Cash rewards can be converted to ThankYou points, and when paired with a Citi Premier or Prestige card, those points can be transferred to a selection of airline and hotel programs.
Card Offer and Details 
ⓘ $300 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates20K points Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer.$200 cash back after spending $1.5K in first six months. Note: $200 is awarded as 20,000 ThankYou® Points.No Annual FeeInformation about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.FM Mini Review: 2X rewards for all spend with no annual fee makes this card a winner. Earn 2X everywhere and redeem for the equivalent of 2% cash back or 2X ThankYou points. Pair with the Premier or Prestige card to make points transferrable to airlines. Click here for our complete card reviewEarning rate: 2% cash back everywhere (1% cash back for each purchase + 1% when paying your credit card bill for that purchase). ✦ Earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi TravelSM Portal through 12/31/25.Base: 2X (3%)Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Citi. This card imposes foreign transaction fees.Noteworthy perks: 1X when you make a purchase + 1X when you pay for those purchases ✦ 24 month extended warrantySee also: Citi ThankYou Rewards Complete Guide - Amex Blue Business Plus: Earns 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar on up to $50K spend per calendar year. Points can be transferred to a large selection of airline programs or to a few hotel programs.
Card Offer and Details 
ⓘ $236 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates15K points + 0% APR for 12 months ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer15k points after $3k spend within the first 3 months + 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.49% - 27.49%,, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. (Rates & Fees)No Annual FeeAlternate Offer: Some people have been targeted for an offer in their online account for 75K points after $15K in purchases in their first 12 months.FM Mini Review: 2X rewards for all spend (up to $50K per year) with no annual fee makes this card a winner. Click here for our complete card reviewEarning rate: 2X Membership Rewards points on all purchases, up to $50K spend per calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)Base: 2X (3.1%)Card Info: Amex Credit Card issued by Amex. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. - Capital One Venture, Venture X, or Spark Miles. Capital One offers three cards that earn 2X “Miles” per dollar on all qualifying spend. These “miles” can be transferred to airline miles & hotel points, usually at a 1 to 1 rate. This means that the following cards are capable of earning 2X miles everywhere:
Card Offer and Details 
ⓘ $1201 1st Yr Value Estimate85% of $250 in Capital One Travel portal reimbursements
Click to learn about first year value estimates75K Miles + $250 travel credit ⓘFriend-ReferralThis is a friend-referral offer. A member of the Frequent Miler community may earn a referral bonus if you are approved for this offer75k miles after $4k spend within first 3 months + $250 Capital One Travel credit$95 Annual FeeAlternate Offer: Some links will sometimes display a better 100K offer.Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.FM Mini Review: This card earns 2 "miles" per dollar, which are worth exactly 1 cent each toward travel. This makes the return on spend similar to a 2% cash back card (though in this case you must redeem your miles to offset travel in order to get 1 cent per mile). One big advantage over cash back: Capital One allows transfering their "miles" to airline miles & hotel points. Click here for our complete card reviewEarning rate: 2X miles everywhere ✦ 5X miles on hotels, vacations rentals and rental cars booked via Capital One TravelCard Info: Mastercard issued by CapOne. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.Noteworthy perks: Receive up to $120 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® ✦ Redeem miles for travel at value of 1 cent per mile ✦ Convert "miles" to airline miles & hotel points ✦ No foreign transaction fees
ⓘ $944 1st Yr Value Estimate85% of $300 in Capital One Travel portal reimbursements
Click to learn about first year value estimates75K Miles ⓘFriend-ReferralThis is a friend-referral offer. A member of the Frequent Miler community may earn a referral bonus if you are approved for this offer75k miles after $4k spend within first 3 months. $395 Annual FeeInformation about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.Recent better offer: Expired 3/14/22: 100K after $10K spend in 6 months + $200 credit for vacation rental spend in first yearFM Mini Review: This card offers annual rebates that easily mitigate the fee for those who travel often. Authorized users are free and also get access to perks like Priority Pass, Capital One Lounges and more. The card earns 2 "miles" per dollar on most purchases just like the Capital One Venture Rewards card, which are worth exactly 1 cent each toward travel. This makes the return on most spend similar to a 2% cash back card (though in this case you must redeem your miles to offset travel in order to get 1 cent per mile). One huge advantage over cash back: Capital One allows transfering their "miles" to airline miles & hotel points. Click here for our complete card reviewEarning rate: 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel ✦ 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked via Capital One travel. ✦ 2X miles everywhere else.Card Info: Visa Infinite issued by CapOne. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.Noteworthy perks: $300 annual credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel ✦ 10,000 bonus miles each year starting at first anniversary ✦ Up to $120 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® ✦ Capital One Lounge access ✦ Priority Pass membership (lounges only) ✦ Cell phone insurance ✦ Trip insurance ✦ Primary CDW coverage ✦ Redeem miles for travel at value of 1 cent per mile ✦ Convert "miles" to airline miles & hotel points
ⓘ $721 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates50K Miles ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offerEarn a one-time 50K miles bonus when you spend $4,500 in the first 3 months. (Rates & Fees)$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95Note: Most Capital One Business credit cards (including this one) DO count against Chase's 5/24 RuleFM Mini Review: This card is similar to the Spark Cash Plus card, but it has the advantage that "miles" earned with this card can be transferred to a large number of airline & hotel programs.Earning rate: 2X Miles everywhere ✦ Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacations rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One TravelBase: 2X (2.9%)Card Info: Mastercard issued by CapOne. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.Noteworthy perks: Redeem miles for travel at value of 1 cent per mile ✦ Convert "miles" to airline miles & hotel points ✦ No foreign transaction fees ✦ Up to $120 fee credit for TSA PreCheck® application fee or Global Entry application fee
Cards that offer 1.5X points or airline miles per dollar:
- Chase Ultimate Rewards. Two no-fee cards in Chase’s lineup earn 1.5 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar for all spend. Pair either one with a premium card (e.g. Sapphire Reserve, Sapphire Preferred, Ink Business Preferred) to transfer points to several airline or hotel programs:
Card Offer and Details 
ⓘ $371 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimatesLimited Time Offer: $250 cash back* ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offerEarn $250 (*awarded as 25,000 points) after spending $500 in the first 3 monthsNo Annual FeeThis card is likely subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).Recent better offer: Unlimited Double Cash Back for 12 month (expired 1/11/24)FM Mini Review: Great for 3x categories and 1.5X everywhere else. Excellent companion card to Sapphire Reserve, Sapphire Preferred, or Ink Business Preferred. Click here for our complete card reviewEarning rate: 5x travel booked through Chase Travel℠ ✦ 5X Lyft through September 2027 ✦ 3x dining ✦ 3x drugstores ✦ 1.5X everywhere elseCard Info: Visa Signature or Platinum issued by Chase. This card imposes foreign transaction fees.Noteworthy perks: Free DoorDash DashPass for 6 months upon activation ✦ $10 quarterly credit for non-restaurant DoorDash ordersSee also: Chase Ultimate Rewards Complete Guide
ⓘ $1080 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates$750 cash back* ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer$750 (*awarded as 75,000 points) after $6k spend in 3 monthsNo Annual FeeFM Mini Review: Great welcome bonus for a no annual fee card. Good option for earning 1.5X everywhere. Good companion card to Ink Business Preferred, Sapphire Reserve or Sapphire Preferred. Click here for our complete card reviewEarning rate: 1.5X on all purchases ✦ 5X Lyft through September 2027Card Info: Visa Signature Business issued by Chase. This card imposes foreign transaction fees.See also: Chase Ultimate Rewards Complete Guide - Amex Membership Rewards. The Business Platinum card earns 1.5 points per dollar for purchases of $5,000 or more. Important: The tax payment and tax payment fee will be charged separately and so the tax payment alone on a Business Platinum card must be $5,000 or more in order to earn 1.5x rewards.
Card Offer and Details 
ⓘ $1820 1st Yr Value Estimate$200 airline incidental fee credit valued at $140, $400 Dell credit ($200 per six months) valued at $100, $200 Hilton credit ($50 per quarter) valued at $150, $120 wireless credit ($10 per month) valued at $90
Click to learn about first year value estimates150K points ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer150K points after $20K spend in the first 3 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)$695 Annual FeeRecent better offer: 250K after $20K spend expired 2/10/25FM Mini Review: This card is absolutely loaded with high end perks. Depending upon your situation, those perks may be worth the annual fee or much more. Click here for our complete card reviewEarning rate: 5X flights and prepaid hotels at AmexTravel.com ✦ 1.5X points per dollar on eligible purchases of $5000 or more (on up to $2 million of those purchases per year) ✦ 1.5x on US construction/hardware stores, US electronic goods, and US shipping ✦ 1X elsewhere ✦ Terms apply.Card Info: Amex Pay Over Time Card issued by Amex. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.Noteworthy perks: Select one qualifying airline and receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for qualifying charges ✦ Up to $400 a year in statement credits for Dell purchases ($200, twice-yearly) ✦ Up to $200 in Hilton credits ($50 per quarter) ✦ Up to $120 in wireless services credits per year ($10 per month) ✦ Up to $120 Global Entry/TSA Precheck fee reimbursement.✦ Global Lounge Access benefits: Priority Pass membership (Lounges only) with 2 guests, Centurion Lounge access. Also, Delta Sky Club® access (when flying an eligible Delta flight): 10 visits per year February 1 until January 31 of the next calendar year (after 10 visits have been used, additional visits can be purchased for $50 each or earn unlimited visits after spending $75K/calendar year on the card). Access limited to eligible card members ✦ Rental car elite status ✦ Marriott Gold status ✦ Hilton Gold status. ✦ $199 CLEAR fee reimbursement annually ✦ 35% Airline Bonus: Get 35% points back after you Pay With Points for flights with your selected airline (or premium cabin with any airline). Enrollment required for select benefitsSee also: Amex Platinum Guide - Airline miles. A few airline branded cards offer 1.5 miles per dollar for all spend:
Card Offer and Details 
ⓘ $-99 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimatesNoneCard is currently not available to new applicants.$90 Annual FeeInformation about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.Earning rate: 3X Virgin Atlantic ✦ 1.5X everywhere elseCard Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by BOA. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.Big spend bonus: Companion award ticket with $25K annual spend ✦ 7,500 bonus points with $15K cardmember year spend + an additional 7,500 points with $25K cardmember year spend ✦ 25 tier points towards elite status per $2,500 spend (max 50 tier points per month).
ⓘ $790 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates70K miles + 100XP Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer. We always present the best offer even when it means less revenue for Frequent Miler70K miles + 40XP after $3K in the first 90 days + 60 XP upon approval$89 Annual FeeAlternate Offer: Some people get an offer for $100 statement credit while doing a dummy booking.Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.FM Mini Review: Valuable primarily only for the welcome offer, then it should go off to the sock drawer unless you're interested in Flying Blue elite status. Click here for our complete card reviewEarning rate: 3X on Air France, KLM, and SkyTeam purchases ✦ 1.5X everywhere elseCard Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by BOA. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.Big spend bonus: 5K after anniversary when you spend $50 or more the previous year ✦ 40XP points towards status after anniversary when you spend $15K or more the previous yearNoteworthy perks: 20 Experience Points every year; Miles don't expire as long as you make a purchase once every 2 years.
4. Earn valuable big spend bonuses: elite status, free nights, companion pass, etc.
Many credit cards offer bonuses for meeting high spend thresholds. You can find a comprehensive list here: Best big spend bonuses. Here are a few examples:
- Southwest Plus, Southwest Premier, or Southwest Business: With Southwest cards, when you earn 135,000 points in a calendar year (including points earned from credit card spend) you get a companion pass good for an unlimited number of flights for the rest of that year and all of the next calendar year.
- Barclaycard JetBlue Plus, or JetBlue Business: Spend $50,000 and get Mosaic 1 status which offers free changes and cancellations; free checked bags; expedited security; early boarding; free drinks; enhanced point earnings; and 15,000 bonus points upon qualifying.
5. Liquidate Visa/MasterCard gift cards cheaply
Visa and MasterCard gift cards are debit cards. As such, they qualify for low flat fees for debit tax payments: $2.10 or $2.15 (depending upon the tax processor you use). In other words, your cost to liquidate $500 gift cards will be slightly less than half a percent. That’s pretty cheap.
If you use $500 Visa/MasterCard gift cards, then you can pay the following amounts:
- Pay1040.com ($2.15 fee): Make a $497.85 payment with a $500 gift card.
- What is known to work:
- Metabank/Pathward-issued Visa gift cards (including from Simon Mall) appear to be working again. Reported by Rosco in 5/2023, Steve 5/2024 and JustSaying 11/24.
- Sunrise Visa working as debit at Pay1040.
- Vanilla brand Mastercard gift cards work at Pay1040. Reported by Yue and JN2
- What is reported not to work:
- Metabank-issued Mastercard gift cards are not working as debit cards. Reported by Rosco as well 7/23.
- Simon Mall Visa gift card: Stoneme 11/24 and Mel 11/24.
- Vanilla brand Visa gift card: Colabus 12/24.
- What is known to work:
- ACI Payments ($2.10 fee): Make a $497.90 payment with a $500 gift card.
- What is known to work:
- Metabank/Pathward-issued Visa gift cards appear to be working (note though that this seems to come and go over time). Most recent positive DP reported by JustSaying 11/24.
- Vanilla brand MC gift cards work at ACI.
- What is reported not to work:
- Metabank/Pathward-issued Mastercard gift cards are not working as debit cards. Reported by Rosco 7/23.
- Simon Mall Visa Gift Card: Mel 11/24.
- Vanilla brand Visa gift card: Reported by Steve, 10/24 and Colabus 12/24.
- What is known to work:
The biggest problem with this (besides the fact that what works and what doesn’t work keeps changing!) is the IRS imposed 2 payments per processor limit. This means that you can liquidate no more than 4 gift cards per type of tax payment now that PayUSATax is no longer available. In the past, Official Payments allowed more.
See also: Best options for buying Visa and MasterCard gift cards.
How to pay taxes via credit card: Key Information
Here is key information you’ll need to know about paying taxes with credit or debit cards:
Credit card fee 1.75% to 2.95%
The IRS maintains a list of companies that accept credit and debit cards towards tax payments. You can find the current information by clicking here. Alternatively, you can pay taxes via the Plastiq Bill Pay service or Melio Bill Pay service.
Pay 1040 fees
- Consumer or Small Business Credit card: 1.75%
- Commercial credit or debit card: 2.89%
- Consumer debit card: $2.15
ACI Payments
- Consumer Credit Card: 1.85%
- Business Credit or Debit Card: 2.95%
- Consumer debit card: $2.10
Plastiq fee
- Credit or debit card: 2.9% + $1.49 per payment
Melio fee for paying business taxes
- Credit or debit card: 2.9%
Additional Info Direct from the IRS
The IRS page that lists options for paying by credit or debit card also lists the following “Additional Information”:
- No part of the card service fee goes to IRS.
- You don’t need to send in a voucher if you pay by card.
- Card processing fees are tax deductible for business taxes.
- You must contact the card processor to cancel a card payment.
- IRS will refund any overpayment unless you owe a debt on your account.
- Your card statement will list your payment as “United States Treasury Tax Payment” and your fee as “Tax Payment Convenience Fee” or something similar.
- Federal tax lien releases can take up to 30 days after we receive full payment; liens may remain for other individuals who haven’t fully paid their portion.
- When you pay while filing your taxes through online software, different card fees apply.
Two payment limit per processor
The IRS maintains a table of frequency limits for paying taxes via credit or debit card (found here). In general, they say you can make up to two payments per tax period per type of tax payment. For example, you can make 2 payments every quarter to your quarterly estimated taxes, and you can make 2 payments every year to your annual taxes. Important: In my experience, these limits are enforced per payment processing company. That means that you can really make up to 4 payments per tax period per type of tax payment, (or more if you make Plastiq bill payments as well). An IRS advisor I spoke with several years ago did not think that there would be any problem with making more than 2 payments by using different processors. Since then, I have made more than 2 payments per tax period many times and never had any issues. That is, of course, just my own personal experience. I can’t guarantee that your outcome would be the same.
Twice as many potential payments when filing jointly
If you file jointly with a partner, you can make payments in each person’s name, separately. These payments will still apply to the one overall tax return, but not always automatically. According to reader reports, in some cases the IRS matches these payments to the combined return automatically. In other cases, people have reported the need to call the IRS to ask them to combine the payments. I recommend calling shortly after filing your annual taxes to ensure that the IRS has correctly applied both sets of payments to the same return.
Obviously if you are filing separately, you can each make your own payments without any issues.
Unlimited payments via Plastiq
If you’re willing to incur higher fees, you can make an unlimited number of tax payments via the Plastiq bill pay service. Plastiq usually charges 2.9% + $1.49 to pay bills (including taxes) via credit card, but they occasionally offer lower fees via short term promotions. For details, please see: Plastiq Bill Payment Service.
To pay taxes via Plastiq, use Plastiq’s tax payment screen: plastiq.com/us-taxes.
Unlimited business tax payments via Melio
Melio is a bill payment service like Plastiq (see above), but it only allows paying business expenses. If you’re paying taxes for your business, that should be fine. Melio charges a 2.9% fee to pay by credit card.
For details, including the latest Melio welcome offer, see: Melio – Pay business bills by credit card.
Pay with PayPal
Both payment processors allow payments via PayPal. Sometimes cards like the Discover It, Discover It Student, and Chase Freedom Flex offer 5% rewards for PayPal purchases (up to $1500 combined spend per quarter). Tax payments during these times should count!
This might also be a good option for payments with a commercial credit or debit card as this might bypass the higher 2.89%-2.95% fee and only charge the lower 1.75%-1.85% fee.
Pay with Samsung Pay & Google Pay
Some tax payment websites support mobile wallet payments such as Samsung Pay or Google Pay. The US Bank Altitude Reserve card earns 3X for mobile wallet payments, so it should be a great match. However, readers have reported that Samsung Pay and Google Pay are only supported through Visa Checkout and that this does not trigger the Altitude’s 3X rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if a processor won’t let me use business card to pay personal taxes?
There are some processors that will give you an error if you try to use what it identifies as a business credit card. Fortunately, there’s usually an easy workaround: add your business card to your PayPal account and use that to pay.
Will I be charged a cash advance fee when paying taxes with a credit card?
I’m often asked whether credit card companies charge cash advance fees when paying taxes by credit card. The answer is no. Both official IRS payment processors agree (via their FAQ pages) that the payment is treated as a purchase not a cash advance. You can find FAQ info here and here.
Are tax payment fees deductible?
Fees are no longer deductible for personal taxes: Tax preparation fees used to be deductible when itemizing deductions for personal tax returns, but that is no longer the case.
Card processing fees are tax deductible for business taxes: This can substantially reduce your net cost of using payment services.
How can I see my tax payment history online?
Once you’ve made payments through online processors, Plastiq, or other means, you may want to see proof that the IRS received the amount you sent. You can view past payments by signing up here: irs.gov/payments/view-your-tax-account.
When should I report estimated tax payments?
Estimated payments should be reported when filing your annual taxes. In my experience, if you make a mistake and forget to report some of these payments, the IRS will eventually catch the error and refund the difference.
How should I pay end of year taxes?
Tell your tax preparer or tax software that you’ll pay via check. Then, browse to the appropriate tax payment site (e.g. Pay1040.com, OfficialPayments.com, or Plastiq.com/us-taxes) to pay your taxes. There is no need to mail in the 1040V payment voucher.
What happens if I over-pay my taxes?
Overpayments will be refunded: The IRS will refund any overpayment unless you owe a debt on your account.
How do I request a refund if it doesn’t come automatically?
Schedule an appointment with the Taxpayer Assistance Center by calling 844-545-5640. When you finally speak to an agent, explain that you overpaid and would like a refund rather than applying the extra to next year’s taxes. Hat Tip: Rapid Travel Chai via personal communication.
Do I need to mail in payment vouchers?
No. No payment voucher is required. You don’t need to send in a voucher if you pay by card.
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FYI – beware paying with Paypal and getting the correct card charged.
Used the ACI payment portal. I was trying to charge a Hawaiian Biz card and ACI would not accept it directly. So then chose to use Paypal for payment. I have had this issue before so I deleted all the credit cards from my Paypal account. I just had my linked bank account and the one card I wanted to be charged. I set the card to be my ‘preferred’ payment in Paypal. Within ACI, I got a window that showed my Paypal options and the Hawaiian Biz card was already selected as the payment choice. Proceeded to complete the tax payment and then went to Paypal to check the transaction – only the fees were charged to the card, the actual tax payment was charged to my bank account. ARGH. So annoying and frustrating.
I then tried to do another Paypal charge in ACI, since I still had more taxes to pay. I deleted the bank account, now the only thing in my Paypal wallet was the credit card. I got an error code from ACI saying that Paypal would not process the payment. Bastards. Went to Pay1040 and had no issues using the cards at all.
@GemGal just as another datapoint. I had no issues today when using PayPal on ACI. ACI had me log into PayPal and made it very easy to choose my preferred card. I then confirmed that the correct card was charged at the 1.85% fee.
However, I did first try Pay1040, and even though I was using a personal card (Chase Freedom Unlimited) with PayPal it was going to charge me the 2.89% reserved for business credit cards instead of the 1.75%.
Greg, is this a recent development on Pay1040 with PayPal and consumer cards? I don’t think this was the case in years’ past???
I experienced the same thing today: Pay1040 was charging 2.89% for any PayPal payment regardless of source (bank, personal CC, business CC) and ACI was only charging 1.85% for personal or business CC. Since I wanted to make a $5K payment toward my Biz Plat SUB as well as a PayPal 5x-on-$1500 Chase Freedom Unlimited offer, that is what I opted for in both cases.
ACI is refusing to allow a business card for personal tax return.
Vanilla Visa Issued by Sutton and Serviced by Incomm failed on both Pay1040 and ACI
Ready to file taxes via Turbo Tax, option is to pay through them, fee is 2.49% via a credit card or mail a check. Can one say mail a check and go online and pay taxes via a credit card on the 14th April ?
Yes, I do that every year.
Does anyone know if I can use my credit card to pay for a parents tax bill?
Yes you can. You can even pay mine if you want 🙂
Pathward MC $500 gift card is declining the transaction from both Pay1040 and ACI. It’s not the sites rejecting the card, it’s the debit card declining. I can see the declined transaction in the card’s activity. With both, tried amounts that with the fee will total $500, and also tried amounts totaling $450 and $400.
Same here – $500 Pathward MC from CVS is getting declined when attempting a payment on both sites. I thought I was able to use these a few months ago.
Also tried “Click to Pay” and it doesn’t work either.
CapitalOne Spark Business Cash Plus card, via PayPal. Pay1040 recognized it being a business card and and was gonna charge me 2.9%. Didn’t commit to pay. Used ACI instead and the fee was 1.85%.
InCommon vanilla master card doesn’t work for pay1040. Declined, anyone experience same ?
DP: Blackhawk Visa from Meijer worked as debit at Pay1040 today
Any recent DPs of people hitting amex SUBs with a tax payment and those SUBs posting?
Most recently for me was maybe 6-8 months ago, but yes this has been tried repeatedly with success for years. Both personal and business Amex cards.
I tried to use a Vanilla Visa Gift card to pay California state income tax (payments are through ACI Payments). GC is getting declined though. Do Vanilla Visa GCs no longer work on ACI Payments?
As another datapoint: I tried using a Vanilla Visa Gift Card (Sutton Bank-InComm) on Pay1040 and it no longer works. (I confirmed that the card still had a balance) I did not try ACI (OfficialPayments.com) as it hasn’t worked in the past with any flavor Vanilla and I don’t want to lock the card.
Just used Amex Gold Biz to pay tax on ACI through PP (2% fee), tried pay1040 first and it was 3%. Payment went through. Waiting on SUB.
hmmm.. I just tried to use Amex Plat business on ACI via Paypal with 1.89% Amex approved it but the transaction was immediately refunded. It was 12k charge. Did I do something wrong?
Hmm, assuming you have room on your credit line, it should have worked. Maybe if its a new card but it sounds like Amex approved it. I have used Amex Plat Bus on ACI earlier this year so it should work. I’d call Amex.
Is it a temporary card number? If so, those have a limit of $10k spend before activating the physical card.
No, I have this platinum card for 2 years. I even called Amex to let them know I will be charging 12k. What’s the amount are people charging? Should I try charging 6k to see if it goes through?
Just called Amex. Turned out they approved the main amount but declined the $260 fee thinking it was fraud. Thank you for suggesting to call Amex. Will give a try next week and report back
Just paid taxes with Amex platinum Business via PayPal. The charges went through fine.
Did the payment trigger the SUB?
yes. Pretty quickly too.
DP: Pathward Visa from Ralphs/Kroger worked as debit at Pay1040 today.
What should I do if a processor won’t let me use business card to pay personal taxes?
The better question to me is, is it kosher/legal to use a business card to pay personal taxes. I’d love to do this, but I thought business and personal expenses were best kept as separate as possible.
Greg has suggested using Paypal (with your linked card as the default Paypal option).
I just did this and I’m hitting a snag. This year I had to make the payment with ACI Payments through Paypal (using Business Platinum). Its been a week now and still no signing bonus. Chat reps say Paypal payments dont count as eligible spend (I know these reps are wrong all the time, but just looking for recent datapoints if anyone’s done this to hit Amex SUB.
I’ve used tax payments to hit Amex signing bonuses without issue in the past. I’m guessing everything will work out fine in a few days, but FWIW I had 4 SUBs on Amex last year and don’t remember it taking this long for any of them to post (or show as pending).
Appreciate any recent datapoints.
Have you received the signing bonus?
I also haven’t gotten mine either it’s been a few weeks now as well, I also paid just under the 20k required spend and went over the threshold with other spend
My “Big” purchase was 2/24 and we’re now 3 weeks past that and I still havent received the SUB. Not sure if I added to the delays by asking Amex chat for someone to review (apparently coming soon) the charge. FWIW, I do see 1.5x points received on this charge (for being over $5k). I suspect charges that code as cash equivalent don’t earn any points?
In any case, my guess remains I will eventually get credit for this SUB but the hastle is leaning me towards not doing it again this year with Amex.
https://frequentmiler.com/amex-coupon-credits-and-bonuses-posting-slowly-for-some-relax-dont-panic/
UPDATE: SUB posted this weekend, 1 month+ after the “big” purchase was made.
I may have made a big mistake (hope not). Just got the Amex Biz gold card and was hoping to pay 9k towards my 2024 taxes due this April (I already had paid up my required estimated taxes by the Jan deadline). But now the only option online is to pay taxes towards 2025 and I can’t handle the float on that til next year since the 0% APR only lasts for 6 months. Is there still a way to use the card to prepay 2024 taxes?
Yes, you can pay your 2024 taxes. I assume that you’re picking the wrong option. You can no longer use 1040-ES, but you can make payments for 2024. You can also request an extension (whether you use it or not) and make a payment with that request.
Thanks, that’s good news. So is the extension the other option, or is there a third option?
I mentioned two options. Both will work; it doesn’t matter which you use, since in both cases you are paying toward your 2024 taxes. Be sure you specify that you are paying for tax year 2024. And record any payment on your 1040 when you submit it — where you record depends on the type of payment you make.
There may be a third option but either of those will get the job done.
I don’t mean to be obtuse…but I guess what you are saying is I can select the option listed as “Balance Due” if I want to pay towards my 2024 taxes (and not asking for an extension). And then of course, I need to specify paying for 2024 tax year. Is that correct? (Should be my last question!). Thanks.
I don’t know the specifics, and the specific step-by-step depends on which of the payment processors you are using. If you’re worried about it, I think the easiest is to just request an extension and make a payment with it; it’s clearer within the payment processors and it’s very clear on the 1040 where to enter that payment.
Done–thanks!
Doe “taxes” here refer to business taxes?
Yes you can pay either personal or business federal taxes.
I’ve always waited until April to have a turbo tax agent help me out. At that point it’s always been a direct debit from my bank account, never had credit card option. So hypothetically if I paid $5k today, that would count as an advanced payment on taxes and when the actual tax time arrives, the 5k wud be taken into account and my final 2024 tax bill wud be adjusted? Thank you for helping out
Yes that’s right