Tax season in Canada runs from March 1 to April 30 (the personal income tax filing deadline for most Canadians). If you owe taxes, the CRA payment is due by April 30. Here’s how to use credit cards strategically during tax season — and whether you can actually pay your CRA taxes with a credit card.
Can You Pay CRA Taxes With a Credit Card?
Not directly. The Canada Revenue Agency does not accept credit card payments.
However, you can pay CRA indirectly through third-party payment services:
Plastiq
Plastiq allows you to pay CRA taxes (and other bills) by credit card for a fee. The fee as of 2026 is approximately 2.85%.
When it makes sense:
- Your card earns rewards worth more than 2.85% (difficult — most cards earn 1–2%)
- You need to float a large tax bill for 21–51 days (your card’s interest-free period) to manage cash flow
- You’re working toward a large welcome bonus and need spending to qualify
When it does NOT make sense:
- Your card earns 1–2% cash back (you lose money net of the Plastiq fee)
- You’re carrying a balance (interest charges will dwarf any rewards)
Other Options: PaySimply
PaySimply is a CRA-authorized third-party payment service that accepts Mastercard, Visa, and Amex for CRA payments. Fees vary but are typically around 2–2.4%.
Best Cards If You’re Using Plastiq or PaySimply
If you’re paying taxes via a third-party service and want to earn rewards that (partially) offset the fee:
| Card | Annual Fee | Rate | Value per $1,000 tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex SimplyCash Preferred | $119.88/yr | 2% everywhere | $20 cash back |
| Amex Cobalt | $155.88/yr | 1x MR on non-5x | ~$10 if redeemed for travel |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite | $139 | 1.5x on non-bonus | ~$15–$20 at 1.5cpp |
| Tangerine Money-Back | $0 | 2% in chosen categories | $20 if “bills” is a category |
Reality check: On a $3,000 tax bill via Plastiq (2.85% fee = $85.50 in fees), a 2% card earns $60 — you still lose $25.50. Plastiq mainly makes sense for meeting a welcome bonus threshold or cash flow management.
Paying for Tax Software With a Credit Card
This is where you can earn straightforward rewards:
| Software | Approximate Cost | Best Card |
|---|---|---|
| TurboTax (paid tier) | $20–$50 | Any rewards card; Amex SimplyCash Preferred (2%) |
| H&R Block (online) | $0–$24.99 | Any rewards card |
| UFile | $19.95–$34.95 | Any rewards card |
| wealthsimple Tax | $0 (pay-what-you-want) | N/A |
The dollar amounts are small, but any credit card that earns rewards will capture 1–2% back on tax software purchases.
Using a Credit Card for Tax Refunds? (No — But Here’s Why It Matters)
CRA deposits tax refunds by direct deposit. There is no credit card integration. However, if you’re expecting a refund:
- File as early as possible (February–March) to get your refund sooner
- Direct deposit refunds typically arrive in 2 weeks (vs. 8+ weeks for cheque)
- Redirect your refund to your TFSA or use it to pay down any credit card balance from the year
Tax Season Credit Card Tips
- Don’t carry a balance during tax season — if you owe the CRA and also have card debt, prioritize the CRA (interest and penalties apply)
- CRA interest rate for late payments is the prescribed rate plus 4% — compare this to your card’s interest rate before deciding to float the payment
- Set a reminder for April 30 — even if you’ve filed, the payment must arrive by April 30 to avoid late-payment interest
- Use your tax refund to pay down high-interest credit card debt first
RRSP and Tax Season Connection
RRSP contributions made in the first 60 days of the year (by March 2, 2026) are deductible on your 2025 return. A larger RRSP deduction = lower tax owing = potentially no payment required. See: Best Credit Cards for RRSP Season
Related Articles
- Best Credit Cards for RRSP Season
- Best Cash Back Credit Cards in Canada
- Amex SimplyCash Preferred Review
Details current as of June 2026. Plastiq and PaySimply fees change — verify before using. See our Advertiser Disclosure.