Save on Utilities and Household Spending with these Credit Cards

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No matter what end of the property spectrum you’re on – homeowner or renter – monthly utility bills are a costly reality.

Depending on the size and location of your home as well as the time of the year, the cost of heating, water and electricity can easily surpass the hundred-dollar mark. Factor in internet and cable, and the amount you pay in monthly bills can add up to substantially more.

While there are tried and true strategies to reduce how much you pay on bills, such as installing energy efficient shower heads and always turning off the lights when no one’s home, using a credit card that offers bonus rewards on recurring expenses can help to further boost your savings.

We’ve calculated that if you spend $300 on electricity, water, and internet per month, using the right credit card could help you save up to $140 every year on these bills alone.

Below, we list out some of the best credit cards in Canada and credit card services for saving on bills as well as general household expenses.

Before we jump into our list of recommendations however, it’s important to note that in order to reap bonus rewards for bills on a credit card you’ll often have to set up your bills (such as Hydro) as pre-authorized payments and have your card be charged automatically each month opposed to manually making payments.

Related: How to Secure a Good Credit Score for Your Mortgage Application

Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite

Limited Time: Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases) and pay no annual fee in the first year, including on additional cards
4% on bills and groceries
2% on gas, public transit, taxis, and rideshares
1% on all other purchases

The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite offers 4% cash back on every dollar spent on recurring bills (which includes those expenses that are charged as pre-authorized payments). Factoring in everything from hydro to internet, that can add up to over $140 in annual savings on bills that you would have to pay for anyway.

One of the best cash back credit cards for saving on household spending, this card also offers 4% cash back on groceries. So, if you buy household items and cleaning supplies (such as laundry detergent) from the same place you buy groceries, you can pocket even more savings.

If you don’t want to pay a $99 annual fee, the Scotia Momentum Visa is an alternative card that offers 2% cash back on bills and charges a lower $39 annual fee. This card does offer a lower 2% cash back return on groceries, however.

TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Card

Limited Time: Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to a total spend of $2,000), and pay no annual fee in the first year, including on additional cards
3% cash back on recurring bills, groceries, and gas
1% on all other purchases

The TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Cardisanother cash back card popular with Canadians looking to save on household spending. With this card, you’ll get 3% cash back per dollar spent on all recurring bill payments. You’ll also get 3% on gas and groceries and 1% per dollar on all other purchases.

This card does have a $120 annual fee; however, it is waived for the first year. Not to mention, this card comes with a special offer that lets you earn 10% cash back on everything for the first three months.

Tangerine Money-Back Card

Limited Time: Earn an extra 15% cash back on up to $1,000 in everyday purchases made within the first 2 months
2% cash back in up to three categories
0.5% cash back on all other purchases

With the Tangerine Money-Back Card, you can select up to three different bonus categories to earn 2% cash back on. One of your choices includes recurring bills, which by virtue covers utility bills, phone and cable, and any other charges you set up as a pre-authorized payment.

Other categories you can choose to earn 2% cash back on that can help you save on household spending include: groceries, furniture and home improvement. Best of all, this credit card has no annual fee and you can change your 2% categories at any time. For more information on how this card’s unique rewards system works, read our full Tangerine credit card review.

PayTM

This financial service allows those who possess a MasterCard to pay everything from utilities to property taxes using their credit card – in turn, allowing you to earn points at no additional charge. The ability to use the service may depend on your municipality and utility provider.

*This post is meant for educational purposes only. Please contact credit card issuers and/or service providers to learn more details and to ensure eligibility to earn rewards.