What it costs to pay with a credit card

Top view of man using credit card for online shoping
Konstantin Kolosov / Shutterstock

First things first: There’s a convenience fee involved. The CRA allows you to pay through a third-party service provider — either Plastiq or PaySimply, which charge 2.45% and 2.5% respectively on top of your owed taxes when you pay with a credit card.

So, for a tax bill of $3,961 through the CRA through Plastiq, for example, you’ll end up with a convenience fee of $97.04.

The provider will send your payments to the CRA for you, however you’re still responsible for making sure the CRA receives them on time.

Unexpected vet bills don’t have to break the bank

Life with pets is unpredictable, but there are ways to prepare for the unexpected.

Fetch Insurance offers coverage for treatment of accidents, illnesses, prescriptions drugs, emergency care and more.

Plus, their optional wellness plan covers things like routine vet trips, grooming and training costs, if you want to give your pet the all-star treatment while you protect your bank account.

Get A Quote

When it’s a good idea

Mixed race woman in coffee shop using credit card for paying
Milan Ilic Photographer / Shutterstock

There are situations where it can be beneficial to pay your taxes with a credit card — it all comes down to the rewards your issuer may offer and whether the benefits outweigh the added cost of the convenience fees.

If you use a rewards credit card, you can stock up on points and redeem them toward travel, tech, gift cards and more. Or, you might earn a welcome bonus for spending a certain amount on a new card within a specified timeframe.

You could apply for a balance transfer card with an introductory APR of 0% for the first 12 or 18 months. But make sure to pay off the balance before that period ends and the interest rate goes up.

You’ll accrue interest through the CRA when you don’t pay your taxes in full after the due date and that compounds daily. So it might make sense to pay off your taxes with a credit card if it has a lower interest rate that will give you a little breathing room.

If getting a new credit card or using an existing one isn’t an option, consider applying for a personal loan and see if that interest rate is lower than the one your credit card has.

When it’s a bad idea

Worried young woman in debt at home
Pixel-Shot / Shutterstock

It only really makes sense to pay your taxes with a credit card when you stand to benefit from it, so you need to decide for yourself whether the convenience of using a card is really worth it.

If you’re paying with a credit card that won’t get you much in rewards, compared to the fee you’re paying to process it, then no, it’s probably not a good idea. And if you can’t qualify or make use of a lower-interest balance transfer card then you might be better off with one of the CRA’s payment arrangements or a loan.

It’s also important that you’re able to pay your balance in full each month or you’ll risk racking up interest and fees and damaging your credit score.

It might make more sense to go with one of the CRA’s payment plans instead, which can help you tackle your tax debt through monthly installments. The CRA’s interest rate on overdue taxes is 5% currently, while the typical credit card interest rate is 19.99%

Ways to help pay off your taxes or credit card

High Angle View Of A Woman Sitting On Carpet Calculating Invoice Using Calculator At Home
Andrey_Popov / Shutterstock

When you don’t pay your taxes on time, the CRA hits you with penalties and interest. It may eventually take legal action, such as garnishing your wages or seizing your assets, if you don’t call or make a payment arrangement. Here are some ways to bolster your income and help you pay off your taxes (or credit card):

Review your insurance rates. If you want to make some room in your budget, consider revisiting your insurance rates. Shop around and compare quotes online to find a better rate for your life insurance. Check if you can save on mortgage protection as well.

Refinance your mortgage: If you’re a homeowner, it might be time to look around for a lower rate on your home loan. Compares rates from lenders online to potentially save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage.

Monetize your skills and hobbies to supplement your income: Capitalize on doing the things you love. You can create an account on an online marketplace for freelancers where you can make some extra cash on the side in your spare time.

Find savings where you can: Cut back on streaming services you don't regularly use and get a library card to borrow some free movies and books. Download a cashback rewards app to earn money when you purchase your everyday essentials online and in-store.

Sponsored

Trade Smarter, Today

With CIBC Investor's Edge, kick-start your portfolio with 100 free trades and up to $4,500 cash back.

About the Author

Serah Louis

Serah Louis

Senior Staff Writer

Serah Louis is a senior staff writer with Money.ca. She has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto, where she double majored in Biology and Professional Writing and Communications.

What to Read Next

Your tax return doesn't need to be stressful if you plan ahead.

Disclaimer

The content provided on Money.ca is information to help users become financially literate. It is neither tax nor legal advice, is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, with respect to the data provided, the timeliness thereof, the results to be obtained by the use thereof or any other matter.