Discover how to earn points on your phone, internet, and utilities in 2026
In the modern financial landscape, the most efficient way to maximize your credit card rewards is to look beyond just groceries and gas. For the average household, recurring bill payments, including cell phone bills, high-speed internet, streaming services, insurance premiums, and utilities, represent a massive portion of monthly spending.
By strategically automating these payments on a card with a high “accelerated” rate for recurring bills, you can essentially earn a “discount” on your fixed cost of living. In 2026, several Canadian credit cards have emerged as leaders in this category. Here are the top performers and the strategies to maximize them.
1. Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite Card
The Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite remains the gold standard for bill payments in 2026. It is specifically designed to reward the disciplined household that automates its finances.
- The Reward Rate: It offers an industry-leading 4% cash back on recurring bill payments and groceries.
- What Qualifies: Scotiabank’s definition of “recurring payments” is quite broad, covering everything from your Rogers or Bell internet bill to your Netflix subscription, gym memberships, and even many insurance premiums (provided the merchant allows automated credit card billing).
- The Math: If your monthly household bills (utilities, phone, internet, and insurance) total $800, you are earning $32 every month just for paying your bills. Over a year, that is $384 in cash back from this single category alone.
Currently, the card often features a 10% welcome bonus on initial spend and a first-year fee waiver, making it an easy entry point for new users.
2. TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Card
For those who prefer the TD ecosystem, the TD Cash Back Visa Infinite provides a highly competitive alternative with a focus on simplicity and immediate redemption.
- The Reward Rate: This card offers 3% cash back on recurring bill payments, gas, and groceries.
- Redemption Advantage: Unlike some cards that only pay out your cash back once a year (usually in November), TD allows you to redeem your “Cash Back Dollars” at any time through their mobile app (minimum $25).
- The Perk: It includes a Deluxe TD Auto Club Membership, which provides 24/7 roadside assistance — a value of roughly $100/year — making the annual fee much easier to swallow for drivers.
3. CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite Card
The CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite is the perfect middle ground for those who balance bill payments with a busy social life.
- The Reward Rate: It provides 4% cash back on gas and groceries, and 2% cash back on recurring payments, dining, and transportation (including rideshares and public transit).
- Strategic Fit: While the 2% for bills is lower than Scotia, the 4% on gas and 2% on dining makes it a more well-rounded “lifestyle” card. If your utility company doesn’t accept credit cards (a common hurdle), the 2% on dining and transit helps bridge the gap.
4. SimplyCash® Preferred from American Express
If you don’t want to worry about whether a merchant is coded correctly as “recurring,” the SimplyCash Preferred card is your best ally.
- The Reward Rate: It offers a flat 2% cash back on everything (unlimited) and 4% on gas and groceries.
- Why it works for bills: Some smaller utility providers or niche insurance companies don’t use the specific “recurring” merchant code required by Visa. Since this Amex earns 2% on all purchases, you are guaranteed a high return even if the “recurring” tag isn’t applied.
- Mobile Protection: This card includes Mobile Device Insurance (up to $1,000). If you pay your monthly phone bill with the card, your device is covered against theft or accidental damage.
Strategy: How to ensure your cashback
To ensure you actually get the bonus rates in 2026, you must set up Pre-Authorized Payments (PAP). Manually paying your bill every month through your banking app’s “Bill Pay” feature usually counts as a cash-like transaction and earns zero points. You must log in to your service provider’s website (e.g., Fido, Geico, or your local utility) and save your credit card as the automatic payment method.
