Pay taxes via credit card, 2024 edition

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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…

Pay taxes via credit card

Important due dates

(all online payment dates from Pay1040.com)

2023 Tax Year Due Dates

  • January 16th, 2024: 4th Quarter 2023 estimated taxes due.
    (Payable online from 10/15/23 – 2/1/24)

2024 Tax Year Due Dates

  • April 15th, 2024: 1st Quarter 2024 estimated taxes due.
    (Payable online from 3/1/2024 – 5/15/2024)
  • June 17th, 2024: 2nd Quarter 2024 estimated taxes due.
    (Payable online from 5/15/2024 – 7/15/2024)
  • September 16th, 2024: 3rd Quarter 2024 estimated taxes due.
    (Payable online from 7/15/2024 – 10/15/2024)
  • January 15th, 2025: 4th Quarter 2024 estimated taxes due.
    (Payable online from 10/15/24 – 2/1/25)

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
150K points after $8K spend in 6 months. Terms apply.
$695 Annual Fee
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: 150K after $6k spend (referral only, expired 10/23)
5 x 50K Free Night Certificates ⓘ Friend-Referral
Earn five 50K free night certifcates after $5K spend in 3 months
$95 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Recent better offer: 5 x 50K free night certificates after $5K in spend (expired 1/9/24)
90K Points + 20% back up to $50 ⓘ Friend-Referral
90K points after $6K in purchases in the first 6 months + 20% back on restaurant purchases worldwide for the first 3 months up to $50 back. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
$250 Annual Fee
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: 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]
Limited Time Offer - 175K Points + free night certificate ⓘ Friend-Referral
175K after $6K spend in first 6 months. Free night certificate every year - first certificate is awarded 8-12 weeks after approval. Terms apply.
(Offer Expires 4/17/2024)
$550 Annual Fee
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 Miles + up to $200 in statement credits ⓘ Non-Affiliate
Earn 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 Fee
Alternate 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.
Limited Time Offer - 185K Points ⓘ Affiliate
185k points after $6K spend within the first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
(Offer Expires 5/1/2024)
$650 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: None. this is the best that we've seen.
75K Miles ⓘ Affiliate
75k miles after $4k spend within first 3 months. (Rates & Fees)
$395 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: Expired 3/14/22: 100K after $10K spend in 6 months + $200 credit for vacation rental spend in first year
Limited Time Offer - 155K Points ⓘ Affiliate
155K points after $5K spend in the first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
(Offer Expires 5/1/2024)
$250 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: None. this is the best that we've seen.
40K points after $2K spend in the first 3 billing cycles
(Offer Expires 4/3/2024)
$99 Annual Fee
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 points after $1K spend in the first 3 billing cycles + 2 companion certificates, 2 upgrade certificates and 2 lounge passes
75K miles after $3,500 spend in first 4 months
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99
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: None, this is the best we've seen.
165K Points ⓘ Non-Affiliate
165K points after $3K spend in 3 months
(Offer Expires 4/3/2024)
$99 Annual Fee
This 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: 175K after $3K in spend (expired 4/6/23)
80kK after $6K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
$695 Annual Fee
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: 125K points after 6k spend [Expired 11/8/23]
70K miles ⓘ Affiliate
70K miles after $3K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
(Offer Expires 3/27/2024)
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
80K after $8K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
$695 Annual Fee
This 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]
75K miles + Companion Fare ⓘ Non-Affiliate
75k miles + Companion Fare ($99 fare + taxes) after $3K spend in 90 days
$95 Annual Fee
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.
Up to 100K points (call to apply) ⓘ Non-Affiliate
50K after $10K spend in 3 months + 50K after paying 2nd year annual fee
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $495
Bonus offer is not available to either current or previous UBS credit cardmembers
70K miles after $1K in spend in 90 days and payment of annual fee. Application requires a promo code. Any five digit number (like 00000) will work.
$99 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: Expired 9/22: 80K after $1K spend in 90 days
70K miles + 100XP ⓘ Non-Affiliate
70K miles + 40 XP after $3K in the first 90 days + 60 XP upon approval
$89 Annual Fee
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.
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 after $4K spend in 3 months
$95 Annual Fee
Alternate Offer: There may be elevated offers available by applying in-branch
A similar offer with the first year annual fee waived may be found in-branch. YMMV.
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.
90K miles ⓘ Affiliate
90K miles after $4K spend in 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
(Offer Expires 3/27/2024)
$350 Annual Fee
60K miles after $3K spend in 3 months.
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
This 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 8/11/22: 70K after $3K spend
Up to 45K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate
Up 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 Fee
This 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 ⓘ Affiliate
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
$95 Annual Fee
70K Miles + 500 PQPs ⓘ Friend-Referral
70K miles and 500 PQPs after $4K spend in the first 3 months
$250 Annual Fee
This 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.
Limited Time Offer - 155K points ⓘ Affiliate
155K after $3K spend in 6 months. Terms apply.
(Offer Expires 4/17/2024)
$150 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: 130K + free night certificate after $2K spend in 3 months [Expired 7/19/23]
45K Points + $100 Voucher + $100 Statement Credit ⓘ Non-Affiliate
45K points plus $100 statement credit and $100 companion voucher after $1K spend in 90 days
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $79
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 Avios after $3K spend in 3 months
$95 Annual Fee
This 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
75K Avios after $3K spend in 3 months
$95 Annual Fee
This 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
75K Avios after $3K spend in 3 months
$95 Annual Fee
This 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
65K after $4K spend in 3 months
$550 Annual Fee
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 12/1/22: 80K after $4K spend
60K 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).
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.
50K points after $1K spend in the first 3 months.
$69 Annual Fee
After clicking through, be sure to manually select the exact Southwest card in which you are interested. This 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: 75K after $3K in 3 months [Expired 12/11/23]
50K after $4.5K spend in 90 days
$400 Annual Fee
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.
40K after $3K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply. See Rates & Fees
$150 Annual Fee
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: 60K after $3K spend in first 6 months + 20% off travel and transit purchases for first 6 months. [Expired 8/21/23]
100K Points ⓘ Non-Affiliate
100K points after $2K spend in 3 months
(Offer Expires 4/3/2024)
No Annual Fee
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: 120K after $2K spend (expired 7/4/22)
90k miles after $5k spend in first 3 months
$525 Annual Fee
This 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.
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 1/27/23: 100K after $5K spend
65K points + $100 statement credit ⓘ Non-Affiliate
60K points and $100 statment credit after $1K spend in 90 days plus 5K points for adding an authorized user
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $75
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.
50k miles after 1st purchase and paying the annual fee within 90 days
$99 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: Up to 75K: 60K miles after first purchase and 15K after adding an authorized user and making one purchase on that card [Expired 2/24/24]
100K Miles ⓘ Affiliate
100K miles after $6K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
(Offer Expires 3/27/2024)
$650 Annual Fee
50K points after $1K spend in the first 3 months.
$99 Annual Fee
This card is known to be subject to Chase's 5/24 rule.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 75K points after $3K spend in the first 3 months. [Expired 12/11/23]
50K points after $1K spend in the first 3 months.
$149 Annual Fee
This card is known to be subject to Chase's 5/24 rule.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 75K points after $3K spend in the first 3 months. [Expired 12/11/23]
60K after $4K spend in 90 days
$95 Annual Fee
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 after $5K spend in 90 days
$550 Annual Fee
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.
50K after $2K spend in 120 days
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
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.
Limited Time Offer - 100K points ⓘ Affiliate
100K after $2K spend in 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
(Offer Expires 4/17/2024)
No Annual Fee
Recent better offer: 70K + free night certificate after $2K spend in 3 months. [Expired 7/19/23]
60K miles after $5K spend in 90 days
$450 Annual Fee
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.
65K miles after one purchase in first 90 days by entering any 6 digit code (such as 123456)
$99 Annual Fee
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.
85K points after $4K spend in 3 months
$250 Annual Fee
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 miles after $1K spend in first 3 months
No Annual Fee
This 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 8/11/22: 30K after $1K spend
40K miles after $4K spend in 90 days
$95 Annual Fee
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.
Earn 40K bonus miles after $2.5K in first 3 months
$79 Annual Fee
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.
$400 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$400 statement credit after $1000 in purchases within first 3 months
$49 Annual Fee
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.
$250 cash back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$250 after $2K spend in 120 days
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
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.
12K points after $1K spend in the first 3 billing cycles
No Annual Fee
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.
Up to 50K points (call to apply) ⓘ Non-Affiliate
25K after $5K spend in 3 months + 25K after $50K spend in 12 months
No Annual Fee
Bonus offer is not available to either current or previous UBS credit cardmembers
20K points + 5% on gas and groceries for a year ⓘ Friend-Referral
Earn 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 Fee
This card is likely 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: Unlimited Double Cash Back for 12 month (expired 1/11/24)
20K points + 5% on gas and groceries for a year ⓘ Friend-Referral
Earn 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 Fee
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.
5% Cashback ⓘ Non-Affiliate
5% cashback for 6 months or $6K in spend
No Annual Fee
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.
35K points after $3K in 3 months
$0 introductory annual fee for the 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)
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 after $3K spend in the first 3 billing cycles
$89 Annual Fee
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.
20K miles ⓘ Affiliate
Earn 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-Affiliate
Up to $350 back: $200 back after $2K in the first 6 months + 10% back at restaurants for the first 6 months up to $150 back. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
No Annual Fee
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.
50K Points ⓘ Affiliate
50K points after $3K spend in 90 days
$95 Annual Fee
30K after $3K spend in 3 months from account opening
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $85
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.
20K Points ⓘ Affiliate
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
20K points ⓘ Affiliate
20K points after $1.5K spend in 3 months
No Annual Fee
20K after $1,000 spend in first 3 months.
No Annual Fee
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.
$300 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$300 statement credit after $3000 spend in first 3 months
No Annual Fee
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.
$300 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
Earn a one time bonus: $300 after $3K spend in 3 months from account opening
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
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-Affiliate
25K after $1K spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
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.
35K after $3K spend in 90 days
$95 Annual Fee
Note 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 after $1K in the first 3 months. Terms apply.
No Annual Fee
This 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 ⓘ Affiliate
70K miles after $7,000 spend in first 3 months
$595 Annual Fee
$350 cash back as a statement credit after $3K in the first 6 months. Terms Apply. (Rates & Fees)
$95 Annual Fee
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 Cash Back ⓘ Affiliate
One time bonus: $200 after $500 spend in 3 months from account opening. (Rates & Fees)
No Annual Fee
$200 back after $1K spend in 3 months
No Annual Fee
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 Cash Back ⓘ Affiliate
One time bonus: $200 after $500 spend in 3 months from account opening. (Rates & Fees)
No Annual Fee
$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 bonus ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$200 cash rewards bonus after $1K spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
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 Cash Back as a statement credit ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$200 statement credit after $1K in purchases in first 3 months
No Annual Fee
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.
15K points after $1K spend in 90 days. Application requires a promo code. Any five digit number (like 00000) will work.
No Annual Fee
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 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$200 after $1000 spend in 120 days
No Annual Fee
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.
20K after $1K spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
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 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$200 after $1000 spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
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 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$200 after $1000 spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
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 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 Fee
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.
10K after $1K spend in 3 months. Terms apply.
No Annual Fee
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 cash back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
20K points (worth $200) after $3K spend in the first 60 days
No Annual Fee
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.
$150 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$150 in rewards (15K points) after $1000 in purchases in first 120 days
No Annual Fee
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.
15K after $1K spend in 3 months. Terms apply.
$95 Annual Fee
Alternate 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-Referral
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
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.
10K miles ⓘ Affiliate
10K miles after $1000 spend in the first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
No Annual Fee
Note an unusual restriction: Welcome bonus not available if you've had another Delta consumer card in the past 90 days.
10K after $500 spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
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.
$100 Back + First Year Double ⓘ Friend-Referral
Get $100 after first purchase. All cashback earned in first 12 months will be doubled including 5% earned in rotating categories.
No Annual Fee
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.
$100 + First Year Double ⓘ Friend-Referral
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
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.
$100 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$100 statement credit after $500 spend in first 90 days
No Annual Fee
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.
$100 Cash back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$100 cash back after $500 spend in the first 90 days
No Annual Fee
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 10/31/22: $150 after $500 in spend
Up to $100
Earn 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 Amazon Gift Card ⓘ Affiliate
$100 Amazon gift card upon approval. Terms apply.
No Annual Fee
$150 cash back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$150 cash back after $3K spend in first 90 days
No Annual Fee
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.
10K points after $1K spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
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.
15K after $1K in first 90 days
$59 Annual Fee
Alternate 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.
10K points + 10K Tier Credits ⓘ Non-Affiliate
10K points + 10K Tier Credits after $1,500K spend in the first 3 billing cycles
No Annual Fee
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.
No bonus at this time.
$400 Annual Fee
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.
15K Points ⓘ Affiliate
15K points after $1,500 spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
There 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. Terms apply.
No Annual Fee
Note that some people see a targeted offer in the Bilt Rewards app to earn 5x points for the first 5 days after being approved and receiving and activating the card. This is not guaranteed, but rather is targeted. Select 'Click Here to Apply' to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions.
No Welcome Bonus ⓘ Non-Affiliate

No Annual Fee
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.
No Welcome Bonus ⓘ Non-Affiliate

No Annual Fee
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
No Annual Fee
After $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.
There is currently no welcome bonus offered.
No Annual Fee
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.
3% back for 12 months ⓘ Non-Affiliate
3% cash back for 12 months on up to $20K in purchases
No Annual Fee
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.
0% APR on balance transfers ⓘ Non-Affiliate
0% APR on balance transfers for first 12 billing cycles following account opening when balance is transferred within the first 90 days
No Annual Fee
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.
0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers after account is opened. After that, a variable rate will apply.
No Annual Fee
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.
No Welcome Bonus ⓘ Non-Affiliate
This 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 Fee
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.
There is currently no welcome bonus offered.
No Annual Fee
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.

No Annual Fee
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.
No Welcome Bonus ⓘ Affiliate

No Annual Fee
Requires Costco membership. Cash back provided annually with February billing statement as rewards coupon redeemable for cash or merchandise at Costco
0% Intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.24% - 28.999%.
No Annual Fee
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.
This card no longer features a first-year bonus.
No Annual Fee
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.
No Welcome Bonus ⓘ Non-Affiliate

$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
Note 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.
None
$85 Annual Fee
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.

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 Fee
    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.
    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.
    Base: 2X (2.9%)
    Travel: 5X (7.25%)
    Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Citi. This card imposes foreign transaction fees.
    Noteworthy perks: 1X when you make a purchase + 1X when you pay for those purchases
  • 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 ⓘ Affiliate
    15k 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 Fee
    FM Mini Review: 2X rewards for all spend (up to $50K per year) with no annual fee makes this card a winner. Click here for our complete card review
    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-Affiliate
    Earn 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 Fee
    Alternate 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. Click here for our complete card review
    Earning rate: 2X miles everywhere ✦ 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel
    Base: 2X (2.9%)
    Travel: 5X (7.25%)
    Other: 5X (7.25%)
    Card Info: Visa Signature issued by CapOne. This card has no foreign currency conversion 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
    75K Miles ⓘ Affiliate
    75k miles after $4k spend within first 3 months. (Rates & Fees)
    $395 Annual Fee
    Recent better offer: Expired 3/14/22: 100K after $10K spend in 6 months + $200 credit for vacation rental spend in first year
    FM 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. Click here for our complete card review
    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.
    Base: 2X (2.9%)
    Travel: 10X (14.5%)
    Other: 10X (14.5%)
    Card Info: Visa Infinite issued by CapOne. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
    Noteworthy perks: $300 annual credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel ✦ 10,000 bonus miles each year starting at first anniversary ✦ Up to $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 points
    50K Miles ⓘ Affiliate
    Earn 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 $95
    FM 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 Travel
    Base: 2X (2.9%)
    Travel: 5X (7.25%)
    Card Info: Mastercard issued by CapOne. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
    Noteworthy perks: Redeem miles for travel at value of 1 cent per mile ✦ Convert "miles" to airline miles & hotel points ✦ No foreign transaction fees ✦ Up to $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
    20K points + 5% on gas and groceries for a year ⓘ Friend-Referral
    Earn 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 Fee
    This card is likely 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: Unlimited Double Cash Back for 12 month (expired 1/11/24)
    FM Mini Review: Great for 3x categories and 1.5X everywhere else. Excellent companion card to Sapphire Reserve, Sapphire Preferred, or Ink Business Preferred. Click here for our complete card review
    Earning rate: 5x travel booked through Chase ✦ 5X Lyft through March 2025 ✦ 3x dining ✦ 3x drugstores ✦ 1.5X everywhere else
    Base: 1.5X (2.25%)
    Travel: 5X (7.5%)
    Dine: 3X (4.5%)
    Other: 5X (7.5%)
    Card 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+
    75K after $6K spend in 3 months
    No Annual Fee
    Alternate 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.
    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: 90K after $6K spend in 6 monthd (expired 1/17/24
    FM Mini Review: Great welcome 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. Click here for our complete card review
    Earning rate: 1.5X on all purchases ✦ 5X Lyft through through March 2025
    Base: 1.5X (2.25%)
    Other: 5X (7.5%)
    Card Info: Visa Signature Business issued by Chase. This card imposes foreign transaction fees.
  • 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. Important: The tax payment and tax payment fee will be charged separately and so the tax payment alone must be $5,000 or more in order to earn 1.5x rewards.
    Card Offer and Details
    150K points after $15K spend in the first 3 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
    $695 Annual Fee
    Alternate Offer: Targeted online offer of 170K points after $15K 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 is absolutely loaded with high end perks. Depending upon your situation, those perks may be worth the annual fee or much more. Click here for our complete card review
    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.
    Base: 1X (1.55%)
    Travel: 5X (7.75%)
    Other: 1.5X (2.33%)
    Card Info: Amex Pay Over Time Card issued by Amex. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
    Noteworthy perks: Select one qualifying airline and receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for qualifying charges ✦ Up to $400 a year in statement credits for Dell purchases ($200, twice-yearly) ✦ Up to $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 benefits
    15K after $1K spend in 3 months. Terms apply.
    $95 Annual Fee
    Alternate 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
    FM Mini Review: Thanks to the 50% bonus on points earned, this is, in my opinion, one of the strongest mile-earning cards available. Click here for our complete card review
    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.
    Base: 1X (1.55%)
    Gas: 2X (3.1%)
    Grocery: 3X (4.65%)
    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
    None
    Card is currently not available to new applicants.
    $90 Annual Fee
    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 else
    Base: 1.5X (1.95%)
    Brand: 3X (3.9%)
    Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by BOA. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
    Big spend bonus: Companion award ticket with $25K annual spend ✦ 7,500 bonus points with $15K cardmember year spend + an additional 7,500 points with $25K cardmember year spend ✦ 25 tier points towards elite status per $2,500 spend (max 50 tier points per month).
    70K miles + 100XP ⓘ Non-Affiliate
    70K miles + 40 XP after $3K in the first 90 days + 60 XP upon approval
    $89 Annual Fee
    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.
    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 primarily only for the welcome offer, then it should go off to the sock drawer unless you're interested in Flying Blue elite status. Click here for our complete card review
    Earning rate: 3X on Air France, KLM, and SkyTeam purchases ✦ 1.5X everywhere else
    Base: 1.5X (1.95%)
    Brand: 3X (3.9%)
    Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by BOA. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
    Big spend bonus: 5K after anniversary when you spend $50 or more the previous year ✦ 40XP points towards status after anniversary when you spend $15K or more the previous year
    Noteworthy perks: 20 Experience Points every year; Miles don't expire as long as you make a purchase once every 2 years.

4. Earn valuable big spend bonuses: elite status, free nights, companion pass, etc.

Many credit cards offer bonuses for meeting high spend thresholds. You can find a comprehensive list here: Best big spend bonuses. Here are a few examples:

  • Southwest Plus, Southwest Premier, or Southwest Business: With Southwest cards, when you earn 135,000 points in a calendar year (including points earned from credit card spend) you get a companion pass good for an unlimited number of flights for the rest of that year and all of the next calendar year.
  • Barclaycard JetBlue Plus, or JetBlue Business: Spend $50,000 and get Mosaic 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: $2.14, $2.20, or $2.50 (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:

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 1.82% 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 $2.14 to $2.50 per transaction and credit card fees range from 1.82% to 1.98%. Alternatively, you can pay taxes via the Plastiq Bill Pay service, but that will cost you more: 2.9% + $1.49 per payment.

a screenshot of a credit card

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% + $1.49 to pay bills (including taxes) via credit card, but they occasionally offer lower fees via short term promotions. For details, please see: Plastiq Bill Payment Service.

To pay taxes via Plastiq, use Plastiq’s tax payment screen: plastiq.com/us-taxes.

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.

a screenshot of a credit card

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.

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