What You Can and Cant Pay (2024)

You could be earning significant cashback when paying bills with your credit card. But not all bills are created equal.

What Bills Can You Pay With Your Credit Card?

Monthly bills seem to be growing every year. What used to be one cable package has turned into three streaming services, two phone bills, and internet all from different providers. That doesn’t take into account household utilities like water, heating, electricity, and more. But what if there was a way to be rewarded for paying your bills in a timely manner?

Some financial institutions offer reward cards that give you a percentage back with each purchase. The thrill of being rewarded by spending may have you asking yourself, "is it good to pay bills with credit cards?"

The short answer is, entertainment and nonessentials can usually be paid with a credit card with no fees. Services, utilities, and taxes can often be paid with a credit card but with a processing fee. Loan payments are usually check or bank withdrawal payments only.

Setting up Autopay for Cable, Phone, and Internet Bills

A majority of cable, phone, and internet providers will accept a credit card as payment. Setting up your bills for monthly autopay using your credit card to avoid any late fees.

Can you Pay for Streaming Services with a Credit Card?

Yes. 95% of streaming services accept credit cards as payment.Even if you rarely use a streaming service, don't risk canceling it due to fear of missing out. Paying for streaming services will get you cashback rewards.

Can You Pay Your Utility Bills with a Credit Card?

Whether or not your home utilities provider offers credit cards as a valid form of bill payment is a toss-up.Your best bet is to assume they accept credit cards, but with an additional convenience and processing fee.

Looking to Pay your Rent or Mortgage with your Credit Card?

While paying your rent or mortgage would be a surefire way to build your credit, you’ll have to turn to other bills to boost your score. It's highly unlikely your lender or landlord would accept credit cards as a form of payment. If you are so inclined to pay off your rent or mortgage with a credit card, there are 3rd party solutions.

You can pay these companies the equivalent of your mortgage/rent plus a processing fee, and they will cut your mortgage lender/landlord a check. These processing fees could greatly inflate your bill, so check the percentage before paying for your home or apartment with a credit card.

Paying off your Car Loan with a Credit Card

Loans, like mortgages, are unlikely to be able to be paid with a credit card. If they can, they charge a significant processing fee. This fee will be much greater than any cashback you earn.

Doing Your Taxes with a Credit Card

If you’ve done your taxes (you should have at least once if you're reading this article), then you’re likely aware that you can pay some taxes with your credit card. But, once again, processing fees apply.

This is just a brief list of the common bills and services that we usually pay each year. If you are punctual in paying your monthly bills, and see the potential of growing your credit and your cashback, then consider a cashback credit card, like ourVisa Signature Empower Card.

What You Can and Cant Pay (2024)

FAQs

What's the worst a debt collector can do? ›

Debt collectors are limited on when they can call you — typically, between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. They are not allowed to call you at work. They can't lie or harass you. Debt collectors can't make you pay more than you owe or threaten you with arrest, jail time, property liens or wage garnishment if you don't pay.

What can I do if I can't pay? ›

If you struggle to pay on time, it's best your lender knows as soon as possible. A free financial mentor can talk to the lender on your behalf. They can also help create a realistic budget and repayment plan, based on your income and living costs. Check your debts.

What to do when you can t pay? ›

Contact the people you owe.

Call first and talk to someone in the customer service department. Stress your interest in paying off the debt and ask about options. Remember, most companies have no more desire to lose a customer than you do to avoid your bills. The key is communication.

Who is the most reputable debt consolidation company? ›

Best debt relief companies
  • Best for affordability: New Era Debt Solutions.
  • Best for customer satisfaction: Americor.
  • Best for larger debts: Pacific Debt Relief.
  • Best for smaller debts: Freedom Debt Relief.
  • Best for quick debt payoff: Accredited Debt Relief.
  • Best for availabilty: National Debt Relief.

What are 2 things that debt collectors are not allowed to do? ›

Harassment and Call Restrictions

Debt collectors cannot harass or abuse you. They cannot swear, threaten to illegally harm you or your property, threaten you with illegal actions, or falsely threaten you with actions they do not intend to take.

Why should you never pay a debt collector? ›

Paying an old collection debt can actually lower your credit score temporarily. That's because it re-ages the account, making it more recent again. This can hurt more than help in the short term. Even after it's paid, the negative status of “paid collection” will continue damaging your score for years.

How do I get rid of debt collectors without paying? ›

You can sue the debt collector for violating the FDCPA. If you sue under the FDCPA and win, the debt collector must generally pay your attorney's fees and might also have to pay you damages. If you're having trouble with debt collection, you can submit a complaint with the CFPB.

What do I say to creditors if I can't pay? ›

Explain your current situation. Tell them your family income is reduced and you are not able to keep up with your payments. Frankly discuss your future income prospects so you and your creditors can figure out solutions to the problem.

Do debt collectors give up? ›

If the debt is not collected, then the debt collector does not make money. In many cases, although you would think that debt collectors would eventually give up, they are known to be relentless. Debt collectors will push you until they get paid, and use sneaky tactics as well.

What is the National debt relief Hardship Program? ›

National Debt Relief, a debt settlement firm, negotiates with creditors to reduce consumer debt. They offer free consultations and will customize plans to make debt payoff affordable. Depending on factors like your debt size, budget and negotiated amount, you could pay off your debts within 24 to 48 months.

Who qualifies for debt forgiveness? ›

Cancel student debt for borrowers who entered repayment a long time ago. Borrowers with undergraduate debt would qualify for forgiveness if they entered repayment 20 years ago or more, and borrowers with graduate school debt would qualify for forgiveness if they entered repayment 25 years ago or more.

Is there a real debt relief program? ›

Debt relief companies, sometimes called debt settlement companies, are one option for those struggling with credit card debt, tax debt, personal loan debt and other types of unsecured debt. These companies can help you manage certain types of debt, but they won't be the right solution for everyone.

What is the lowest a debt collector will settle for? ›

Some will only settle for 75-80% of the total amount; others will settle for as a little as 33%. Looking for a place to set the bar? The American Fair Credit Counsel reports the average settlement amount is 48% of the balance. Again, start low, knowing the debt collector will start high.

What not to tell a debt collector? ›

Debt collectors may ask questions to verify your identity, but you should never provide sensitive or financial information, at least not until you've verified the debt and that it's not a scam.

What is a weakness as a debt collector? ›

Lack of current information on debtors. Difficulty identifying and contacting debtors. Difficulty in accessing the most valuable information. Takes too long to locate debtors when sorting through all the data.

What powers do debt collectors have? ›

While being pursued by a debt collection service can be uncomfortable, it's important to remember that they don't have any special legal powers. They're actions are limited to: Sending letters and emails. Calling you on the phone.

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