How to Earn Rewards by Paying Mortgage

Separately, I posted How to Earn Rewards by Paying Rent.  There aren’t as many ways to earn rewards from paying your mortgage, but it is still possible.  Here’s a primer on the best ways to earn rewards from paying mortgage…

Pay Mortgage with a Credit Card via Plastiq

Plastiq is a bill payment service that allows paying many types of bills with a credit card for a fee (currently 2.35% for the Brex Card and 2.85% for all other cards). Unfortunately, only Mastercard and Discover credit cards can be used to pay your mortgage.  Worse, both Capital One and US Bank ban the use of their Mastercards to pay mortgage.  For all other Mastercard and Discover cards, though, you can use Plastiq to pay your mortgage and you will earn rewards as if it was a regular purchase — you will not incur cash advance fees.

More details about Plastiq can be found here: Complete guide to Plastiq credit card payments.

Earn rewards through welcome bonuses

Many banks offer huge bonuses when you sign up for a new card and meet the minimum spend requirements.  For example, it’s common to see an offer for 60,000 points or more after $4,000 spend in 3 months.  With these big welcome bonuses, it can be well worth paying Plastiq’s 2.85% fee in order to meet the minimum spend requirements by paying your mortgage via credit card.

The following list shows the best current welcome bonuses based on our estimate of first year value and limited to cards that (to the best of our knowledge) can be used to pay mortgage through Plastiq.  First year value estimates include the value of points or other rewards earned minus the first year annual fee and minus the “cost” of the minimum spend (for various reasons, we assume a 3% cost, which is very close to Plastiq’s 2.85% fee).  As you can see, rewards earned from welcome bonuses can be huge:

Card Offer and Review
Chase IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card     ➥More   ⓘ $970 1st Yr Value Estimate 175K Points 175K points after $3K spend in 3 months $99 Annual Fee     This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details). Recent better offer: None. This is the best we've seen.
Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard®     ➥More   ⓘ $921 1st Yr Value Estimate 40K points 40K points after $1K spend in the first 3 billing cycles $99 Annual Fee     Info 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: 50K + $100 statement credit after $2,500 spend
Chase Freedom Flex     ➥More   ⓘ $840 1st Yr Value Estimate 20K points + 5X grocery + 15 months 0% APR Earn 20,000 points (worth $200 cash back) after spending $500 in the first 3 months + 5x Ultimate Rewards points on grocery purchases for 1st year (on up to $12K in purchases). 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.24% - 27.99%. No Annual Fee     Be sure to select the card you want after clicking through. This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details). Even though this card is marketed as a cash back card, it actually earns Ultimate Rewards points which are redeemable for 1 cent each, or can be combined with other Ultimate Rewards-earning cards to get even more value. This product is available to you if you do not have this card and have not received a new cardmember bonus for this card in the past 24 months. Info about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. Alternate offer: Referral Offer:Earn 20,000 points (worth $200 cash back) after spending $500 in the first 3 months + 5x Ultimate Rewards points (worth 5% cash back) on gas purchases for 1st year (on up to $6K in purchases) Recent better offer: 20K points + 5x grocery stores for the first year on up to $12K in qualifying purchases     FM Mini Review: Great for 5X and 3x categories and World Mastercard benefits. Excellent companion card to Sapphire Reserve, Sapphire Preferred, or Ink Business Preferred.
JetBlue Business Card     ➥More   ⓘ $799 1st Yr Value Estimate 70K Miles 60K bonus miles after spending $2K in first 90 days + additional 10K miles after one purchase is made on an employee card. $99 Annual Fee     Info 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 2/4/21: 100K after $6K spend     FM Mini Review: This card is almost identical to the JetBlue Plus card except that this one earns 2X at office supply stores rather than grocery stores. Both cards are great choices for JetBlue flyers.
AAdvantage® AviatorTM Business MasterCard®     ➥More   ⓘ $781 1st Yr Value Estimate 70K Miles 60K bonus miles after spending $2K in first 90 days + additional 10K miles after one purchase is made on an employee card. $95 Annual Fee     Info 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 2/6/23: 80K miles + a $95 statement credit after $2K spend in first 90 days.
CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select World MasterCard     ➥More   ⓘ $777 1st Yr Value Estimate 65K miles 65K after $4K spend in first 4 months No Annual Fee First Year, Then $99     Recent better offer: 75K after $5K in the first 5 months (Expired 1/16/20)     FM Mini Review: This card usually has a great signup bonus, but if you're looking for a card to keep long term, you'll find better options.
The Aeroplan® Card     ➥More   ⓘ $764 1st Yr Value Estimate 70K points 70K points after $3K spend in the first 3 months $95 Annual Fee     This card is likely subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details). Info about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. Alternate offer: Up to 100K points: 60K points after $4K spend in the first 3 months + 40K after $20K in the first 12 months.     FM Mini Review: Great card for regular or frequent Air Canada flyers
Chase IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card     ➥More   ⓘ $750 1st Yr Value Estimate 140K points 140K points $3K spend in 3 months $99 Annual Fee     This card is expected to be subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite MasterCard     ➥More   ⓘ $749 1st Yr Value Estimate 50K miles + waived annual fee 50k miles after 1st purchase with annual fee waived for the first year (then $99) No Annual Fee First Year, Then $99     Info about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite MasterCard     ➥More   ⓘ $729 1st Yr Value Estimate 60K miles 60K miles after $3,000 spend in the first 3 months No Annual Fee First Year, Then $99     Info 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: Excellent choice for a great signup bonus. Plus it offers the usual collection of perks for flying AA (free checked bag, priority boarding, etc.)
Chase IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card     ➥More   ⓘ $721 1st Yr Value Estimate 80K Points 120K Points after $2K spend in 3 months No Annual Fee     Click here to view details about a similar card: IHG Rewards Club Premier Recent better offer: 120K after $2K spend (expired 7/4/22)     FM Mini Review: A good no annual fee card for anyone who values the 4th night free benefit.
Citi Premier Card     ➥More   ⓘ $713 1st Yr Value Estimate 60K points 60K points after $4K spend in the first 3 months $95 Annual Fee     FM Mini Review: Very strong earnings for spend. Excellent bonus categories. Points transferable to select airlines. Recommend pairing this card with Citi Double Cash and Citi Rewards+. Sadly, this travel card doesn't provide any travel protections.
Barclays JetBlue Plus Mastercard     ➥More   ⓘ $682 1st Yr Value Estimate 60K Miles 60K miles after $1K spend and payment of the annual fee in 90 days $99 Annual Fee     Info 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 2/4/21: 100K after $6K spend     FM Mini Review: Frequent JetBlue travelers should seriously consider this card for its terrific perks. The combination of the 10% rebate on awards and the annual 5,000 point bonus make this card a keeper.
Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard     ➥More   ⓘ $540 1st Yr Value Estimate 50K miles + 60XP points 50K miles after $2K in the first 90 days + 60XP points upon approval $89 Annual Fee     Info about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. Alternate offer: Going through the steps to make a dummy booking at the Air France website may result in an offer that also includes a $100 statement credit.
Frontier Airlines World MasterCard®     ➥More   ⓘ $540 1st Yr Value Estimate 50K miles + $100 flight voucher 50K miles and a $100 flight voucher after $500 spend in 90 days No Annual Fee First Year, Then $79     Info about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Lufthansa Miles & More® Premier World MasterCard® issued by Barclays     ➥More   ⓘ $510 1st Yr Value Estimate 50K Miles 50K Miles after $3K spend in 90 days $89 Annual Fee     Info 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 3/6/23: 80K after $3K in spend
Amtrak Guest Rewards Platinum Mastercard     ➥More   ⓘ $508 1st Yr Value Estimate 20K points 20K points after $1K spend in the first 3 billing cycles No Annual Fee     Info about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Emirates Skywards Rewards World Elite Mastercard     ➥More   ⓘ $500 1st Yr Value Estimate 50K Miles + 1 Year Silver status 50K after $3K spend in 90 days $99 Annual Fee     Info about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Sonesta World Mastercard     ➥More   ⓘ $465 1st Yr Value Estimate 65K points 60K points after $1K spend in 90 days plus 5K points for adding an authorized user No Annual Fee First Year, Then $75     Info 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: Best for those who stay often at Sonesta hotels
Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card     ➥More   ⓘ $455 1st Yr Value Estimate $500 statement credit $500 statement credit bonus after $5K spend in 90 days No Annual Fee     Info about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Bank of America Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard     ➥More   ⓘ $400 1st Yr Value Estimate $500 Cash Back $500 after $5K spend in 90 days No Annual Fee     Info 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: $750 after $5K spend in 90 days [Expired 9/1/21]
Ridgewood Savings Bank World Mastercard     ➥More   ⓘ $400 1st Yr Value Estimate 50K points 50K after $5K spend in 90 days No Annual Fee First Year, Then $95     Info 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 offers a nice intro bonus. Earning an effective 3% on travel and dining isn't bad, but considering the annual fee in future years it isn't very compelling to keep this one. Note that they have a nearly-identical business card.
The Hawaiian Airlines® Business MasterCard® issued by Barclays     ➥More   ⓘ $396 1st Yr Value Estimate Up to 90K miles 50K Miles after $2K spend in 90 days plus 40K miles after $8K spend in 12 months $99 Annual Fee     Info 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 9/11/22: 80K + $99 statement credit after $2K spend in first 90 days
Virgin Atlantic World Elite Mastercard     ➥More   ⓘ $355 1st Yr Value Estimate 35K miles 35K after $1K spend in first 90 days plus 5K after adding 2 authorized users $90 Annual Fee     Info about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
The Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite MasterCard® issued by Barclays     ➥More   ⓘ $306 1st Yr Value Estimate 60K Miles 60K miles after spending $2K in first 90 days $99 Annual Fee     Info about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. Alternate offer: Earn 70K points after one purchase by entering any 6 digit code
HSBC Premier World Mastercard® credit card     ➥More   ⓘ $290 1st Yr Value Estimate 35K points 35K points after $3K in 3 months No Annual Fee First Year, Then $95     Note that the ongoing annual fee is $0 if you maintain an HSBC Premier checking account (which requires $5K per month in direct deposits to remain fee-free)     FM Mini Review: This card may be worth it for the welcome bonus and possibly for the annual rideshare benefit if you have an HSBC Premier checking account and can thus keep the card annual fee-free. Note that the points value is based on HSBC's stated value when redeemed for airfare via the HSBC portal.
Best Western Rewards Premium MasterCard issued by First Bankcard     ➥More   ⓘ $285 1st Yr Value Estimate 80K points 80K points after $3K spend in the first 3 billing cycles $89 Annual Fee     Info about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Citi Custom Cash Card     ➥More   ⓘ $267 1st Yr Value Estimate 20K Points 20K points after $1500 spend in the first 6 months No Annual Fee     Recent better offer: Expired 9/13/22 - 20,000 points after $750 spend in first 3 months     FM Mini Review: This is a great card to have and hold for a single category where you spend no more than $500 per month as it represents an excellent return without rotating categories to track.
Citi Rewards+ Card     ➥More   ⓘ $267 1st Yr Value Estimate 20K points 20K points after $1.5K spend in 3 months No Annual Fee     FM Mini Review: 10% points rebate (up to 10K rebate per year) make this a great choice to pool with ThankYou Premier, Prestige, and/or Double Cash
BOA Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard     ➥More   ⓘ $255 1st Yr Value Estimate 30K points 30K after $3K spend in 90 days No Annual Fee     Info about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard®     ➥More   ⓘ $230 1st Yr Value Estimate 25K points 25K after $1K spend in the first 90 days No Annual Fee     Info 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: Points are worth $0.01 each toward onboard credit or cruise purchase with Norwegian. Note that points expire 5 years after they are earned regardless of activity. This card offers very poor value for ongoing spend after meeting the welcome bonus requirements. Interestingly, it appears to be eligible for Bank of America Preferred Rewards, which would increase the bonus categories by as much as 75% for those with Bank of America's top-tier Platinum Honors.
Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard     ➥More   ⓘ $230 1st Yr Value Estimate 60K Miles + 1 Year Gold status 60K after $3K spend in 90 days $499 Annual Fee     Info about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Miami Marlins Credit Card     ➥More   ⓘ $230 1st Yr Value Estimate 25,000 points 25K after $1K in first 3 months No Annual Fee     Info 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: Points are worth $0.01 each toward a statement credit or 1.25c toward gift cards for Marlins gear, so this card could be a good deal for a Marlins fan. That is particularly true if you value some of the unique experiences offered by Home Run Rewards.
Citi AAdvantage® Executive World Elite MasterCard®     ➥More   ⓘ $228 1st Yr Value Estimate 60K miles 60K miles after $6,000 spend in first 3 months $450 Annual Fee     Info 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: Excellent choice for those who need Admirals Club access (included for both the primary member and authorized users). Plus, it offers the usual collection of perks for flying AA (free checked bag, priority boarding, etc.).
Citi Shop Your Way Mastercard     ➥More   ⓘ $195 1st Yr Value Estimate $225 Cash Back $75 statement credit for every $500 spent within the first 90 days, up to $225 No Annual Fee     Info 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: Shop Your Way points are worth .85 cents each and can only be used towards specific gift cards and merchandise. But where this card shines is with its regular offers that start to appear after putting spend on the card, often giving 10-15x cash back or Thank You Points on various categories of purchases. It's a keeper because of it.
Upromise World MasterCard® issued by Barclays     ➥More   ⓘ $191 1st Yr Value Estimate $200 Cash back $200 cash back after $500 spend in the first 90 days No Annual Fee     Info 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 10/31/22: $150 after $500 in spend     FM Mini Review: This card could be decent for an easy cash back bonus, but there are much more rewarding options for ongoing everyday spend.
American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card     ➥More   ⓘ $172 1st Yr Value Estimate 10K miles + $50 Earn 10K AA miles + $50 statement credit after $500 spend in 3 months No Annual Fee     FM Mini Review: Not bad for grocery spend if you highly value AA miles
ABOC Platinum Rewards     ➥More   ⓘ $150 1st Yr Value Estimate $150 Statement Credit $150 statement credit after $1200 in purchases within 90 days No Annual Fee     Info 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: A decent no-fee rotating category card with a respectable if not large welcome bonus.
Citizens Bank Cash Back Plus® World Mastercard®     ➥More   ⓘ $150 1st Yr Value Estimate $150 back $150 bonus when you spend $500 within 3 months. No Annual Fee     Info 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 isn't ordinarily worth a look with only 1.8% cash back.
AT&T Access Card     ➥More   ⓘ $130 1st Yr Value Estimate 10K points 10K ThankYou Points after $1K Spend in 3 Months No Annual Fee     Info 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 may be worth it for a welcome bonus, but it would be worth considering a product change to the Double Cash down the road..Unforunately, it seems it is no longer possible to product change to the AT&T Access More card.
Discover it® for Students     ➥More   ⓘ $120 1st Yr Value Estimate $50 + First Year Double + $20/year Get $50 after first purchase. All cashback earned in first 12 months will be doubled including 5% earned in rotating categories. Plus, get $20 cash back each school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher for up to the next 5 years. No Annual Fee     Info 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: In my opinion this is the single best "starter card" for students. It offers great rewards and no annual fee.
JetBlue Card     ➥More   ⓘ $116 1st Yr Value Estimate 10K miles 10K after $1K spend in 90 days No Annual Fee     Info 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: Not bad for a fee-free airline card.
Discover it Miles - Double Miles your first year     ➥More   ⓘ $100 1st Yr Value Estimate $100 + First Year Double Get $100 after first purchase. All "miles" earned in first 12 months will be doubled. This makes this a 3% cash back card for the first year. No Annual Fee     Info 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: Great card to get for its first year 3% cash back.
The Comenity® Mastercard® Credit Card     ➥More   ⓘ $93 1st Yr Value Estimate $100 Cash Back $100 statement credit after $500 spend in first 90 days No Annual Fee     Info 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: Possibly worthwhile for a low-spender looking for an easily-attainable welcome bonus.
Brex Cash     ➥More   ⓘ $92 1st Yr Value Estimate 10K Points Get 10,000 points when you spend $3,000 on your Brex card within the first 3 months No Annual Fee     Alternate offer: Earn a $250 Amazon gift card after $1k spend with our referral link     FM Mini Review: If you have a qualifying business, it's a no-brainer to sign up for this fee-free account.
AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard®     ➥More   ⓘ $90 1st Yr Value Estimate $100 Cash Back $100 after $500 spend in 3 months No Annual Fee     Info about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
AARP® Travel Rewards Mastercard®     ➥More   ⓘ $90 1st Yr Value Estimate $100 Cash Back $100 after $500 spend in 3 months No Annual Fee     Info about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
AT&T Points Plus Card     ➥More   ⓘ $85 1st Yr Value Estimate $100 statement credit $100 statement credit after $1K Spend in 3 Months No Annual Fee     Info 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 has a good gas station bonus for a no annual fee card, but there's not much else to make it a compelling card
Citi® Expedia Rewards Credit Card     ➥More   ⓘ $84 1st Yr Value Estimate 15K points 15K after $1K spend in 3 months No Annual Fee     Info about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Allegiant World Mastercard® Credit Card     ➥More   ⓘ $71 1st Yr Value Estimate 15K miles 15K after $1K in first 90 days $59 Annual Fee     Info about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. Alternate offer: You may be targeted for an offer including a $100 statement credit during a dummy booking.     FM Mini Review: Points are worth $0.01 each toward airfare and do not expire unless you cancel the card. If you cancel the card, you forfeit all points. Between that policy and the annual fee, this card probably isn't worth it in most scenarios.
Discover it®     ➥More   ⓘ $50 1st Yr Value Estimate $50 + First Year Double Get $50 after first purchase. All cashback earned in first 12 months will be doubled including 5% earned in rotating categories. No Annual Fee     Info 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 is a great choice for its rotating 5% categories
Liverpool FC Credit Card     ➥More   ⓘ $40 1st Yr Value Estimate 5,000 points 5K after $500 in first 3 months No Annual Fee     Info 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: Points are worth $0.01 each, so the welcome bonus and ongoing rewards in bonus categories are respectable for a card with no annual fee.
Cleveland Cavaliers Credit Card     ➥More   ⓘ $40 1st Yr Value Estimate 5,000 points 5K after $500 in first 3 months No Annual Fee     Info 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 were briefly available at launch     FM Mini Review: Points are worth $0.01 each, so the welcome bonus and ongoing rewards in bonus categories are respectable for a card with no annual fee.
New Orleans Pelicans Credit Card     ➥More   ⓘ $40 1st Yr Value Estimate 5,000 points 5K after $500 in first 3 months No Annual Fee     Info 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: Points are worth $0.01 each toward a statement credit or 1.25c toward Fanatics gift cards, so this card could be a good deal for its bonus categories.
Manchester United Credit Card     ➥More   ⓘ $40 1st Yr Value Estimate 5,000 points 5K after $500 in first 3 months No Annual Fee     Info 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: 50K points were briefly available at launch     FM Mini Review: Points are worth $0.01 each, so the welcome bonus and ongoing rewards in bonus categories are respectable for a card with no annual fee.
Citi® Expedia®+ Voyager Card     ➥More   ⓘ $37 1st Yr Value Estimate 25K points 25K after $2K spend in 3 months $95 Annual Fee     Info about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard® credit card     ➥More   ⓘ $25 1st Yr Value Estimate 50K points 50K after $4K spend in 3 months $395 Annual Fee     FM Mini Review: Points are worth 1.5c each when redeemed for airfare through the HSBC portal. Could be worthwhile for a welcome bonus, but not rewarding enough to justify keeping beyond the first year.
Marvel MasterCard from Synchrony     ➥More   ⓘ $25 1st Yr Value Estimate $25 Cash Back $25 after first purchase No Annual Fee     Info 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: None     FM Mini Review: Good option if used only in 3% categories (e.g. dining and entertainment)
Barclaycard CashForward     ➥More   ⓘ $0 1st Yr Value Estimate This card is no longer available for new applications No Annual Fee     Info about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Barclays Arrival™ World MasterCard®     ➥More   ⓘ $0 1st Yr Value Estimate No longer available This card is no longer available to new applicants No Annual Fee     Info about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Barclaycard Arrival Plus® World Elite Mastercard®     ➥More   ⓘ $0 1st Yr Value Estimate This card is no longer available for new applications No Annual Fee First Year, Then $89     Recent better offer: None. This is the best we've seen.
Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card (with Platinum Honors Preferred Rewards)     ➥More   ⓘ $0 1st Yr Value Estimate No Annual Fee     Info about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
SEFCU Lightning Credit Card®     ➥More   ⓘ $0 1st Yr Value Estimate 5x online purchases through 1/31/21 5x online purchases through 1/31/21 No Annual Fee     Note that it is possible that 5x online purchases is capped at $1250 spend. Info 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: The terms note that you will "* Earn 5x points on online purchases through January 31, 2021 and 3x points on first $1,250 of grocery purchases per quarter. " YMMV as to whether the 5x online category is capped at $1250. If it is indeed capped, this card wouldn't make much sense given its lack of a welcome bonus.
Bank of America Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard (with Platinum Honors Preferred Rewards for Business)     ➥More   ⓘ $0 1st Yr Value Estimate No Annual Fee     Info about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
SoFi Credit Card     ➥More   ⓘ $0 1st Yr Value Estimate 3% cash back + $50-$250 bonus $50-250 + 3% cash back on up to $12,000 for one year after being approved for a credit card and setting up a direct deposit within the first 25 days ($50 bonus for deposits under $5,000; $250 for direct deposits of $5000+) No Annual Fee     Info 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 could be a good option for someone looking for a 2% cash back Mastercard, though keep in mind that the Citi DoubleCash is a competitor that earns at the same rate while offering points which could become transferable to airline partners, whereas the SoFi credit card only earns cash back rewards.
Discover it Business - Double cash back your first year     ➥More   ⓘ $0 1st Yr Value Estimate First Year Double All cash back earned in first 12 months will be doubled. This makes this a 3% cash back card for the first year. No Annual Fee     NOTE: Discover business cards DO count against 5/24. Info 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: Great card to get for its first year 3% cash back.
Discover it Miles (First Year)     ➥More   ⓘ $0 1st Yr Value Estimate No Annual Fee     Info about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Citi Dividend Platinum Select     ➥More   ⓘ $0 1st Yr Value Estimate Not available for new applicants No Annual Fee     Info about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Citi Double Cash Card     ➥More   ⓘ $0 1st Yr Value Estimate None This card does not currently feature an introductory bonus. No Annual Fee     Recent better offer: 20K points after $1.5K in the first 3 months     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.
Citi Rewards+ Student Card     ➥More   ⓘ $0 1st Yr Value Estimate None This card is not currently available to new applicants. No Annual Fee     FM Mini Review: 10% points rebate (up to 10K rebate per year) make this a great choice to pool with ThankYou Premier, Prestige, and/or Double Cash
Major League Baseball® BankAmericard Cash Rewards™ MasterCard® credit card     ➥More   ⓘ $0 1st Yr Value Estimate None This card is no longer available for new applicants. No Annual Fee     Info about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Paypal Cashback Mastercard     ➥More   ⓘ $0 1st Yr Value Estimate No Welcome Bonus No Annual Fee     Info 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: Excellent cash back card for everyday spend.
Citi Preferred Card     ➥More   ⓘ $0 1st Yr Value Estimate This card is no longer available for new applications No Annual Fee     FM Mini Review: Downgrade from Prestige or Premier to this card in order to keep points alive
Citi Business ThankYou Card     ➥More   ⓘ $0 1st Yr Value Estimate None It appears that this card has been discontinued. No Annual Fee     This card is available in-branch only and is not available online. The bonus may vary by region and can be as high as 40K. Info about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Citi® AAdvantage® Gold MasterCard®     ➥More   ⓘ $0 1st Yr Value Estimate This card is no longer available for new applications No Annual Fee First Year, Then $50     Info 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 hardly seems worth the $50 annual fee
Huntington Voice     ➥More   ⓘ $0 1st Yr Value Estimate No Welcome Bonus No Annual Fee     Info 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: With most of this card's category bonuses, you can do better with other cards. If you do find a useful category and max out the $2K spend each quarter, you'll come out only $80 ahead per year compared to using a 2% cash back card.
Santander® Ultimate Cash Back® credit card     ➥More   ⓘ $0 1st Yr Value Estimate 3% back for 12 months 3% cash back for 12 months on up to $20K in purchases No Annual Fee     Info 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: While the headline is 3% back for a year, the bonus itself is an extra 1.5% back on up to $20K in purchases for the first year. That's certainly not a bad return on otherwise unbonused spend, but many other cards on the market that offer even moderately good welcome bonuses offer greater net return with significantly less spend.
BOA Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard (with Platinum Honors Preferred Rewards for Business)     ➥More   ⓘ $0 1st Yr Value Estimate No Annual Fee     Info about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Bilt Mastercard     ➥More   ⓘ $0 1st Yr Value Estimate None This card features no welcome bonus, but it offers the chance to earn 1x points when paying rent (on up to $50K per year in rent payments) with no annual fee. No Annual Fee     FM Mini Review: If you pay rent and haven't been earning rewards, this card is a no-brainer as you can pay your rent and earn rewards with no fee. A surprisingly good set of transfer partners makes the rewards for using this for rent worth getting the card for that main purpose alone (as long as you remember to use the card 5 times per month).
JAL USA CARD     ➥More   ⓘ $-25 1st Yr Value Estimate 10K miles 10K miles after $5K spend in first 3 billing cycles with promo code SPG2020 $70 Annual Fee     Note: Basic card earns 1 mile per $2 spent and has a $20 annual fee. To earn 1 mile per $1 spent, choose the "Premium" rewards for $70 annual fee. Info 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 offers a poor earning structure of just 1 mile per dollar and a very weak bonus compared to required spend that it just isn't worth it.
Virgin Atlantic White Card     ➥More   ⓘ $-49 1st Yr Value Estimate This card is no longer available for new applications $49 Annual Fee     Info 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: None
Chase IHG® Rewards Club Select Credit Card     ➥More   ⓘ $-73 1st Yr Value Estimate This card is no longer available for new applications $49 Annual Fee     Click here to view details about a similar card: IHG Rewards Club Premier Info 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: Those free night certificates issued before 5/1/18 are redeemable at any IHG property, but those issued after 5/1/18 are restricted to properties up to 40K per night. For only $49 per year, this still a good card to keep, but not to use for spend
AT&T Access More Card     ➥More   ⓘ $-95 1st Yr Value Estimate This card is no longer available for new applications $95 Annual Fee     This card is no longer available to new applicants. Info 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: Excellent choice for those who shop often online (thanks to 3X earnings)
Barclays Arrival® Premier World Elite Mastercard®     ➥More   ⓘ $-150 1st Yr Value Estimate This card is no longer available for new applications $150 Annual Fee     This card is no longer available for new applications. Info 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 is best for earning JAL miles, which can be very valuable. If you spend exactly $15K or $25K per year, you can earn an effective 1.76 Japan Airlines miles per dollar or 2.14 miles per dollar with other transfer partners. Points can alternatively be redeemed for 1 cent each towards travel.
AAdvantage® AviatorTM Silver World Elite MasterCard®     ➥More   ⓘ $-195 1st Yr Value Estimate Available by invitation only $195 Annual Fee     Info 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: $25 per day of in-flight food & beverage credits is pretty interesting. If you fly AA enough to make good use of this, this card is well worthwhile.
Citi Prestige Card     ➥More   ⓘ $-270 1st Yr Value Estimate None This card is no longer available. $495 Annual Fee     Info 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: 75K after $7.5K spend in 3 months     FM Mini Review: The Prestige card's best in class 5X rewards for dining, airfare, and travel agencies is hard to beat. Sadly, this travel card doesn't provide any travel protections.

Earn spend bonuses: elite status, free nights, etc.

Many credit cards offer bonuses for meeting high spend thresholds. You can find a comprehensive list here: Best big spend bonuses.  Whether or not it makes sense paying Plastiq’s fee in order to reach these thresholds depends upon how much you value elite status or other rewards earned.

Here are a few examples of big spend bonuses available with Mastercard credit cards:

• Chase Aeroplan Card: Renew 25K status w/ $15K spend ⚬ Status Boost w/ $50K spend ⚬ Priority Reward w/ $100K, $250K, $500K, or $750K spend ⚬ Free award companion for rest of calendar year and all of next with $1Million spend
• IHG Premier Card or IHG Premier Business Card: 10K bonus points + $100 statement credit after you spend $20K in a calendar year + make one additional purchase ⚬ Diamond status after $40K in purchases + one additional purchase in a calendar year.  Business card only: Free night certificate (up to 40K points) after $60K in purchases + one additional purchase in a calendar year.
• American Airlines cards:  Most American Airlines cards now earn Loyalty Points in addition to redeemable miles with spend.  This makes it possible to earn elite status without flying.  Some also offer extra bonuses for large spend. Here are some examples:
  • Citi® AAdvantage Platinum Select® World Elite MasterCard: $125 AA Flight Discount with $20K membership year spend.
  • Citi® AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard: Earn 10,000 additional Loyalty Points after you spend $40,000 in purchases during the qualifying status year.
  • CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select MasterCard: $99 companion certificate with $30K membership year spend.
  • AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite MasterCard: $99 companion certificate with $20K membership year spend.
  • AAdvantage Aviator World Elite Business Mastercard: $99 companion certificate with $30K membership year spend.
• Barclaycard JetBlue Plus, or JetBlue Business: Spend $50,000 and get Mosaic status which offers free checked bags; expedited security; early boarding; free drinks; enhanced point earnings; and 15,000 bonus points upon qualifying.

Earn rewards through spend

Not many cards earn rewards worth more than 2.85% when not considering welcome bonuses, bonus categories, or big-spend bonuses, but there are a few.  Based on our estimated point values (Reasonable Redemption Values), you can earn up to 3% with the right card.  That said, that’s such a small increment in value over Plastiq’s 2.85% fee that I wouldn’t recommend bothering with this unless you need the points for an even more valuable award.

The following table shows the cards that earn the best rewards for spend that is not within a bonus category.  The list is limited to cards that (to the best of our knowledge) can be used to pay mortgage through Plastiq.  If you press “next” often enough, you’ll find all matching cards in our database, but the first ones are those that offer the best rewards for everyday spend.

Conclusion

It’s possible to earn huge rewards by regularly signing up for new credit cards and using your mortgage spend to earn welcome bonuses.  In some cases, even without a welcome bonus, it can make sense to pay Plastiq’s fees in order to earn “big-spend” bonuses such as elite status, free nights, companion tickets, etc.  I don’t usually recommend paying your mortgage through Plastiq without earning a welcome bonus or big spend bonus, but it can make sense at times.  For example, by using the Citi Double Cash card, you can earn 2 ThankYou points per dollar.  After Plastiq’s 2.85% fee, that’s like paying 1.425 cents per point.  That can make sense if you also have a Premier or Prestige card so that you can transfer points to loyalty programs in order to book high value rewards.

See also: How to Earn Rewards by Paying Rent.

Want to learn more about miles and points? Subscribe to email updates or check out our podcast on your favorite podcast platform.