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
2023 Tax Year Due Dates
January 16, 2023: 4th quarter 2022 estimated taxes due.
(Payable online from 10/15/22 – 2/1/2023)April 17, 2023: End of year taxes due for 2022.April 18th, 2023: 1st Quarter 2023 estimated taxes due.
(Payable online from 3/1/2023 – 5/15/2023)June 15th, 2023: 2nd Quarter 2023 estimated taxes due.
(Payable online from 5/15/2023 – 7/15/2023)- September 15th, 2023: 3rd Quarter 2023 estimated taxes due.
(Payable online from 7/15/2023 – 10/15/2023) - January 16th, 2024: 4th Quarter 2023 estimated taxes due.
(Payable online from 10/15/23 – 2/1/24)
5 reasons to pay federal taxes with a credit card or gift card
1. Profit w/ a 3% Cash Back card
A number of credit cards earn cash rewards greater than 2%. Some even earn 3% cash back:
- The new/updated Paypal Mastercard will earn 3% cash back on all PayPal purchases. Details here. This approach will work only 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).
Since you’ll earn 3% cash back on both the base tax payment and the processing fees with the above cards, your profit will be slightly more than 1% of your tax payment.
Example:
- $10,000 tax payment + 1.96% fee = $10,196
- Cash back earned at 3% = $305.88
- Profit = $305.88 – $196 = $109.88 (1.1% 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 5 x 50K Free Night Certificates ⓘ Non-AffiliateEarn five 50K free night certifcates after $5K spend in 3 months$95 Annual FeeThis card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).Recent better offer: None. This matches the best ever. 100K Points + 10x on Dining ⓘ Non-Affiliate100K after $8K spend in 6 months plus 10x at restaurants for first 6 months (up to $25K max spend). 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: 150K after $6k spend (referral only, expired 10/23) 75K Points + 20% back on dining ⓘ Non-Affiliate75K points after $6K in purchases in the first 6 months + 20% back on dining for 12months ($250 maximum total cashback). Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)$250 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: 90K after $4K in the first 6 months + 20% back at restaurants for the first 12 months up to $250 back [Expired 6/8/22] 90k miles after $4k spend within first 3 months. This offer is not currently available through frequentmiler.com. To find a friend who can share this offer with you, please visit this Frequent Miler Insiders post. If you're not yet a Frequent Miler Insiders group member, you can join for free here.$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 180K Points + free night certificate ⓘ Friend-Referral180K after $6K spend in first 6 months. Free night certificate every year - first certificate is awarded 8-12 weeks after approval. Terms apply. $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. 75K Miles + up to $200 in statement credits ⓘ Non-AffiliateEarn 75,000 bonus miles after $4K spend in 3 months + up to $200 in statement credits when you make an Avelo purchase in your first year + priority boarding on Avelo flights for the first year. (Rates & Fees)$95 Annual FeeAlternate Offer: Airport Kiosk offer of 80K miles after $4K spend in the first 3 months See this post for details.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. 75K points ⓘ Affiliate75K points after $3K spend in the first 3 months. Offer ends 12/11/23.$69 Annual FeeThis card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details). 75K points ⓘ Affiliate75K points after $3K spend in the first 3 months. Offer ends 12/11/23.$99 Annual FeeThis card is known to be subject to Chase's 5/24 rule. Up to 125K Avios ⓘ Non-Affiliate75K Avios after $5K spend in 3 months and an additional 50k Avios after $20k total spend in 12 months$95 Annual FeeThis card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).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: Expired 7/4/22: 100K after $5K spend Up to 125K Avios ⓘ Non-Affiliate75K Avios after $5K spend in 3 months and an additional 50k Avios after $20k total spend in 12 months$95 Annual FeeThis card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).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: Expired 7/4/22: 100K after $5K spend Up to 125K Avios ⓘ Non-Affiliate75K Avios after $5K spend in 3 months and an additional 50k Avios after $20k total spend in 12 months$95 Annual FeeThis card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).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: Expired 7/4/22: 100K after $5K spend 100K points ⓘ AffiliateUp to 100K points: 75K points after $4K spend in the first 3 months + 25K after $20K in the first 12 months.$95 Annual FeeThis card is likely subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details). 80K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate80kK after $6K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)$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] 75K points ⓘ Affiliate75K points after $3K spend in the first 3 months. Offer ends 12/11/23.$149 Annual FeeThis card is known to be subject to Chase's 5/24 rule. 80K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate80K 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] Up to 100K points (call to apply) ⓘ Non-Affiliate50K after $10K spend in 3 months + 50K after paying 2nd year annual fee$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $495Bonus offer is not available to either current or previous UBS credit cardmembers 60K points ⓘ Affiliate60K after $4K spend in 3 months$95 Annual FeeAlternate Offer: There may be elevated offers available by applying in-branchA similar offer with the first year annual fee waived may be found in-branch. YMMV. 170K points ⓘ Friend-Referral170K after $3K spend in 6 months. Terms apply. $150 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: 130K + free night certificate after $2K spend in 3 months [Expired 7/19/23] 140K Points ⓘ Affiliate140K points after $3K spend in 3 months$99 Annual FeeAlternate Offer: 100K points after $3K spend, additional 75K points after a total of $8K spend in 6 monthsThis card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).Recent better offer: 175K after $3K in spend (expired 4/6/23) 60K Miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate60K miles after $3,000 spend in first 3 months$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. 60K miles ⓘ Affiliate60K miles after $3K spend in 3 months.$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).Recent better offer: Expired 8/11/22: 70K after $3K spend Up to 45K points ⓘ Non-AffiliateUp to 45K: 30K after $3K spend plus 1 extra point per dollar for non-bonused spend, up to $15K spend in 6 months.$95 Annual FeeThis card is 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. 60K Points + 10X Select Travel ⓘ Affiliate60K points after $4K spend in the first 3 months. Plus, earn 10x on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.$95 Annual Fee 70K Miles + 500 PQPs ⓘ Affiliate70K miles and 500 PQPs after $4K spend in the first 3 months $250 Annual FeeThis card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details). 60K Miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate60k miles after 1st purchase & paying annual fee within 90 days $99 Annual Fee 30K points + 2x coupons ⓘ Non-Affiliate30K points after $1K spend in the first 3 billing cycles + 2 companion certificates, 2 upgrade certificates and 2 lounge passes$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. 60K miles + Companion Fare ⓘ Non-Affiliate60k miles + Companion Fare ($99 fare + taxes) after $3K 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. 50K Points + $100 Voucher ⓘ Non-Affiliate50K points plus $100 companion voucher after $1K spend in 90 days$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. 60K Miles + 1 Year Silver status ⓘ Non-Affiliate60K after $3K spend in 90 days$99 Annual Fee 50K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate50K after $4.5K spend in 90 days$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. 40K Points ⓘ Friend-Referral40K after $3K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply. See Rates & Fees$150 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: 60K after $3K spend in first 6 months + 20% off travel and transit purchases for first 6 months. [Expired 8/21/23] 60K miles ⓘ Non-AffiliateEarn 60K bonus miles after $2.5K in first 3 months$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. 60K Points ⓘ Affiliate60K after $4K 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 90K Miles ⓘ Affiliate90k miles after $5k spend in first 3 months$525 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.Recent better offer: Expired 1/27/23: 100K after $5K spend 50K Miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate50K miles after $1K in spend in 90 days and payment of annual fee$99 Annual FeeRecent better offer: Expired 9/22: 80K after $1K spend in 90 days 90K Points ⓘ Non-Affiliate90K after $3K spend in first 3 months$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 50K miles + 60XP points ⓘ Non-Affiliate50K miles after $2K in the first 90 days + 60 XP points upon approval$89 Annual FeeAlternate 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.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: 70K miles + 100XP points [Expired 9/23] 60K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate60K 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. 75K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate75K 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. 50K Miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate50K Miles after $3K spend in 90 days $89 Annual FeeRecent better offer: Expired 1/1/23: 100K Miles after $3K spend in 90 days 40K miles ⓘ Affiliate40K miles after $2K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99Recent better offer: 70K after $2K spending in first 3 months [Expired 3/30/23] 80K Points ⓘ Affiliate80K points after $2K spend in 3 monthsNo Annual FeeRecent better offer: 120K after $2K spend (expired 7/4/22) 65K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate60K points after $1K spend in 90 days plus 5K points for adding an authorized user$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $75Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. 50K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate50K after $2K spend in 120 days$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. 100K Points ⓘ Affiliate100K after $2K spend in 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees) No Annual FeeRecent better offer: 70K + free night certificate after $2K spend in 3 months. [Expired 7/19/23] 60K miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate60K miles after $5K spend in 90 days$450 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. 65K Miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate65K miles after one purchase in first 90 days by entering any 6 digit code (such as 123456)$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. 60K Points ⓘ Non-Affiliate60K after $1K spend in first 3 monthsNo Annual Fee 50K miles + $100 voucher` ⓘ Non-Affiliate50K miles and $100 flight voucher after $500 spend in 90 days $79 Annual Fee 85K Points ⓘ Friend-Referral85K points after $4K spend in 3 months$250 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. 30K Miles ⓘ Affiliate30K miles after $1K spend in first 3 monthsNo Annual FeeThis card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).Recent better offer: Expired 8/11/22: 30K after $1K spend 70K Miles + 1 Year Gold status ⓘ Non-Affiliate70K after $3K spend in 90 days$499 Annual Fee 85K Points ⓘ Affiliate85K points after $5K spend in the first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)$250 Annual FeeRecent better offer: 125K points after $6K in the first 6 months and 50K points after 6 eligible paid nights at Bonvoy hotels[Expired 8/9/23] 40K miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate40K miles 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. 50K miles ⓘ Affiliate50K miles after $3K spend in 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)$250 Annual FeeRecent better offer: 85K after $4K spending in first 6 months [Expired 8/2/23] 30K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate30K after $2K spend in 4 months$85 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. $400 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate$400 statement credit after $1000 in purchases within first 3 months$49 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. $250 cash back ⓘ Non-Affiliate$250 after $2K spend in 120 days$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. 12K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate12K points after $1K spend in the first 3 billing cyclesNo 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. Up to 50K points (call to apply) ⓘ Non-Affiliate25K after $5K spend in 3 months + 25K after $50K spend in 12 monthsNo Annual FeeBonus offer is not available to either current or previous UBS credit cardmembers Unlimited Double Cashback for One Year ⓘ AffiliateUnlimited, uncapped double cashback on all spending for first year of card membershipNo Annual FeeAlternate Offer: Low spenders may prefer a different intro offer with an initial spend bonus and additional bonuses for gas and grocery purchases. Details here.This card is likely subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details). 45K Points ⓘ Non-Affiliate45K points after $1K spend in first 90 days$75 Annual Fee 95K Points ⓘ Affiliate95k points after $6K spend within the first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)$650 Annual FeeRecent better offer: 150K points after $6K in the first 6 months and 50K points after 6 eligible paid nights at Bonvoy hotels [Expired 8/9/23] 20K points + 5% on gas and groceries for a year ⓘ Non-AffiliateEarn 20,000 points (worth $200 cash back) after spending $500 in the first 3 months + 5% cash back on combined gas station and grocery store purchases (not including Target or Walmart) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year.No Annual FeeBe 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.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: 20K points + 5x grocery stores for the first year on up to $12K in qualifying purchases 35K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate35K points after $3K in 3 months$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95Note 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) 5% Cashback ⓘ Non-Affiliate5% cashback for 6 months or $6K in spendNo 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. 20K points ⓘ Affiliate$200 cash back after spending $1.5K in first six months. Note: $200 is awarded as 20,000 Citi ThankYou points.No Annual Fee 80K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate80K points after $3K spend in the first 3 billing cycles$89 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. 20K miles ⓘ AffiliateEarn 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. (Rates & Fees)No Annual Fee Up to $350 back ⓘ Non-AffiliateUp 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 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. 50K Points ⓘ Affiliate50K points after $3K spend in 90 days$95 Annual Fee 30K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate30K after $1,500 spend in first 3 months.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. 30K miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate30K after $3K spend in 3 months from account opening$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $85Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. 20K Points ⓘ Affiliate20K points after $1500 spend in the first 6 monthsNo Annual FeeRecent better offer: Expired 9/13/22 - 20,000 points after $750 spend in first 3 months 20K points ⓘ Affiliate20K points after $1.5K spend in 3 months No Annual Fee $300 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate$300 statement credit after $3000 spend in first 3 monthsNo 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. 25K Points ⓘ Non-Affiliate25K points after first purchase in 90 days No Annual Fee 30K Points ⓘ Non-Affiliate30K points after $1K spend in first 90 daysNo Annual Fee $300 Cash Back ⓘ Non-AffiliateEarn a one time bonus: $300 after $3K spend in 3 months from account opening$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. $300 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate$300 statement credit after $4000 spend in first 90 days$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95Note that the card is only currently available with an M1 Plus membership (membership is free the first year, then $125 per year). The credit card's $95 annual fee is waived with an M1 Plus membership. Note also that the fine print says that the bonus will be paid out within 120 days of the end of the intro offer period. This means the welcome offer could be paid out as late as July 29, 2022.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. 25K points worth $250 ⓘ Non-Affiliate25K after $1K spend in 90 daysNo 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. 25K Points ⓘ Non-Affiliate25K points after $1K spend in 90 daysNo Annual Fee 35K miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate35K after $3K spend in 90 days$95 Annual FeeNote that some have received a targeted email offer for 65K miles after $5K spend in 90 days.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. 30K points ⓘ Friend-Referral30K points after $1K in the first 3 months. Terms apply. No Annual FeeThis card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).Recent better offer: 50K points after $1K in the first 3 months and 50K points after 6 eligible paid nights at Bonvoy hotels. (expired 8/9/23) Up to $200 in statement credits ⓘ Non-Affiliate$100 credit with 5G phone offer and $100 statement credit after first purchase
within 90 days of account opening. No Annual Fee 70K miles ⓘ Affiliate70K miles after $7,000 spend in first 3 months$595 Annual Fee $200 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate$200 after $500 spend in the first 3 monthsNo Annual Fee $225 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate$75 statement credit for every $500 spent within the first 90 days, up to $225No Annual Fee $350 back ⓘ Non-Affiliate$350 cash back as a statement credit after $3K in the first 6 months. Terms Apply. (Rates & Fees)$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. $200 Cash Back ⓘ AffiliateOne time bonus: $200 after $500 spend in 3 months from account opening. (Rates & Fees)No Annual Fee 25K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate25K after $3K spend in first 6 billing cycles.$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $89 $200 Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate$200 back after $1K spend in 3 monthsNo 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. $200 Cash Back ⓘ AffiliateOne time bonus: $200 after $500 spend in 3 months from account opening. (Rates & Fees)No Annual Fee $200 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate$200 in rewards (20K points) after $1K in purchases in first 3 billing cycles.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. $250 back ⓘ Affiliate$250 cash back as reward dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit after $3K spend in the first 6 months. Terms Apply. (Rates & Fees)$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 $200 Cash Back as a statement credit ⓘ Non-Affiliate$200 statement credit after $1K in purchases in first 3 monthsNo 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. $200 cash bonus ⓘ Non-Affiliate$200 cash rewards bonus after $1K spend in 90 daysNo 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. $200 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate$200 after $1000 spend in 90 daysNo 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. 20K Points ⓘ Non-Affiliate20K after $1K spend in the first 90 daysNo Annual Fee $200 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate$200 after $1000 spend in 120 daysNo 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. 20K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate20K after $1K spend in 90 daysNo 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. $200 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate$200 after $1000 spend in 90 daysNo 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. 10K miles + $50 ⓘ Non-AffiliateEarn 10K AA miles + $50 statement credit after $500 spend in 3 monthsNo Annual Fee $200 Cash Back as a statement credit ⓘ Friend-Referral$200 back as a statement credit after $2K in purchases in first 6 months. Terms apply. 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. $150 back ⓘ Non-Affiliate$150 bonus when you spend $500 within 3 months.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. 60K Miles ⓘ Affiliate60K miles after $5K spend in first 6
months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)$550 Annual FeeRecent better offer: Expired 8/2/23: 85K after spending $6K in first 6 months 10K Points ⓘ Friend-Referral10K after $1K spend in 3 months. Terms apply.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. $150 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate$150 in rewards (15K points) after $1000 in purchases in first 120 daysNo 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. 15K Points ⓘ Friend-Referral15K after $1K spend in 3 months. Terms apply.$95 Annual FeeAlternate Offer: Some people click through and find that they are targeted for an offer of 30K points after $2K spend in 3 months.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: 30K after $2K in first 3 months $50 + First Year Double + $20/year ⓘ Friend-ReferralGet $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 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. 10K miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate10K points after $1K spend in 90 daysNo 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. 10K miles ⓘ Affiliate10K miles after $1000 spend in the first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)No Annual FeeNote an unusual restriction: Welcome bonus not available if you've had another Delta consumer card in the past 90 days. 10K Points ⓘ Non-Affiliate10K after $500 spend in 90 daysNo 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. $100 Back ⓘ Friend-ReferralGet $100 after first purchase. All cashback earned in first 12 months will be doubled including 5% earned in rotating categories. 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. $100 + First Year Double ⓘ Friend-ReferralGet $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 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. $100 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate$100 statement credit after $500 spend in first 90 daysNo 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. $100 Cash back ⓘ Non-Affiliate$100 cash back after $500 spend in the first 90 daysNo 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 10/31/22: $150 after $500 in spend $150 cash back ⓘ Non-Affiliate$150 cash back after $3K spend in first 90 daysNo 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. $100 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate$100 after $500 spend in 3 monthsNo Annual Fee $100 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate$100 after $500 spend in 3 monthsNo Annual Fee Up to $100Earn 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 $100 statement credit ⓘ Non-Affiliate$100 statement credit after $1K Spend in 3 MonthsNo Annual Fee 10K Points ⓘ Non-Affiliate10K points after $1K spend in 90 daysNo 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. 15K miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate15K after $1K in first 90 days$59 Annual FeeAlternate Offer: You may be targeted for an offer including a $100 statement credit during 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. $200 Statement Credit ⓘ Non-Affiliate$200 statement credit with $3k spend in the first 90 days$95 Annual Fee None ⓘ Non-AffiliateNo 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. 5,000 points ⓘ Non-Affiliate5K after $500 in first 3 monthsNo 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. 5,000 points ⓘ Friend-Referral5K after $500 in first 3 monthsNo 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. 50K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate50K after $4K spend in 3 months$395 Annual Fee 15K Points ⓘ Affiliate15K points after $1,500 spend in 90 daysNo Annual Fee No standard bonus ⓘ Friend-ReferralEarn a mystery bonus of 4x, 5x, or 10x on every dollar spent for the first 30 daysNo 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. None ⓘ Friend-ReferralThere is no official welcome bonus, but this card offers the opportunity to earn 1x points on rent when you make at least 5 transactions per billing cycle.No Annual FeeNote that many people see a offer in the Bilt Rewards app to earn 5x points for the first 5 days after being approved and receiving and activating the card. No Welcome Bonus ⓘ Non-AffiliateNo Annual Fee No Welcome Bonus ⓘ Non-AffiliateThis card currently features no welcome offer, but it does offer 5% back on up to $10K in purchases per year at Simon Malls, Simon Mills, and Simon Premium Outlets. 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. No Welcome Bonus ⓘ Non-AffiliateNo 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. No Welcome Bonus ⓘ Non-AffiliateNo 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. None ⓘ Non-AffiliateThis card no longer features a first-year bonus.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. None ⓘ Non-AffiliateThere is currently no welcome bonus offered.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. None ⓘ Non-AffiliateThere is currently no welcome bonus offered.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. None ⓘ Non-AffiliateThere is currently no welcome offer on this cardNo 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. No Welcome Bonus ⓘ AffiliateNo Annual FeeRequires Costco membership. Cash back provided annually with February billing statement as rewards coupon redeemable for cash or merchandise at Costco None ⓘ Non-AffiliateNoneNo Annual FeeAfter $10K in purchases in the elevated categories each anniversary year, you only earn 1% back (or 2% through the end of 2021). Note that you can only apply in the Venmo app.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. None ⓘ Affiliate0% Intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.24% - 28.999%.No Annual FeeThis 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. 3% back for 12 months ⓘ Non-Affiliate3% cash back for 12 months on up to $20K in purchasesNo 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. 0% APR on balance transfers ⓘ Non-Affiliate0% APR on balance transfers for first 12 billing cycles following account opening when balance is transferred within the first 90 days 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. None ⓘ Non-AffiliateThis card is no longer availableNo 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.
3. Buy points cheaply
Several credit cards offer up to 1.5 transferable points or miles per dollar. In these cases, a 2% tax payment fee (rounding up a little) means that you can essentially buy miles for 1.3 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 1 cent 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 + 2% fee = $10,200
- Miles earned at 2X = 20,400
- Cost per mile = $200 / 20,400 = 0.98 cents per mile (round up to 1 cent per mile)
1.5X Example:
- $10,000 tax payment + 2% fee = $10,200
- Miles earned at 1.5X = 15,300
- Cost per mile = $200 / 15,300 = 1.3 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 20K points ⓘ Affiliate$200 cash back after spending $1.5K in first six months. Note: $200 is awarded as 20,000 Citi ThankYou points.No Annual FeeFM 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.Earning rate: 2% cash back everywhere (1% cash back for each purchase + 1% when paying your credit card bill for that purchase). ✦ For a limited time: Earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel portal through 12/31/24.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 purchasesSee 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 15K points + 0% APR for 12 months ⓘ Affiliate15k 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, 18.49% - 26.49%, 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.Earning 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 75K Miles + up to $200 in statement credits ⓘ Non-AffiliateEarn 75,000 bonus miles after $4K spend in 3 months + up to $200 in statement credits when you make an Avelo purchase in your first year + priority boarding on Avelo flights for the first year. (Rates & Fees)$95 Annual FeeAlternate Offer: Airport Kiosk offer of 80K miles after $4K spend in the first 3 months See this post for details.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.Earning rate: 2X miles everywhere ✦ 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One TravelCard Info: Visa Signature issued by CapOne. This card has no foreign transaction fees.Noteworthy perks: Receive up to $100 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 ✦ 2 complimentary visits per year to Capital One or Plaza Premium Lounges90k miles after $4k spend within first 3 months. This offer is not currently available through frequentmiler.com. To find a friend who can share this offer with you, please visit this Frequent Miler Insiders post. If you're not yet a Frequent Miler Insiders group member, you can join for free here.$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, Plaza Premium 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.Earning rate: 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel ✦ 5x miles on flights booked via Capital One travel. ✦ 2X miles everywhere else.Card Info: Visa Infinite issued by CapOne. This card has no foreign transaction 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 $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® ✦ Capital One Lounge access ✦ Priority Pass membership w/ unlimited guests (lounges only) ✦ Plaza Premium lounge access ✦ 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 points50K Miles ⓘ AffiliateEarn 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 hotel and rental car
bookings through Capital One TravelCard Info: Mastercard issued by CapOne. This card has no foreign transaction 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 $100 fee credit for TSA Pre✓® 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 Unlimited Double Cashback for One Year ⓘ AffiliateUnlimited, uncapped double cashback on all spending for first year of card membershipNo Annual FeeAlternate Offer: Low spenders may prefer a different intro offer with an initial spend bonus and additional bonuses for gas and grocery purchases. Details here.This card is likely subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).FM Mini Review: Great for 3x categories and 1.5X everywhere else. Excellent companion card to Sapphire Reserve, Sapphire Preferred, or Ink Business Preferred.Earning rate: 5x travel booked through Chase ✦ 5X Lyft through March 2025 ✦ 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 DashPass for up to 3 months upon activation ✦ $10 quarterly Instacart credit ✦ 3 months free Instacart+ ✦ $10 monthly GoPuff credit (through 12/31/23)See also: Chase Ultimate Rewards Complete Guide90K points ⓘ Affiliate90K after $6K spend in 3 monthsNo Annual FeeAlternate Offer: If you have a household member with an Ink card, you may prefer the referral offer whereby the referrer can earn 40,000 points and the new account holder can earn 75,000 points after $6,000 in purchases in the first 3 months since it will yield more total points.Recent better offer: 90K after $6K in 3 months [Expired 3-20-23]FM Mini Review: Great signup bonus for a fee-free card. Good option for earning 1.5X everywhere. Good companion card to Ink Business Preferred, Sapphire Reserve or Sapphire Preferred.Earning rate: 1.5X on all purchases ✦ 5X Lyft through through March 2025Card Info: Visa Signature Business issued by Chase. This card imposes foreign transaction fees.See also: Chase Ultimate Rewards Complete Guide - Amex Membership Rewards. Amex offers two cards that are capable of earning up to 1.5X. In either case, points can be transferred to a large selection of airline programs or to a few hotel programs. Note that the Everyday Preferred card requires 30 charges per billing cycle to earn 1.5x, and the Business Platinum card requires purchases of $5K or more to earn 1.5x when paying taxes.
Card Offer and Details 150K points ⓘ Friend-Referral150K points after $15K spend in the first 3 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)$695 Annual FeeAlternate Offer: Targeted online offer of 170K points after $15K spend in the first 3 months See this post for details.Targeted online offer of 120K points after $15K spend in the first 3 months + 10x at office supply and hardware stores up to $7500 in spend See this post for details.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 is absolutely loaded with high end perks. Depending upon your situation, those perks may be worth the annual fee or much more.Earning 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 transaction 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 $120 in wireless services credits per year ($10 per month) ✦ $100 Global Entry fee reimbursement.✦ Priority Pass membership (Lounges only) with 2 guests and other airport lounge benefits (Centurion and Delta) ✦ Rental car elite status ✦ Marriott Gold status ✦ Hilton Gold status. ✦ $189 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 Guide15K Points ⓘ Friend-Referral15K after $1K spend in 3 months. Terms apply.$95 Annual FeeAlternate Offer: Some people click through and find that they are targeted for an offer of 30K points after $2K spend in 3 months.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: 30K after $2K in first 3 monthsFM Mini Review: Thanks to the 50% bonus on points earned, this is, in my opinion, one of the strongest mile-earning cards available.Earning rate: ✦ 3x points at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1x) ✦ 2x points at US gas stations ✦ 1x points on other purchases.Card Info: Amex Credit Card issued by Amex. This card imposes foreign transaction fees.Noteworthy perks: Earn 50% more points: Use your Card 30 or more times on purchases in a billing period and get 50% more points on those purchases less returns and credits. Terms apply. See Rates & Fees - Airline miles. A few airline branded cards offer 1.5 miles per dollar for all spend:
Card Offer and Details 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.Earning rate: 3X Virgin Atlantic ✦ 1.5X everywhere elseCard Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by BOA. This card has no foreign transaction 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).50K miles + 60XP points ⓘ Non-Affiliate50K miles after $2K in the first 90 days + 60 XP points upon approval$89 Annual FeeAlternate 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.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: 70K miles + 100XP points [Expired 9/23]FM Mini Review: Valuable only for the welcome offer, then it should go off to the sock drawer.Earning 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 transaction 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:
- Amex Delta Reserve or Delta Reserve Business: Spend $30,000, get 15,000 Medallion Qualifying Miles (towards elite status). At $60,000, $90,000, and $120,000 you’ll get another 15,000 Medallion Qualifying Miles (this ends 1/1/24).
- Amex Delta Platinum or Delta Platinum Business: Spend $25,000, get 10,000 Medallion Qualifying Miles (towards elite status). At $50,000 spend, get another 10,000 Medallion Qualifying Miles (this ends 1/1/24).
- 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 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: $2.20, $2.50, or $2.55 (depending upon the tax processor you use). In other words, your cost to liquidate $500 gift cards will be approximately half a percent. That’s pretty cheap.
If you use $500 Visa/MasterCard gift cards, then you can pay the following amounts:
- PayUSAtax.com ($2.20 fee): Make a $497.45 payment with a $500 gift card.
- What is known to work:
- What sometimes works:
- Vanilla brand Mastercard gift cards sometimes work with PayUSAtax and sometimes do not. The ability to pay with these Mastercard gift cards through PayUSAtax seems to come and go.
- What is known to not work:
- Vanilla brand Visa gift cards are not recognized as debit cards at PayUSAtax.com and so they will incur the higher credit card processing fee.
- Metabank-issued Mastercard gift cards are reportedly working at PayUSAtax. Jon says you must register them first.
- Pay1040.com ($2.50 fee): Make a $497.50 payment with a $500 gift card.
- What is known to work:
- Metabank-issued Visa gift cards (including from Simon Mall) appear to be working again. Reported by Rosco in July 2023. But Vince reports otherwise in November 2021. YMMV.
- Metabank-issued Mastercard gift cards are not working as debit cards. Reported by Rosco as well 7/23.
- Sunrise Visa working as debit at Pay1040.
- Vanilla brand Mastercard gift cards work at Pay1040. Reported by Yue.
- What is known to work:
- ACI Payments (Previously named “Official Payments”) ($2.20 fee): Make a $497.80 payment with a $500 gift card.
- What is known to work:
- Metabank-issued Visa gift cards (including from Simon Mall) appear to be working (note though that this seems to come and go over time). YMMV.
- Metabank-issued Mastercard gift cards are not working as debit cards. Reported by Rosco 7/23.
- Vanilla brand Visa gift cards work at ACI
- 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 6 gift cards per type of tax payment. 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 1.85% to 1.98%
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. Currently there are three separate payment processing companies on the list. At the time of this writing, debit card fees range from $2.20 to $2.50 per transaction and credit card fees range from 1.85% to 1.98%. Alternatively, you can pay taxes via the Plastiq Bill Pay service, but that will cost you more: 2.85%.
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.
[Editor’s caution: In recent years the IRS has been very slow to do so] - 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 6 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% 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.
Pay with Paypal
Both ACI Payments and PayUSATax allow payments via PayPal. Sometimes cards like the Discover It, Discover It Student, and Chase Freedom offer 5% rewards for Paypal purchases (up to $1500 combined spend per quarter). Tax payments during these times should count!
NOTE: There is a weird issue with selecting to pay with PayPal on the PayUSATax website. When clicking the PayPal button, a screen flashes up and disappears. Here is a work-around that has worked for some people, but not all: Put in valid credit card information first (for any credit card) and then press the PayPal button. When doing it this way, I got the PayPal screen to successfully load.
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
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. All three 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, 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, PayUSAtax.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. Update/Caution: In recent years the IRS has been very slow to refund overpayments.
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.
