Plastiq and MasterCard, another great duo
Are you a savvy traveler and points aficionado who's already maxed out all the usual strategies for earning credit card miles? You're a pro at shopping through Rakuten, you pay for everything with your credit card (and clear the balance each month like a champ), and you're a master at optimizing your shopping categories. But what if I told you that there are some significant expenses lurking out there, like your mortgage, car payment, and even those pesky student loans, just waiting to help you pile up those valuable points?
I get it, you're probably thinking, "but you can't pay those with a credit card!" Well, hold onto your travel plans because there's another player in town, and it's Plastiq. This service lets you use your credit card to pay for all those things that typically don't play nice with plastic.
How Plastiq Works Primarily with MasterCard
Plastiq functions as a middleman, letting you pay bills with a credit card even when the recipient doesn’t accept them directly. You sign up HERE, add your payment accounts, and Plastiq processes the payment on your behalf. In return, they charge a 2.9% fee for the convenience.
Is it worth it?
The answer? It depends on your goals.
Maximizing Rewards with MasterCard
If you're using Plastiq, the key is to offset that 2.9% fee with a rewards card that earns more value in points, miles, or cash back.
If you're all about miles:
Citi Double Cash Card – This card earns 2% cash back on every purchase (1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay your balance with no categories, caps, or annual fees). When paired with Citi’s transfer partners, those points can be worth even more when redeemed for travel. You're essentially getting 3.5% to 4% back in rewards.
Perhaps you're chasing status:
Citi AAdvantage MasterCard – While earning 1 mile per dollar on most purchases may not seem thrilling, using Plastiq can help rack up spending toward American Airlines elite status. Frequent flyers can benefit from perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and flight upgrades. Just by carrying the card, you'll automatically enjoy a 25% discount on inflight food and beverage, priority boarding, and even a free checked bag. Then, as you move up the status ladder, starting with AAdvantage Gold, you'll savor complimentary upgrades on American and Alaska Airlines, a 40% status mileage bonus, Main Cabin Extra Seats at check-in, and a 24-hour upgrade window, among other perks.
At the pinnacle of status – AAdvantage Executive Platinum – you'll relish a jaw-dropping 120% status mileage bonus, complimentary Main Cabin Extra and Preferred Seats, a generous 100-hour upgrade window, and the power to check up to three bags for free and free business class upgrades for you and a plus one. The best part? This level gives you Oneworld Emerald status! Hello sweet sweet perks.
Meeting Minimum Spend for New Credit Cards:
One of the biggest advantages of using Plastiq is its ability to help meet the minimum spending requirements for new credit card sign-up bonuses. Many premium travel credit cards require thousands of dollars in spending within the first few months to unlock hefty point bonuses. If you have a large bill that you can’t usually pay with a credit card, Plastiq allows you to put that charge on your card, making it easier to hit the threshold without overspending on unnecessary purchases.
So, Is It Worth It?
The 2.9% fee means you'll need a card that delivers value exceeding that percentage. For those working toward a sign-up bonus, maintaining elite airline status, or maximizing transferable points, Plastiq can be a useful tool. However, it's crucial to calculate whether the rewards outweigh the costs.
MasterCard’s policies with Plastiq have changed over time, so it’s always a good idea to check current terms before relying on it for payments. If used strategically, this service can help turn routine expenses into valuable travel rewards.
Review your main category spend and see what major credit cards apply.
Jacqueline Gomez
Note: Some links in this post may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you, as we participate in affiliate programs. All information is accurate as of the date of publication but may change over time. Always check for the latest details before making travel plans.