Unexpected bills that can earn points and cash back

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When most people think about maximizing travel rewards, they picture themselves using rewards cards to pay for coffee, groceries, or flights. But savvy rewards enthusiasts know that some of the most lucrative opportunities come from paying bills you might not think about charging to plastic.

By using a rewards credit card for everyday expenses — and sometimes even for less conventional bills — you can rack up points, miles, or cash back for purchases you were going to make anyway.

The fact is, many regular bills can be charged to a credit card without any added fees. I personally pay for auto insurance, homeowners insurance, an umbrella insurance policy, and my family's health insurance through Healthcare.gov with rewards credit cards and pay no additional charges for doing so.

In the past, we even covered daycare costs and medical bills with plastic. These payments may not be the first things that come to mind when thinking about rewards, but they can add up significantly over time.

The more bills you can pay with a credit card, the more rewards you'll earn as the weeks and months tick by.

Here’s a comprehensive list of bills that can be paid with plastic without any fees (depending on the provider).

• Childcare and education: Daycare centers, preschools, and even some private schools accept credit card payments. Some (but not all) allow these payments without any additional fees.
• College tuition and fees: Most colleges charge a fee to pay tuition and fees with plastic, but not all of them do. If you or a dependent are taking classes and you plan to pay some of the costs yourself, take the time to check.
• Home services: Pest control, lawn care, housekeeping, and maintenance services sometimes accept credit card payments. Many homeowners overlook these bills as a source of rewards, but they can add up over time.
• Insurance premiums: Many auto, home, renters, and health insurance companies allow credit card payments without any fees. Some will even enroll you in automatic payments, ensuring you never accidentally pay your bill late.
• Medical and dental bills: Many doctors’ offices, dental clinics, and hospitals accept credit cards for payment without any additional fees. I once used a rewards credit card to pay the $5,000 bill when I had my wisdom teeth removed.
• Memberships and subscriptions: Gym memberships, streaming services, professional associations, and subscription boxes are overlooked sources of points. These recurring payments are easy to set up for automatic payments as well.
• Transportation costs: Monthly parking passes, toll tags, and even public transit cards in some regions can be paid with a credit card. While not all providers allow credit card payments without fees, you can always check.
• Utilities and phone bills: Electric, gas, water, internet, and mobile phone bills are frequently eligible for credit card payments. Some utility companies may charge a convenience fee for using a card, so it’s important to check in advance.

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There are other bills you can pay with a credit card as well, including federal taxes, rent payments, and more. However, these bills typically require credit card transaction fees that will wipe out the rewards you earn in a hurry. An exception is if you're in the midst of earning a credit card sign-up bonus that makes the spending on your card more valuable than normal.

Also remember that paying regular bills with a rewards credit card can be a slippery slope. While you can earn considerably more points and miles over time with this strategy, you'll only benefit if you pay your balances in full each month and avoid credit card interest at all costs.

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