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Tax season is in full swing. As you file your return, you may consider paying your taxes by credit card. After all, doing so can earn you travel rewards or cash back on your taxes.
Paying taxes with a credit card may not be the best idea for everyone, so you'll first want to determine whether it's a good choice for your situation. Once you've decided paying by credit card is right for you, don't just reach for your rewards credit card that only awards 1 point per dollar or 1% cash back on your purchases. Instead, consider how you can maximize your potential credit card rewards.
Below, CNBC Select goes over some of the best ways to boost your credit card rewards when paying your taxes and explains how you can stack deals for buying tax preparation software to save money and earn rewards.
What we'll cover
How to pay your taxes with a credit card
There are three IRS-approved third-party payment processors for credit card payments. All the processors accept cards from the major credit card networks, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover® and American Express. Each payment processing company charges different fees.
These are the three payment processors and their fees:
- PayUSAtax.com: 1.82% (minimum $2.69)
- Pay1040.com: 1.87% (minimum $2.50)
- ACI Payments, Inc.: 1.98% (minimum $2.50)
Keep in mind that if you pay your business taxes with a credit card, the card processing fees are also tax deductible. However, individuals cannot deduct the fees from their personal tax return.
Open a new travel credit card with a welcome bonus
Having a planned large expense (like a big tax payment) is a great time to apply for a new credit card since most welcome offers require you to spend several thousand dollars to earn the bonus. Many travel rewards credit cards have big sign-up bonuses that can earn you enough points or miles to redeem for an almost-free vacation.
Some top travel rewards cards with the largest welcome offers include the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) and the American Express Platinum Card®. Depending on how you redeem your rewards, you can potentially earn significant value from these bonuses if you meet the requirements.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card packs a punch for a $95 annual fee card, offering annual travel credits, comprehensive travel protections and more.
- You can transfer rewards to all of Chase's travel partners including World of Hyatt, Southwest Rapid Rewards and many more
- Long list of travel and shopping protections
- $50 annual Chase Travel hotel credit
- Has an annual fee
- Requires a high credit score
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
- Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase TravelSM
- 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
The American Express Platinum Card® is a premium card loaded with annual statement credits, entertainment benefits, extensive airport lounge access, elite status perks and more. (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- Access to 1,550+ airport lounges, including Priority Pass™ Select lounges (enrollment required) and Amex Centurion lounges
- Statement credit offers worth up to twice what the annual fee costs
- Elite status perks for hotels and rental cars (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- High annual fee
- Many statement credit offers are complicated and are earned in increments or limited to specific purchases
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you're approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you're approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
- $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
- $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
- $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
- $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
- Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
- $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That's up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- $895 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Balance transfer fee
N/A
Foreign transaction fee
None
If you're looking for a new business credit card, the Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees) and The American Express® Business Gold Card are worth considering.
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is an excellent business card with useful benefits, valuable rewards and a generous welcome bonus.
- Earns flexible travel rewards you can transfer to airline and hotel loyalty programs such as World of Hyatt, Southwest Rapid Rewards and many more
- Valuable welcome bonus worth $1,125 in travel when redeemed through Chase Travel
- Strong travel and shopping protections
- No intro APR offer
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- Earn 5x total points on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Go further when you book with Chase TravelSM. Enjoy competitive rates, seamless booking and premium benefits.
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Receive complimentary access to DashPass by DoorDash.
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
The American Express Business Gold Card maximizes spending with flexible bonus reward categories based on where your business spends the most.
- Earn up to $545 in credits every year for eligible business purchases
- Generous bonus rewards categories with high spending caps
- Earns flexible rewards you can transfer to 20 airline and hotel loyalty programs
- High annual fee
- Statement credit offers are earned on a monthly basis and only apply to specific purchases
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- As High As 200,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 200,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $15,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.
- Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx (through 10/01/2026), Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
- Enroll and get up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year on U.S. purchases of ChatGPT Business* on the Business Gold Card. *Subject to auto-renewal.
- Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits per calendar year for U.S. purchases with Squarespace. Subscription purchases subject to auto-renewal.
- Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
- The Business Gold Card comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and White Gold. Make your selection when you apply on Americanexpress.com.
- Terms Apply
- See Rates & Fees
Balance transfer fee
N/A
Foreign transaction fee
None
Use a credit card that offers a high cash-back rate
If you're not interested in travel rewards, consider opening a new credit card that gives cash back on your purchases and using that card to pay your taxes. If you open a cash-back card that offers a welcome bonus and at least 2% cash back on your purchases, you'll essentially keep some money in your pocket after taking into account the processing fee charged by the payment companies.
Many popular cash-back credit cards also offer promotional 0% APR financing for up to 21 months. Using a 0% APR card can be a smart tax-paying strategy if you need extra time to pay off your bill.
Cards to consider include the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (earns unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases), the Citi Double Cash® Card (earns 1% back when you purchase and 1% back when you pay) and the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Card (if you qualify for the highest tier of BofA's Preferred Rewards program, you'll earn 2.62% back, otherwise it's a 1.5% back card).
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 flat-rate return on purchases
- Intro-APR for purchases and qualifying balance transfers for a year
- No annual fee
- Cell phone protection
- Has a foreign transaction fee
- 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 $200 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. 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% 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%
The Citi Double Cash® Card is one of the best no-annual-fee cash-back cards thanks to its straightforward rewards structure.
- Balance transfers get a long intro APR
- Generous flat-rate cash-back rewards structure
- No annual fee
- Travelers face a foreign transaction fee
- Intro APR only applies to balance tranfer
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 17.49% - 27.49%, 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%
Business owners looking for a cash-back card can consider The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, which earns 2% cash back on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%.
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is an ideal fit for a growing business because it offers an intro APR for purchases and a generous cash-back rate.
- Valuable intro-APR offer for purchases for 12 months
- No annual fee
- Additional cash back is capped
- It has a foreign transaction fee
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 16.74% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on the first $50,000 of purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
- From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That's why you've got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power*.
- * The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- No Annual Fee. Terms Apply. Learn More.
- See Rates & Fees
Balance transfer fee
Refer to Terms and Conditions
Foreign transaction fee
2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
Use a card with bonuses for meeting spending thresholds
If opening a new credit card isn't an option, you can pay your taxes with one of your existing credit cards with a bonus for meeting a high spending threshold. With this strategy, you may earn airline or hotel elite status, airline companion certificates or free hotel night certificates just by using the right card to pay your taxes.
Here are some examples:
- You can earn American AAdvantage Loyalty Points that go toward qualifying for elite status with the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® or the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®. Elite status begins at 40,000 Loyalty Points for Gold status and you earn 1 point per dollar for credit card spending. The Aviator card also earns a companion certificate for one guest at $99 plus taxes and fees each anniversary year when you spend $20,000.
- You can earn 1 Premier qualifying points (PQP) for every $20 in net card spending in a calendar year, up to a maximum of 1,000 PQP with the United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees). The points can be applied toward qualifying for United Premier status up to and including the Premier 1K level.
- The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card earns a Free Night Reward when you spend $15,000 in eligible purchases a calendar year. Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold status with your Card. Plus, spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year. Terms and Limitations apply.
- The World of Hyatt Credit Card comes with a Category 1 to 4 free night certificate given each anniversary year, but you can also earn a second free night by spending $15,000 in a calendar year. Complimentary Discoverist status comes with having the card, but you also earn two elite night credits for every $5,000 spent, which can go toward elevating your status to Explorist or Globalist. (see rates and fees)
Check online shopping portals and look for credit card merchant offers
If you are preparing your tax return and have decided to buy tax software to help you find all the deductions you may qualify for, be sure to first click through an online shopping portal before making your purchase.
By using a shopping portal, you can earn bonus points, miles or cash back from various rewards or loyalty programs. The bonus points or cash back is in addition to anything you earn from spending on the card itself.
Some examples of shopping portal offers available at the time of this writing include:
- 1,000 Southwest Rapid Reward points for TurboTax through the Southwest Rapid Rewards shopping portal
- 6 American AAdvantage miles per dollar for H&R Block through the American Airlines AAdvantage shopping portal
- 10% cash back for TaxAct through TopCashBack
- Up to 25% cash back or 25 American Express Membership Rewards points for TaxSlayer through Rakuten
TurboTax
Online plans
Do It Yourself, Expert Assist, Expert Full Service, Expert Assist Business, Expert Full Service Business
Free version
Federal and state returns (Form 1040 + limited credits). According to TurboTax, 37% of taxpayers are eligible.
Guarantee
Maximum refund and 100% accuracy guarantees
Live support
Expert Assist plan includes unlimited assistance and final review, while Expert Full Service adds a dedicated expert to complete and file your return.
Tax refund advance loan
Up to $4,000
Read our review of TurboTax tax software.
Pros
- Step-by-step guidance with easy-to-follow Q&A format
- On-demand advice and a final review from a tax expert
- Expert Full Service plan has a tax expert who can complete your return
- Offers tax refund advance loan
Cons
- More expensive than other tax-prep software programs
- May try to upsell you into getting pricier plan
H&R Block
Online plans
Free, Deluxe, Premium, Self-Employed
Free version
For federal and state returns (Form 1040 and limited credits only)
Guarantee
Maximum refund and 100% accuracy guarantees
Live support
H&R Block's AI Tax Assist and unlimited live chat are free with all paid plans and a review by a tax pro is available for a fee.
Tax refund advance loan
Not with H&R Block Online
Terms apply
Read our review of H&R Block online
Pros
- Simple step-by-step guidance
- Free plan takes federal and state returns
- 100% accuracy and maximum refund guarantees
- Thousands of branches for in-person help
Cons
- More expensive than competitors
- Must have a paid plan to speak with a live tax expert
- Refund advance loans not available for online customers.
You can use a shopping portal aggregator like Cashback Monitor to compare rewards earnings on tax prep software to see which program may offer the highest return. Offers change frequently and sometimes without advance notice, so if you see a high offer, it's best to jump on it. You may also see increased offers the closer we get to the tax filing deadline on April 15.
You can combine, or "stack," the shopping portal rewards with a discount from any card-linked offers you may have. Limited-time card-linked offers, such as Chase Offers, Amex Offers, Citi Merchant Offers and BankAmeriDeals provide savings at select merchants when you link your associated credit card to that offer. They can be found in your online account with the card issuer.
Credit card merchant offers are targeted, meaning the same offer may not be available for everyone with that card, and require enrollment, but here are some tax prep software offers we've seen in the past:
- Amex Offer of spend $500 or more, get $100 on TurboTax Live Small Business Tax Preparation
- Amex Offer of 30% back, up to a total of $60, on your TaxAct purchase
- Chase Offer of $10 cash back on TurboTax when you spend $25 or more, plus get additional savings up to 10% at checkout when you purchase through Chase's link
- Chase Offer of $7 cash back on your TaxAct purchase
- Citi Merchant Offer of 25% back, up to a total of $60, on your TaxAct purchase
- Citi Merchant Offer of $10 back from TurboTax on a purchase of $25 or more, plus extra savings when you purchase through Citi's link
Be sure to add the offer to your credit card before making your purchase and check the fine print for any exclusions.
Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox. Sign up here.
Bottom line
Paying your taxes with a credit card is quick and easy, but it's important to take some time to plan how you can maximize your rewards earnings. Some ways to earn more points, miles or cash back during tax season include signing up for a new credit card or using one you may already have that offers bonuses for high spending thresholds. Be sure to only charge what you can pay back in full to avoid paying interest. If not, any interest payments will likely negate the rewards you've earned.
Whether or not you owe any taxes, there are also ways to earn rewards and potentially save a little money if you are planning to purchase tax preparation software.
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Information about the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Card, AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®, Citi®/ AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, World Of Hyatt Credit Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.
For rates and fees of the American Express Platinum Card®, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Business Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, click here.
