When Does It Make Sense To Use Pay Over Time? [Amex, Chase, Citi, U.S. Bank]

Credit card issuers, including American Express, Chase, Citi, and U.S. Bank, offer pay-over-time features that allow you to split large purchases into predictable monthly payments. These features work like Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services and aim to make financing purchases with your credit card easier and more transparent, typically with fixed installments and a fixed monthly fee or interest.

This guide explores how pay-over-time features work, how to use them wisely, and when to consider other options. You’ll see which issuers offer pay-over-time options, how they compare to 0% APR cards, and what to watch out for as you decide whether using a pay-over-time feature on your credit card fits your finances.

What Is Pay Over Time?

Pay over time is a credit card feature that allows you to split purchases into installments. Instead of paying your full balance when it’s due, you can pay off certain purchases with interest or a fixed monthly fee. This can offer short-term flexibility for financing large purchases.

American Express cards offer pay-over-time features that function like traditional revolving credit card balances. You can carry a balance on eligible purchases and pay interest over time. For example, you can activate Pay Over Time on eligible American Express cards and move qualifying purchases into a balance that charges interest.

Installment plans, such as Chase’s Pay Over Time or Plan It from American Express, move specific purchases into a plan with equal monthly payments and a fixed fee instead of a variable APR. With installment plans, you’ll know the cost upfront and can plan how much you’ll pay each month.

Other providers, such as Affirm, Klarna, and Afterpay, are third-party Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options typically offered at checkout with online retailers. These services allow users to pay for purchases in installments, sometimes with no interest.

How Pay Over Time Works

Most pay-over-time options allow you to choose a plan after you’ve made an eligible purchase, usually for a charge of $100 or more. You can see options for how long you want to stretch out the payments, typically 3 to 24 months. Some issuers may offer pay-over-time options at checkout. For example, you can pay for Citi Travel purchases with your Citi card and select Citi Flex Pay when you book.

Typically, you’ll pay fixed monthly fees to make interest-free installments on your pay-over-time plan, though Pay Over Time with American Express charges interest. With fixed monthly fees, you can get a predictable payment. When you set up a plan, the monthly installment amount will be automatically added to your minimum payment due each billing cycle.

Hot Tip:

While pay-over-time features can be helpful, you should be cautious when using them. Breaking payments up into installments can make a purchase easier to manage, but you could get in over your head if you have multiple pay-over-time plans due each month. Also, understand that a 0% APR card might be a better choice, and pay-over-time balances can affect your credit utilization and credit score because they’re considered part of your overall reported balance.

Do You Still Earn Rewards on Pay Over Time?

With most credit cards, you still earn rewards on eligible purchases even if you move them into a pay-over-time plan later. For example, with Amex, Chase, Citi, and U.S. Bank, points are earned at the time of purchase, even if you move the charge to a plan balance.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. One of them is Prime Visa. With the Prime Visa card, you can choose equal monthly payments when you check out. But you’ll have to choose whether to split your purchase into equal monthly payments or earn 5% back on your purchase — you can’t do both.

You could use pay-over-time plans to earn a welcome offer. If you’re working toward a spending threshold for a welcome offer, you could bridge the gap without overspending by using a pay-over-time plan.

Let’s say you want to prepay insurance for a year to earn your bonus but don’t want to pay the lump sum on your next credit card payment. You could make the purchase, hit your welcome offer spending requirement, and enroll the purchase in a pay-over-time plan to finance it over several months instead of paying it all at once.

Hot Tip:

Other cardholder benefits apply to pay-over-time purchases. If you have purchase protection or extended warranty benefits, you can still use those even if your charge is on a payment plan.

Pay-Over-Time Scenario

Let’s examine a travel purchase scenario to see how pay over time applies. You can also see how fees and rewards work and what to consider when enrolling in a pay-over-time plan.

If you charge $2,000 in airfare to a credit card offering a pay-over-time plan, then break it up into a 12-month installment plan with a $12 fixed monthly fee, you’d pay a total of $2,144 and have a monthly payment of $178. You’d still earn rewards, which could be 10,000 points on a card such as The Platinum Card^® from American Express, which earns 5 points per dollar on flights purchased directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year).

Plan breakdown:

• Purchase amount: $2,000
• Monthly fee: $12
• Plan duration: 12 months
• Total fee cost: $144
• Total repaid: $2,144
• Monthly payment: $178.67
• Rewards earned (5x on airfare): 10,000 points

Credit Cards With Pay Over Time

American Express Cards With Pay Over Time

American Express offers Pay Over Time and Plan It on its personal cards. With Pay Over Time, any unpaid balance on your account will incur interest. You can charge up to your eligible Pay Over Time limit. Plan It is an installment payment program that allows you to break purchases into monthly installments and pay a fixed fee.

Recommended American Express Personal Cards

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel^® up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel^®.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• Enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection, with over $500 of annual value if you visit Centurion Lounges and each of our partner lounges including Delta Sky Club^® lounges when flying an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations) , select Lufthansa lounges when flying Lufthansa, Plaza Premium lounges and Escape Lounges, and enroll in Priority Pass Select. See terms.
• A Walmart+ membership can get you free shipping with no order minimum on eligible items shipped by Walmart. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) and receive one statement credit for up to $12.95 (plus applicable taxes. Plus Ups not eligible) each month. Free Shipping excludes most Marketplace items, freight & certain location surcharges. Paramount+ Essential plan only, separate registration required.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. Receive up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for your CLEAR Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the Platinum Card^®.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Use Global Dining Access by Resy to access premium dining experiences. Receive Priority Notify and unlock insider access to some of the world's most sought-after restaurants with Global Dining Access by Resy. Download the Resy iOS app or log into Resy.com and add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile to take advantage of your special benefits and discover restaurants near you.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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American Express Membership Rewards

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

American Express^® Gold Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

American Express^® Gold Card

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 100,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $2,200

Annual Fee

$325

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The American Express^® Gold Card is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $325 annual fee (rates and fees)
• No lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards^® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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American Express Membership Rewards

Chase Credit Cards With Pay Over Time

Chase Pay Over Time is available for purchases of $100 or more on select personal and business cards. The program charges a fixed monthly fee and allows you to pay for your purchase in monthly installments across 3 to 24 months.

Recommended Chase Personal Credit Cards

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.

100,000 points + $500 Chase Travel credit

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,000

Annual Fee

$795

APR

20.24% - 28.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
• 5x points on Lyft rides
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly

Cons

• $795 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
• Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge^® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^® every 4 years
• Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
• Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music - all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 - a value of $250 annually
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% - 28.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

75,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,500

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.99% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

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Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel^SM, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
• Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel^SM
• 10% anniversary points boost – each account anniversary you’ll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Citi Credit Cards With Pay Over Time

Citi Flex Pay is an installment payment program for Citi’s personal and business cardholders. Some options, such as plans of 3 months or less or 12-month plans for Citi Travel, may have no fee or interest charges. 

Recommended Citi Personal Credit Cards

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com

60,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$960

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.24% - 28.24% Variable APR

Why We Like This Card

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is a great all-around travel rewards card that allows you to earn big rewards on a variety of purchases like air travel, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and more, along with flexible redemption options, all for a modest annual fee.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com
• 3x points on air travel, other hotel purchases, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations
• $100 annual hotel benefit

Cons

• $95 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
• Earn 10X points per $1 spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
• Earn 3X points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas and EV charging stations.
• Earn 1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card.
• No foreign transaction fees on purchases.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% - 28.24% Variable APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Citi Double Cash^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

Citi Double Cash^® Card

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

Welcome Offer

Earn $200 cash-back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.

$200 cash-back

Annual Fee

$0

APR

18.24% to 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Fair to Excellent (580-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Citi Double Cash^® Card has long been one of the top cash-back credit cards on the market, and the card now has the ability to earn Citi ThankYou Points!

This means that cardholders of the Double Cash card will now earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. Cash back is earned in the form of ThankYou Points. This means each billing cycle, you will earn 1 ThankYou point per $1 spent on purchases and an additional ThankYou point for every $1 paid on your purchase balance as long as there is a corresponding balance in your Purchase Tracker.

Citi has turned the Double Cash card into a top choice for those who are looking for an everyday, no-fuss credit card.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Uncapped 2% for every $1 spent (1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay)
• Flexible redemption options
• No annual fee

Cons

• No bonus categories
• 3% foreign transaction fees

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou^® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
• Earn a total of 5 ThankYou^® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rental, and attractions, excluding air travel, when booked through the Citi Travel^® portal.
• To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers; after that, the variable APR will be 18.24% – 28.24%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
• If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
• There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.24% to 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase

Rewards Center

Citi ThankYou Rewards

U.S. Bank Credit Cards With Pay Over Time

U.S. Bank ExtendPay moves eligible purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly payments of 3 to 24 months with no interest. You’ll pay a fixed monthly fee for each plan. Both personal and business accounts are eligible.

Recommended U.S. Bank Personal Credit Cards

U.S. Bank Cash+^® Visa Signature^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card was made for those looking to maximize and rotate their cash-back rewards across a large range of regular expenses.

U.S. Bank Cash+^® Visa Signature^® Card

This card was made for those looking to maximize and rotate their cash-back rewards across a large range of regular expenses.

Welcome Offer

Earn a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, 19.49% - 29.74% (Variable).

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The U.S. Bank Cash+^® Visa Signature^® Card is a great card for those looking to maximize their cash-back rewards by earning up to 5% back from a variety of expense categories.

The cardholder gets to choose 2 categories every quarter. It’s also the best cash-back card to use for utility bills, a tricky expense to get solid rewards back for.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5% cash-back across a large range of expense categories (you choose 2 categories every quarter), including utility bills (a rare perk for a credit card), home utilities, cell phone providers, fast food, TV, internet and streaming services, gym/fitness centers, and more
• 5% cash-back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center
• 2% cash-back on 1 everyday category, including grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations

Cons

• Your 5% cash-back rewards on the top 2 categories of your choosing are limited to $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter
• Cash-back for travel expenses must be made through the Rewards Center

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
• 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose
• 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center
• 2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations/EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants
• 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
• 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 19.49 – 29.74%
• No Annual Fee
• Terms and conditions apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, 19.49% - 29.74% (Variable).
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 2% of each foreign purchase transaction or foreign ATM advance transaction in U.S. Dollars or 3% of each foreign purchase transaction or foreign ATM advance transaction in a Foreign Currency

U.S. Bank Altitude^® Go Visa Signature^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The U.S. Bank Altitude Go card is a great no annual fee card options that rewards you for dining, grocery, gas, and streaming service spend.

U.S. Bank Altitude^® Go Visa Signature^® Card

The U.S. Bank Altitude Go card is a great no annual fee card options that rewards you for dining, grocery, gas, and streaming service spend.

Welcome Offer

Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in eligible net purchases in the first 90 days.

20,000 points

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 28.24%.

Why We Like This Card

The U.S. Bank Altitude Go card is a good option for those looking for a card that rewards you for dining, grocery, streaming, and gas station purchases, with a $0 annual fee.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery on your first $2,000 each quarter
• 2x points at grocery stores, gas stations, and EV charging stations
• 2x points on streaming services

Cons

• 4x on dining is limited to $2,000 in spend per quarter
• Limited upside on redemption options

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Card Highlights

• Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in eligible Net Purchases in the first 90 days.
• 4X points on dining, takeout and restaurant delivery on your first $2,000 each quarter
• 2X points at grocery stores and gas stations/EV charging stations (Excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs)
• 2X points on streaming services
• 1X point on all other eligible purchases
• Get 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 28.24%
• Redeem points toward a deposit to an eligible U.S. Bank account, merchandise, gift cards, travel and more. Plus, redeem for charity and get a 100% match.
• Receive a new cardmember $0 fee offer on ExtendPay Plans opened in the first 60 days after account opening.
• Get a $15 credit for annual streaming service purchases like Netflix, Apple TV+, Spotify^® and more.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 28.24%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3%

Hot Tip:

Bank of America, Capital One, and Wells Fargo do not currently offer pay-over-time programs.

How To Set Up Pay Over Time

Creating a pay-over-time plan takes just moments in your online account. Let’s walk through the process with a Chase card.

First, log in to your online account and find an eligible purchase. For most cards, eligible purchases are $100 or more. You can be sure a Chase purchase is eligible if it indicates “Pay Over Time eligible” underneath the charge. If you’d like to enroll the purchase in a Pay Over Time plan, click the link.

After you click the link, a sidebar will pop up with Pay Over Time options. In this case, we could select from 6, 12, or 18 months with no monthly fee or interest — that’s free financing!

After selecting a plan, you’ll see a confirmation screen with all the plan details, including the fees and total cost. Chase notes that you can’t change or cancel a Chase Pay Over Time plan, but you can pay it off early without penalty. If you’re ready to confirm, hit “Start this plan,” and your purchase will be enrolled.

Is Pay Over Time a Good Option?

When Pay Over Time Makes Sense

Paying over time can be helpful when you can get a promotional offer, want financial flexibility, or make a large purchase. Consider these scenarios when using pay over time can be a good choice:

• You get a $0 fee offer, occasionally offered to new or targeted users.
• You’ll pay the balance on time and in full before the end of the plan.
• You have the money, but could earn more interest elsewhere than the plan fee charges.
• You need to make a large purchase, such as home repairs or medical bills, and a plan could help you avoid high-interest options or depleting your savings.

When Pay Over Time Doesn’t Make Sense

While pay over time is good in some situations, it’s not always a great choice. These are some situations when pay over time isn’t the best option:

• The fee is high and translates to a high APR. 
• You’re using pay over time as a crutch for overspending and can’t afford the payments.
• You’re making a large purchase and could use a 0% credit card instead.

Hot Tip:

Alternatives to pay-over-time plans include 0% APR cards, personal loans, or savings-based spending.

Pay Over Time vs. a 0% APR Card

Let’s say you need to make a large purchase of $1,200 — a new appliance, medical bill, or travel expense — and want to decide whether to use your card’s pay-over-time feature or apply for a 0% APR card. 

Here’s how the options compare:

If you can qualify for a 0% APR card and stick to a payoff plan, that’s the most cost-effective option. But if you’d rather not open a new card and want to keep things simple, use your current card’s pay-over-time feature. Just know you’ll pay for the convenience.

Tips for Using Pay Over Time

Stick to smart habits to maximize the value of your pay-over-time plan and avoid common pitfalls:

• Use pay-over-time features for necessary expenses, not splurges. Financing impulse purchases isn’t a good use of these features, but they can make sense if you need help breaking up payments for necessities such as car repairs, medical bills, or home maintenance.
• Set reminders for payments. Your pay-over-time plan payments are added to your minimum payment due each month. It’s always important to make at least your minimum payment on time each month, but it’s especially critical if you have an active plan. If you miss a payment, you could pay additional plan fees.
• Limit the number of active plans. Maintaining several pay-over-time plans can stretch your monthly budget and make it tough to keep up with payments. Sticking to 1 plan at a time is best so you’re not overwhelmed with overlapping payments.
• Understand how payments apply. Payments are applied to pay-over-time balances and your minimum payment before other charges, affecting how quickly you pay off other balances on the account. On your statement, you’ll see a term such as “interest saving balance” or “plan payment breakdown” that indicates your plan balance.

Final Thoughts

Using pay-over-time features can offer convenience as you finance a large purchase, especially if you can get a promotional offer or prefer to avoid opening a new credit card. However, the convenience often comes with additional costs, so you should compare pay-over-time options with alternatives such as 0% APR cards or personal loans. You’ll typically still earn rewards even when using pay-over-time financing, which can help offset the fees, but you should still use the plan strategically and avoid pitfalls.