5 Surprising Things You Can Pay for With a Credit Card—And When It Actually Makes Sense

When we think of credit cards, we usually picture them being used for food, entertainment, and travel—a tap at the local movie theater, a purchase online for vacation flights, a swipe at the grocery store or gas station. Not only do credit card companies tend to advertise benefits tailored to these categories, but we’re also more inclined to borrow time on goods and services that aren’t essential.

But while that is certainly a smart strategy, there are many surprising things you can pay with a credit card. You might just be amazed at how far it can go in covering your every want and need. 

While it’s not always recommended (more on that below), occasionally putting certain unusual expenses on your credit card—with the understanding that, like anything else, you should always be prepared to pay your bank back in full—could pad your savings and improve your purchasing power down the road. 

How? “You’re going to earn so much cash back and rewards depending on what kind of card you have,” says Andrea Woroch, a budgeting and personal finance expert who specializes in credit card advice.

So, what payments can be made through a credit card? Here are five things you probably didn’t know you could use credit for—and how often you should opt for putting your card down.

1. Medical expenses: sometimes

Dental surgery, an ER visit, a specialist appointment, or a lab test—many medical providers allow patients to pay for treatment and procedures with a credit card. Doing so can help “bridge the gap between your next paycheck and that bill due date” if you’re strapped for cash or didn’t plan for such a pricey expense, says Woroch.

Note, too, that some medical costs can be negotiated—if not the amount, the schedule in which it’s paid. “If it is a big medical bill, instead of just putting it on your credit card and then paying it off solely on your credit card and getting charged interest, you’re better off calling the medical provider asking to get on the payment plan,” advises Woroch. “Then, set up automatic payments on your credit card for that lower payment plan that you know will be able to pay off in cash each month.”

2. Rent or mortgage payments: rarely

Can you pay rent with a credit card? Not every landlord or mortgage provider takes credit cards, and many who do will charge some sort of transaction fee. As a result, Woroch says to proceed cautiously.

“If you have to pay interest on that utility or on that rent payment, then that’s definitely not a good move because the interest you’re paying on your credit card to carry the balance is much higher than any rewards you’re earning,” she says.

3. Electrical or utility bills: sometimes

You might also be wondering, what bills can you pay with a credit card? Like rent or mortgage payments, utility bills can sometimes be paid with a credit card, but they often come with burdensome fees that outweigh any benefits. 

Still, it can be worth checking out. With the right card—such as a credit card that gives you cash back or significant points on any purchase, regardless of category—it may be worth occasionally substituting cash for credit. 

4. Loan payments: rarely

Federal student loans cannot be paid off with a credit card, but some private lenders allow it. That said, there is a risk: Leveraging a credit card could prevent you from negotiating other (maybe better) terms with your loan provider, and you’ll likely accrue fees, interest, or a lower credit score that worsens your financial situation in the long term.

5. Taxes: sometimes

Can you pay taxes with a credit card? That's another common question. While you can pay the IRS with a credit card, keep in mind you’ll face a small processing fee for doing so. Also, there’s a maximum amount of times you can use this method per year.

Bottom line

In general, Woroch suggests signing up for credit cards that best match how you spend your money, so that no matter what you’re putting it toward, you’re gaining back the most value. 

“Look at which credit card is in your wallet, which one’s going to give you more rewards, cashback, points, or whatever for that bill that you’re paying or that unexpected expense you didn’t think you could use it for, to make sure you’re getting the most back,” she says.

The upside, she adds, is that there are plenty of options to choose from to build credit and cover important purchases. “Credit cards reward programs have come a really long way over the last decade. They’ve gotten so much more robust over the years, and you could be missing out on free money because you’re just not taking advantage of the better programs out there.”