Why Get a Credit Card to Pay for Internet Bills?

Key insights:

• Credit cards can offer several benefits, such as the opportunity to earn points, miles or cash back for your internet subscriptions
• Using a credit card to pay for your internet bill may also provide stronger protection, keeping your bank account balance intact in case of internet-provider data breaches
• Credit cards can also help you build credit over time as you pay your internet subscription costs — especially if you use autopay to build a positive payment history

When signing up for a new internet subscription, the payment details you provide may not feel particularly important.

Using a credit card can provide several key benefits that debit cards can’t typically match, from helping you earn points, miles or cash back for your internet costs to protecting your wallet against fraud. Plus, you may be able to unlock special benefits by using a credit card that aligns with your internet provider, such as the AT&T Points Plus^® Card from Citi.

Let’s explore the benefits that can come from using a credit card for your internet bill.

Earn rewards for paying your internet bills

One key benefit that can come with credit cards is the opportunity to earn points, miles or cash back as you use the card. Rewards credit cards allow you to earn points on qualifying purchases or specific categories. Depending on the credit card and issuer, you may be able to redeem your points, miles or cash back in many ways, from statement credits and gift cards to travel and charitable donations.

With the AT&T Points Plus^® Card, you can earn*:

• 3 ThankYou^® Points for every $1 spent at qualifying gas and EV charging stations 
• 2 ThankYou Points for every $1 spent at qualifying grocery stores 
• 2 ThankYou Points for every $1 spent on qualifying products and services directly from AT&T 
• 1 ThankYou Point for every $1 spent on all other purchases

There’s no limit on how many points you can earn, and they don’t expire. That means you’ll be able to save up for those more extravagant redemption options, too.

Access exclusive credits and discounts

Using a credit card that’s partnered with your internet provider may give you access to more benefits for your internet cost. With the AT&T Points Plus^® Card, you can get a $10 monthly discount on your eligible AT&T internet bill when you enroll in AutoPay and paperless billing at AT&T^*.

The AT&T Points Plus^® Card also offers valuable statement credits. As an AT&T customer, you can earn up to $240 in statement credits every year ($20 after you spend $1,000 or more on purchases in a billing cycle).^** You can use your internet bill to help you reach these spending thresholds, and the discount can help offset those bills in future.

Credit-building capabilities

There’s another key benefit that credit cards offer: credit building. As you use your credit card for purchases, such as your internet bill, and make on-time payments to your credit card over time, you can build credit. Signing up for autopay on your credit card bill can help you stay on track.

In general, the stronger your credit score, the better your chances of accessing opportunities like lower-interest loans or qualifying for your next apartment. Debit cards, by contrast, don’t typically impact credit score.

Stronger fraud protection

When it comes to paying for internet services, credit cards may provide more protection than debit cards. Citi credit cards offer Quick Lock, which lets you freeze your card without affecting your recurring transactions. That means if you lose your physical credit card, you can instantly prevent new purchases without having to update your internet subscription payment method.

Using your credit card wisely

Using credit cards can provide many benefits for your internet subscription payments, like liability protection, credit-building opportunities and the ability to earn and redeem points, miles or cash back. If you’re looking to open a new credit card account to pay your internet bill, keep in mind that responsible credit card use is key to making the most of the benefits that they offer.

It’s a good idea to carefully compare your credit card options to find one that best aligns with your spending habits and needs. For example, if you’re an AT&T customer, you may want to explore the AT&T Points Plus^® Card from Citi to get the most out of that subscription. After all, if you’re already spending that money, it pays to find a card that can help you save on that necessary cost.

Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.

^*Additional Information

^**Important Pricing & Information