Searching for the best credit card for internet bill payments? In today’s digital age, choosing the right card for online expenses is crucial. With my expertise in credit cards, I’ve analyzed various options. In this article, I’ll highlight the top credit cards ideal for internet bills, offering insights to enhance your online payment strategy.
Our Top Internet Bill Credit Card Recommendations
In today’s digital age, having a reliable internet connection is crucial, and choosing the right credit card to manage these expenses can lead to significant savings and rewards. Whether you’re a freelancer, a small business owner, or simply a savvy consumer, the right card can turn your regular internet bills into an opportunity for rewards or cash back.
Here’s a glance at our top five selections, each offering unique benefits for your online expenses:
- Best Overall: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Best for Travel Rewards: The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Best for Customizable Cash Back: U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
- Best for Straightforward Mileage Earnings: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Best for Flexible Cash Back: Citi Custom Cash® Card
Best Credit Card for Internet Bill Overall: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is ideal for managing internet bills, offering a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. It features a $250 statement credit as a welcome offer after spending $3,000 in the first six months and an intro 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers, followed by a variable APR of 19.24%-29.99%.
This card is great for those with significant household expenses, providing 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%) and on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. It also offers 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, extended warranties, and return protection.
Due to its high post-intro APR, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card is less suited for those carrying balances. While it surpasses the Citi Custom Cash® Card in streaming rewards, it lacks the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card’s category flexibility.
Pros
- High Cash Back on Supermarkets: Earn 6% at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 annually, ideal for regular grocery shoppers.
- Streaming Subscription Rewards: 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services, directly benefiting your internet bill.
- Welcome Offer: A generous $250 statement credit after $3,000 spent in the first 6 months.
- Introductory APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers, easing initial expenses.
Cons
- Annual Fee: After the first year, a $95 annual fee applies, which could be a downside for budget-conscious users.
- Higher APR Post-Intro Period: The variable APR of 19.24%-29.99% after the introductory period can be steep if balances are carried over.
Best Travel Rewards Credit Card For Internet Bill: The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium choice for those who love luxury travel and want to manage their internet bills efficiently. An annual fee of $695 offers a welcome bonus of 80,000 points, valued at approximately $1,760. This card is ideal for those with good to excellent credit (670-850).
Primarily a travel card, the Platinum Card® offers statement credits that can offset account charges, including internet bills, reducing overall expenses and benefiting streaming services on its credit list.
The Platinum Card®’s high annual fee may deter budget-conscious users. While it excels in travel perks over the Capital One Venture Rewards Card, it doesn’t directly reward internet bills like the Blue Cash Preferred® Card.
Pros
- Unmatched Lounge Access: Over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including Amex Centurion Lounges.
- High Rewards on Travel: 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels.
- Valuable Statement Credits: Useful for various services, potentially including internet-related costs.
- Travel Conveniences: TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit and no foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- High Annual Fee: At $695, it’s one of the pricier options.
- Limited Airline Credit Use: Credits are restricted to incidental expenses, not airfare.
Best Customizable Cash Back Credit Card For Internet Bill: U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card is a versatile option for managing internet bills, offering 5% cash back in categories you choose, including internet and streaming services. There’s no annual fee, and it features a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 120 days. The card also offers a 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.49%-29.74%.
Its customizable cash-back categories, often including internet bills, make it an excellent choice for those looking to maximize savings on specific expenses.
However, actively managing U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card categories might be tedious. While it offers more choices than the Citi Custom Cash® Card, it offers less streaming cash back than the Blue Cash Preferred® Card.
Pros
- Customizable 5% Categories: Including potential options for internet and streaming services.
- Sign-Up Bonus: $200 bonus after meeting the initial spending requirement.
- Intro APR Offer: 0% for 15 purchases and balance transfers billing cycles.
- No Annual Fee: This makes it accessible to a wide range of users.
Cons
- Rewards Cap: 5% cash back is limited to the first $2,000 in combined spending each quarter.
- Category Management: Requires active management to select and maximize categories.
Best Straightforward Mileage Earnings Credit Card For Internet Bill: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great fit for those looking for simple, effective rewards on everyday spending, including internet bills. It offers a consistent 2x miles on every purchase, streamlining how you earn rewards.
The card also features a substantial welcome bonus of 75,000 miles and is suitable for individuals with good to excellent credit (670-850), all for a $95 annual fee. Learn how to build a better credit.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Card’s annual fee is a drawback compared to no-fee cards like the Citi Custom Cash® Card. The Capital One Venture Rewards Card features a straightforward rewards system, differing from the U.S. Bank Cash+® with its customizable options, and it doesn’t match the supermarket rewards of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card.
Pros
- Consistent Rewards: 2x miles on all purchases.
- Travel Booking Benefits: 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- Travel Credits: Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: A credit card ideal for international travel.
Cons
- Annual Fee: $95, which might be a downside for some users.
- Limited Elite Benefits: Doesn’t offer as many luxury travel perks as other premium cards.
Best Flexible Cash Back Credit Card For Internet Bill: Citi Custom Cash® Card
The Citi Custom Cash® Card is a flexible option for those looking to maximize cash back on their internet bills. It offers 5% cash back on up to $500 spent in your top spending category per billing cycle, including potential options for internet bills. There’s no annual fee, and it features a $200 cashback sign-up bonus after spending $1,500 in the first six months.
The card also offers a 0% intro APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months, followed by a variable APR of 19.24%-29.24%. Its automatic adjustment to your monthly highest spending category, including internet bills, makes it ideal for maximizing cash back without the hassle of tracking categories.
The Citi Custom Cash® Card’s $500 cap limits earning potential. It automatically adjusts categories, unlike the U.S. Bank Cash+®, however; falls short in streaming rewards compared to the Blue Cash Preferred® Card.
Pros
- Automatic Category Adjustment: 5% cash back in your top spending category each month.
- Sign-Up Bonus: $200 cash back after meeting the initial spending requirement.
- Intro APR Period: 0% on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months.
- No Annual Fee: Accessible for all types of spenders.
Cons
- Spending Cap: The $500 cap on your highest spending category can limit earning potential.
- Single High-Reward Category: Only one category per month earns more than 1% back.
Features to Consider for the Best Credit Card for Internet Bill
Annual Fee | Intro Offers | Cashback Rewards | Additional Perks | |
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 | $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months | 6% at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 6% on select U.S. streaming services, 3% on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% on other purchases | Extended warranties, return protection |
The Platinum Card® from American Express | $695 | 80,000 points after meeting spending requirements | 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel | Access to over 1,400 airport lounges, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit, no foreign transaction fees |
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card | $0 | $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 120 days | 5% cash back in two categories of your choice each quarter (on the first $2,000 in combined spending), 2% cash back in one everyday category, 1% on other purchases | 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers |
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | $95 | 75,000 miles after meeting spending requirements | 2x miles on all purchases, 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel | Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, no foreign transaction fees |
Citi Custom Cash® Card | $0 | $200 cash back after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months | 5% cash back on up to $500 spent in your top spending category per billing cycle, 1% on other purchases | 0% intro APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months |
Searching for the perfect credit card to handle your internet bill is not just about picking any card off the shelf. You want a card to give you the most bang for your buck, right?
Let’s break down some key features to keep an eye out for. Think of it like finding the perfect pair of shoes – it’s all about the fit and the perks!
Reward Categories
Rewards are the main attraction when using a credit card for your internet bill. Cards offering cash back or points for specific categories, like streaming services or utilities, can add up.
For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a standout, offering 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services. It’s like getting rewarded every time you pay your internet bill.
Annual Fees
Annual fees on American Express or other credit cards need careful consideration. It’s all about balancing the cost against the benefits you receive. The Citi Custom Cash® Card shines here, as it comes with no annual fee, making it an attractive option for those who want to keep costs low.
Introductory APR Offers
Introductory APR offers can be a lifesaver, especially if you need to carry a balance initially. Cards like the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card, which offers a 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, can provide much-needed financial flexibility at the start.
Additional Perks
Finally, don’t forget to consider the additional perks. These can range from extended warranties to purchase protection and even free subscriptions to streaming services. Think about what perks you’ll actually use and how they can add value to your card.
For instance, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers perks like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credits, which are great for frequent travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to Pay Bills With a Credit Card?
Yes, if managed responsibly. Paying bills with a credit card can offer rewards and flexibility, although it’s essential to be cautious of potential fees and interest charges.
Should I Pay Bills With a Card or Bank Account?
Use a bank account if there’s a fee for credit card payments, as fees can outweigh card rewards. Otherwise, a credit card can be beneficial.
Is it Smart to Put Bills on a Credit Card?
Yes, it’s smart if you pay off the balance monthly. Automatic bill payments on an American Express credit card ensure timeliness and can earn rewards.
Conclusion
In summary, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a top choice for managing internet bills, offering great rewards on streaming and supermarket purchases. When picking a card, focus on rewards, fees, and perks to ensure it meets your financial needs and maximizes benefits from routine payments.