Are you looking to maximize reward with the Best Credit Card for Utilities? If yes, then you are at the right place.
Savings on monthly bills can be a headache. Regular visits to the grocery stores, utility bills, monthly memberships, and subscriptions can make up a huge part of your budget. But, you can use the best credit cards for bill payments that reward you for big expenses.
So, if you have a lot of recurring monthly bills like utility bills, phone, internet, and subscriptions, using a credit card helps you to save hundreds of dollars. In general, the best credit cards for paying bills are those offering the most rewards on utility payments.
Since there are many types of monthly bills out there, make sure the rewards categories match up with your specific expenses before you apply for a card. You should check if the billers accept cards on your credit card network, too.
In this guide, we’ve covered the best credit cards for bill payments that offer maximum rewards and the best options to pay monthly bills. Keep reading on.
Best Credit Card for Utilities in 2024
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
- Chase Freedom Unlimited® Credit Card
- Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
- Citi Double Cash® Card
- Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card
- Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
The 7 Best Credit Cards for Monthly Bills and Utilities
Here are the full details of for best credit cards for bills, utilities, and other expenses.
1. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Card Details:
Annual Fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Welcome Bonus: You earn $250 back after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 6 months of account opening.
Annual APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months, then a variable APR of 19.24% to 29.99% will apply.
Credit Needed: Good/Excellent
Rewards Details:
- Earn 6% cash back on groceries at U.S. Supermarkets up to $6,000 per year.
- Earn 6% cash back on select streaming services in the U.S.
- Earn 3% cash back transit including taxis, rideshare services, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more.
- Earn 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations.
Why we like this card:
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a solid choice for those people who spend a big amount on groceries, streaming services, and other expenses. You can earn up to 6% cashback on monthly and utility bills. That’s why this card is our top choice for monthly bills and utilities.
You also earn 3% cash back on Transit including taxis, rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more. The card welcomes you with $250 back after you spend $3,000 within the first 6 months of account opening.
The bonus categories like U.S. supermarkets, select streaming services, U.S. gas stations and transit purchases, this credit card rewards you in every way.
According to NerdWallet, this is the best credit card for grocery spending.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No annual fee for the first year.
- 6% cash-back on groceries at U.S. supermarkets.
- 6% cash-back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
- You earn 3% cash back on U.S. gas stations and Transit services.
- You earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Cons
- The card has $95 after the first year.
» MORE: Best Cash Advance Credit Cards
2. U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Card Details
Annual Fee: $0.
Welcome Bonus: You earn $200 bonus rewards after you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
Annual APR: Enjoy 0% intro APR for the first 15 billing cycles, after that, a variable APR of 19.49% to 29.74% will apply.
Credit Needed: Good/Excellent.
Rewards Details:
- You earn 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined purchases each quarter in 2 categories of your choice. Here are the categories:
- Fast food
- Home Utilities
- TV, internet, and streaming
- Department stores
- Cell phone
- Electronic stores
- More 5% cash back categories
- Sporting goods stores
- Movie theaters
- Gyms/fitness centers
- Furniture Stores
- Ground Transportation
- Select clothing stores
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center.
- Earn 2% cashback on everyday purchase categories like gas stations and EV charging stations, grocery stores, or restaurants.
- Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Why we like this card:
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card is a great no-annual-fee credit card that is often considered one of the best cash-back credit cards. This credit card allows you to 5% cashback on your spending the two categories you choose. You can change categories in each quarter.
You also earn 2% cash back on everyday purchases like gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and EV charging stations and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
As a welcome bonus, you earn $200 bonus rewards after you apply online and spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 120 days of account opening. The card comes with 0% intro APR for the first 15 billing cycles, after that a variable APR of 19.49% to 29.74% will apply.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The card has no annual fee.
- Earn 5% cash back on large purchases in the 2 categories you choose.
- 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations.
- 2% cash back on everyday purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles.
Cons
- 5% cash back categories are limited to $2,000 purchases each quarter.
- Hard to choose a category.
» MORE: Best Credit Card for Large Purchases
3. Chase Freedom Unlimited® Credit Card
Card Details:
Annual Fee: $0.
Welcome Bonus: Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
Annual APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from account opening. After that a variable APR of 20.49%–29.24% will apply.
Credit Needed: Excellent/Good
Reward Details:
- You earn 5% cash back on gas and grocery stores (limited-time offer).
- Earn 5% cashbakck on on travel purchased through Chase.
- You earn 3% on dining and drugstores.
- Earn 1.5% unlimited cashback on all other purchases.
Why we like this card:
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® Credit Card is a great credit card for rewards and travel miles. The card has a $0 annual fee and allows you to earn 5% cash back on gas and grocery (limited time offer), 5% cash back on travel purchases through Chase, 3% cash back on utility, dining, drugstores, and 1.5% unlimited cash back on all other purchases. This is also a great travel credit card for beginners.
The card also offers 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. Cardholders looking for an annual fee card that offers good cash back rewards on travel, and dining at restaurants and drugstores can consider this credit card.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The card has no annual fee.
- Generous welcome bonus of $200.
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- 5% cash back on travel and 3% cash back on utility, dining, and drugstore.
- Cash-back rewards will not expire.
Cons
- The balance transfer fee is high.
- The card has a foreign transaction fee.
» MORE:
4. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Card Details:
Annual Fee: $0.
Welcome Bonus: Earn a $200 online cash reward bonus after you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of card activation.
Annual APR: 0% intro APR for the first 15 billing cycles for purchases and balance transfers. After the offer ends, a variable APR of 18.24% to 28.24% will apply.
Credit Needed: Good/Excellent
Reward Details:
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice and 2% cash back on grocery stores and wholesale clubs for the first $2,500 of combined category/grocery store/wholesale club spending per quarter
- Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Earn 25% to 75% more cash back if you are a Preferred Rewards member.
Why we like this card:
The no-annual-fee card, Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card allows you to earn 3% cash back your choice category including (gas and EV charging stations; online shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans, and streaming; dining; travel; drug stores and pharmacies; or home improvement and furnishings). You can change the 3% cash back category once a month.
The card also earns 2% cash back on grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. You have the freedom to choose the category in which you spend the most.
This card stands out for the freedom to choose the right category for you. Also, the interest rate of this card is slightly lower side.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The card has no annual fee.
- You earn 3% cash back on the category you choose.
- You can earn 25% to 75% more cash back if you are a Preferred Member of the Bank.
- Generous intro APR period.
- Decent welcome bonus of $200
Cons
- The card has a complicated reward system.
- Capping on bonus rewards.
- The best rewards are for limited customers.
» MORE:
5. Citi Double Cash® Card
Card Details:
Annual Fee: $0.
Welcome Bonus: You earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases within the first 6 months of account opening.
Annual APR: 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfer, after that variable APR of 19.24% – 29.24% will apply based on your creditworthiness.
Credit Needed: Excellent/Good.
Reward Details:
- You earn 2% cash back (Unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay), on every purchase.
- Earn 5% cash back on hotel and car rentals booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal (limited-time offer).
- The cashback category has no restrictions and no limit on the amount of cashback you earn.
Why we like this card:
The Citi Double Cash® Card comes with no annual fee and offers 2% cash back per $1 ((1% at purchase and another 1% when you pay, earned as ThankYou Points) on every purchase. The best thing about the cashback is that there is no capping or limitation on your reward points.
With 2% cashback on all purchases, the Citi Double Cash® Card is one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. The card also offers 0% intro APR for 18 months on a balance transfer.
The card is a value for money among credit cards. With a great flat-rate cash-back credit card, this card is ideal for people who want low-hassle cash rewards on everything they purchase.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The card has no annual fee.
- You earn 2% cash back on all purchases.
- No capping or limitation on the cash back you earn.
- Intro APR for balance transfer.
- The reward rate is high.
Cons
- No intro APR for purchases.
- The card has a foreign transaction fee.
6. Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card
Card Details:
Annual Fee: $0.
Welcome Bonus: None.
Annual APR: 21.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% for balance transfer based on your creditworthiness.
Credit Needed: Excellent/Good
Reward Details:
- Earn 3X points on dining.
- Earn 2X points on travel.
- Earn 1X points on rent payments (up to 100,000 points annually).
- Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
Why we like this card:
The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card is a $0 annual fee credit card that allows you to earn reward points on rent payments. You earn 1 point per $1 spent on rent (up to 100,000 points annually). You also earn 3X points on dining, 2X points on travel, and 1X points on travel. The reward points are really valuable to the Built Reward Program.
For renters, this is the most valuable credit card on the market and worth considering. The reward points can be redeemed for rent or transferred Bilt Points to a variety of travel partners like Hyatt, Marriott, and American Airlines.
The card also comes with Trip cancellation, interruption protection, and Cellular telephone protection, which makes it a decent choice for travelers.
However, the card doesn’t offer a sign-up bonus, which would make it even more valuable to card members.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The card has no annual fee.
- You earn rewards on rent payments.
- Solid reward on dining and travel category.
- Rewards can be transferred to travel partners.
- Bonus categories.
- Get a $5 Lyft credit with this card.
Cons
- The card has no welcome bonus.
- Balance transfer fee up to 5%.
- High annual APR.
7. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Card Details:
Annual Fee: $0.
Welcome Bonus: You earn a $200 cash reward bonus as a sign-up bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
Annual APR: Enjoy 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. After that, a variable APR of 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% will apply.
Credit Needed: Excellent/Good.
Reward Details:
- You earn 2% unlimited cash back on purchases.
- There is no categories or limits to keep track of.
Why we like this card:
Not most credit card offers 2% unlimited cash back on all purchases, but the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers. This makes it a great choice for common expenses like utility bills, medical and vet bills, home repairs, etc.
The card is worthwhile for those people who want a simple rewards structure. The card offers a decent welcome bonus with introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers. Also, the card is a low-maintenance card with convenient redemption options for the rewards you earn.
Cardholders get Cellular Telephone Protection, Security features, and Zero Liability protection with this card. One major downside of this card is the high foreign transaction fee.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The card has no annual fee.
- Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases.
- Intro APR for purchases and balance transfers.
- Cellular Telephone Protection and Zero Liability Benefits.
Cons
- High annual APR.
- Foreign transaction fee.
How to Choose the Best Credit Card for Utilities
When it comes to choosing the best credit cards for monthly bills & utilities, consider credit card rewards points, annual fees, and annual APR.
Rewards
Every credit card allows you to earn reward points for every dollar you spend. So, don’t choose a card to pay for utility bills that doesn’t reward you. You need these reward points to cover charges and the rest of your regular spending. If the credit card makes you overspend, then the card is not worth it for you.
Don’t forget to check if the card has spending limits or capping on reward points. Some credit cards limit the amount of reward points you earn within a quarter or a year.
Introductory Annual APR
Before choosing a credit card, consider checking how long the introductory APR period the card offers. Generally, it varies from 9 months to 21 months. Choose a card that offers a longer intro APR offer, so you get enough time to pay back.
Bottom Line
So, we have covered the best credit card to pay bills and earn rewards, you can pick anyone from the list to pay monthly bills and utilities.
Whether you’re looking for rewards or cash back, these are excellent credit cards for paying bills. All these credit cards have no annual fee to low annual fee but offer great rewards for everyday spending.
Best Credit Card for Utilities Related FAQs
Is it good to pay utility bills from a credit card?
In general, you should pay your utility bills with credit cards to earn rewards. But the charges will wipe out your rewards. If you want to earn more rewards, then your utility bill should be high. Generally, using a credit card to pay utility bills would add an extra 5% to your bills, and you will get only 3% rewards if you lose 2%.
What are the best credit cards for utility bills?
Here are the best credit cards for utility bills:
1. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
2. U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
3. Chase Freedom Unlimited® Credit Card
4. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
5. Citi Double Cash® Card
6. Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card
7. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Which credit card is best for grocery expenses?
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a solid choice for those people who spend a big amount on groceries, streaming services, and other expenses. You can earn up to 6% cashback on monthly and utility bills.