Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Many Americans are feeling financial pressure, with everyday costs stretching people's wallets thin.
A recent CNBC and SurveyMonkey Quarterly Money Survey found that 63% of people identified as living paycheck to paycheck. Of this group, half have admitted to delaying payment of bills or utilities to manage tough financial situations.
Utility costs and other similar bills can be more easily overlooked, since they're typically monthly recurrences, and people often set these fees on auto pay. If you want to make sure you're still getting the most value, see if you're using the right card.
You can earn rewards just for paying the bills you have to pay anyway. In most cases, these cards have a $0 annual fee.
Best credit cards for utilities and monthly bills
- Best for home utilities: U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
- Best for housing costs: Bilt Blue Card (see rates and fees)
- Best for streaming services: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Best for phone bills: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
- Best for flat-rate cash back: Citi Double Cash® Card
Best for home utilities
When should you use this card? If you have high home utility bills or are simply looking for a way to earn rewards on them, the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card can help. The card earns 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories of your choice, one of which is home utilities. Provided your utilities don't exceed roughly $666 per month, you'll earn the full 5% on all your payments.
Other great perks: You'll also receive 2% cash back on one everyday category you choose each quarter, including grocery stores, gas and EV charging stations and restaurants. This card comes with a $0 annual fee and a reachable $250 welcome bonus after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first 90 days.
- Rewarding and versatile quarterly bonus categories
- Generous intro-APR offer
- Quarterly limits on the card's top bonus spending categories
- No statement credit offers or other ongoing benefits outside of the cash rewards
Best for housing costs
When should you use this card? If you pay rent or have a mortgage, the Bilt Blue Card will reward you for it. Earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases or up to 1.25X points on your rent or mortgage payments with no transaction fee, depending on how you choose to earn your rewards. With a $0 annual fee (see rates and fees), if you spend enough on the card, you can essentially earn points whenever you pay for housing.
Other great perks: The Blue Card is an entry point into the Bilt ecosystem, earning 1X points on everyday spending (non-housing purchases). Bilt Points themselves are very valuable, especially for travelers who can take advantage of their generous airline and hotel transfer partners. You also earn $100 in Bilt Cash upon approval. At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
The Bilt Blue Card offers a solid entry card to the world of Bilt, offering 1X on everyday purchases without charging an annual fee.
- Earns ultra-valuable flexible rewards
- No annual fee
- Can earn up to 1.25X points on rent and mortgage payments
- Additional steps for no-fee rent payments
- Bilt Cash redemptions are complicated
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn up to 1.25X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee.
- 1X points on everyday spend
- Welcome offer: $100 of Bilt Cash when you apply and get approved. At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.
- Earn additional points through Bilt Neighborhood Benefits™ when you use your card at Bilt's network of 50,000+ merchant partners.
- Other benefits: No foreign transaction fees, Cellular Wireless Telephone Protection, Purchase Assurance, MasterRental Coverage (See Guide to Benefits)
Balance transfer fee
Greater of 5% or $5
Best for streaming services
When should you use this card? If you're an avid watcher of the newest TV shows and movies, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. The category includes 32 popular streamers, like HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, and Peacock. Plus, the card comes with statement credits toward select streaming services.
Other great perks: You'll also earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 in spending per year). This card has a $0 annual fee for the first year; only in the second year does the (still reasonable) $95 annual fee start to apply. (See rates and fees).
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a low-fee card with generous cash-back rewards and useful ongoing benefits, such as a monthly Disney Bundle credit. (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- High cash-back earnings for U.S. supermarkets and streaming services
- Intro-APR offer for purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee for the first year
- It's less rewarding after the first year because of the annual fee
- Bonus rewards for U.S. supermarkets are capped
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Apply and find out your welcome offer. As High As $300 cash back* after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply, and if approved: 1. Find out your offer amount 2. Accept the Card with your offer 3. Spend $3,000 in 6 months 4. Receive the cash back. *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.74%-28.74%.
- Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don't have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you'll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
- Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
- Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
- See Rates & Fees
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars
Best for phone bills
When should you use this card? While the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card doesn't offer direct rewards on your phone bill, you earn a flat 2% cash rewards on purchases and up to $600 in cell phone protection against damage or theft (subject to a $25 deductible).
Other great perks: The Active Cash welcome bonus requires a very reasonable $100 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. The card also offers a decent intro APR on both purchases and qualifying balance transfers, which could help if you're looking to reduce debt payments.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is great if you want simplicity thanks to its flat-rate 2% unlimited cash rewards on purchases and $0 annual fee.
- High, unlimited flat-rate return on purchases
- Intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
- Lower introductory balance transfer fee
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Charges a 3% foreign transaction fee
- Balance transfer fee increases to 5% of each transfer (minimum $5) after 120 days
- Limited redemption options unless you pair it with a Wells Fargo card that allows point transfers
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $100 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.74%, 24.74%, or 28.74% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Balance Transfer Fee
3% intro for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%, min: $5
Foreign Transaction Fee
3%
Best for flat-rate cash back
When should you use this card? If you're unsure exactly what card to use for each type of payment, or you don't want to open too many cards, the Citi Double Cash® Card offers a flat 2% cash back on all purchases: 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay.
Other great perks: There's no limit to the cash back you can earn with the Double Cash Card, and the fact that it doesn't charge an annual fee means every ounce of savings is going directly to you. On top of this, cash back is technically awarded in the form of valuable Citi ThankYou® Points, making it a low-cost option for travel, as well.
What makes the Citi Double Cash® Card special is that it sits near the top of its class in several categories. It is an excellent option if you want flat-rate rewards, a balance transfer intro-APR or no annual fee.
- Balance transfers get a long intro APR
- Generous flat-rate cash-back rewards structure
- Earns transferable rewards
- No annual fee
- It has a foreign transaction fee
- Intro APR only applies to balance transfer
- Points transfer ratios are reduced compared to premium cards
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Balance transfer fee
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Should you pay your utilities with a credit card?
While paying your utility bills with a credit card lets you earn rewards, it doesn't make sense for everyone.
One of the first things to check would be if your utility provider charges a fee for paying with a credit card. Hypothetically, if a company charges a 3% processing fee for paying with cards, you'll need a rewards rate above that to make it worth your time.
You should also take into account your current financial situation, as going into credit card debt just to earn 2% back on your water bill is not worth it. If you sometimes struggle with credit card payments, or are concerned about taking on debt, direct ACH payments from your bank will probably be the best fit.
How to choose the best card for bills and utilities
The first step should be determining how much you actually spend per month on utilities.
If the number is a lot lower than you initially thought, you might not even need a separate credit card; however, if it's higher, identify where the majority of your spending goes. If you're spending a fortune on your electricity bills but your phone bills are manageable, prioritize a card that covers electric utilities.
You should also check your utility services and see if any of them offer autopay discounts you could be missing out on. While some utilities might require autopay to come from a checking account, others let you attach a credit card, so you can earn both the autopay discount and the credit card rewards.
FAQs
Which credit card is best for paying utility bills?
While it depends on the type of rewards you want, the U.S. Bank Cash+ earns 5% cash back on $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose (with utilities being an option).
Is it smart to put utility bills on a credit card?
It depends on how your utilities are billed. Many utility providers allow card payments but charge a fee, and if the fee is higher than your rewards, you'll lose money. It's also important that you're able to pay off your card each month, as credit card debt can be very costly.
Which Chase card is best for utilities?
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees) is a top option for earning rewards on utilities. You'll earn an unlimited 1.5X on all purchases for no annual fee, and there's an easy-to-earn welcome bonus.
Does paying utility bills build your credit?
In general, no, simply paying your utility bills to your provider will not affect your credit score. Some services, like Experian Boost, can help by reporting your utility payments to credit bureaus directly.
What monthly bills are considered utilities?
Utilities are often considered any expenses necessary to make the home function, like electricity, water, natural gas, trash collection and more. For credit card purposes, however, the most important thing is the merchant category code (MCC), which defines what a charge is billed as category-wise.
The CNBC Select Recommends newsletter delivers practical money tips each week along with expert-picked financial product recommendations. Sign up here.
Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card list review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best credit cards for recurring bills and utilities.
Our methodology
To determine which cards best reward users for recurring bills and utilities, CNBC Select analyzed over 250 major credit cards issued by FDIC-insured banks and NCUA-insured credit unions.
We compared each card on a range of features, including the types of utilities or services covered, rewards (e.g., cash back, points and miles), annual fees, welcome bonuses, introductory and standard APR and balance transfer fees and foreign transaction fees.
We also considered additional perks (e.g., ongoing travel or merchant statement credits), cardholder protections (e.g., purchase protection, $0 liability protection and travel insurance), the application process when available (e.g., is there a credit pull or required credit score) and how easy it is to redeem points (e.g., are rewards are tied to a specific brand; if transferable, to how many/which partners, can you redeem for straight cash back).
When choosing the best credit cards for recurring bills and utilities, we focused on cards that offered elevated rewards on specific categories (home utilities, housing payments, streaming services, phone bills, etc.). We also incorporated 0% APR options, additional credits and bonuses provided by the card, and the number of categories each card might cover.
We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.
Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of credit cards, banking and money, and follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and X to stay up to date.
Read more
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here.
