Bottom line. If your finances are in good shape, paying some of your monthly bills with a credit card makes sense. But it's still important to prioritize paying off your credit card statement balance each month. With careful planning, you can pay many of your bills by credit card.
Having your monthly bills paid with your credit card automatically can be an excellent use of your access to credit, because it ensures that you're paying your bills on time, and possibly earning reward points in the process.
If you're just starting out, making regular monthly payments on a credit card is a good way to build a credit history and establish a strong credit score.
The 15/3 rule, a trending credit card repayment method, suggests paying your credit card bill in two payments—both 15 days and 3 days before your payment due date. Proponents say it helps raise credit scores more quickly, but there's no real proof. Building credit takes time and effort.
Keeping a low credit utilization ratio is good, but having too many credit cards with zero balance may negatively impact your credit score. If your credit cards have zero balance for several years due to inactivity, your credit card issuer might stop sending account updates to credit bureaus.
Depending on the type of bill and the merchant, you may be able to use a credit card to pay bills. Mortgages, rent and car loans typically can't be paid with a credit card. If you pay some bills, like utility bills, with a credit card, you may need to pay a convenience fee.
Interest rates and fees
A significant drawback to using credit cards is the possibility of accruing high-interest rates on your unpaid balances. You'll be charged interest if you don't pay off your entire balance every month. Interest can quickly accumulate, making it extremely difficult to pay off debt over time.
Utilities and Other Variable Expenses
Therefore, it's generally safer not to set utility bills on autopilot. “Bills that fluctuate aren't good fits for autopay, such as your electric or water bill,” said Bethany Hickey, banking and lending expert at Finder.
Yes, you can generally pay for your car insurance with a credit card. Doing so may lead to benefits like cash back or other credit card perks. Due to the prevalence of insurance apps and e-commerce, paying for insurance with a credit card is commonplace.
Can You Pay a Monthly Car Payment with a Credit Card? Like we said, the simple answer is yes, it's possible to use a credit card for your monthly car payment, but not really advisable.
Be aware of any convenience fees you'll incur by paying your bills with credit cards. It's best to use credit only for products and services that won't charge a fee, and using cash, debit or bank transfer for the rest. And, of course, use a credit card only if you know you can pay off the balance each month.
By paying bills with a credit card, you can improve your budgeting strategy and make the most out of your credit card rewards. If you know you'll be able to make full payments each month, using a credit card for your bills could be a smart financial strategy.
But there are three things experts say you should never pay for with a credit card. The Motley Fool Ascent recently had an article on this. The three purchases on the no list: are your mortgage/rent, a medical expense, or an impulse purchase, which includes sports betting and lottery tickets.
In general, keep unused credit cards open so you benefit from longer average credit history and lower credit utilization. Consider putting one small regular purchase on the card and paying it off automatically to keep the card active. At Experian, one of our priorities is consumer credit and finance education.
It's a good idea to pay off your credit card balance in full whenever you're able. Carrying a monthly credit card balance can cost you in interest and increase your credit utilization rate, which is one factor used to calculate your credit scores.
But an important factor you may be overlooking is how often you use your credit card. In fact, if you don't use your credit card often enough, your account could be closed. Though ideal credit card usage varies by issuer, it's recommended that you use your card at least once every three to six months.
If you pay off all your credit card accounts (not just the one you're canceling) to $0 before canceling your card, you can avoid a decrease in your credit score. Typically, leaving your credit card accounts open is the best option, even if you're not using them.
Making on-time payments to creditors, keeping your credit utilization low, having a long credit history, maintaining a good mix of credit types, and occasionally applying for new credit lines are the factors that can get you into the 800 credit score club.
Most of the time, paying off your credit card in full is the best approach. Carrying a balance on your credit card does not help your credit score. Doing so can also result in extra fees and interest charges. CNBC Select explains why and how carrying a balance can harm your financial health.