Yes, the IRS accepts credit card payments, but only through approved payment processors
The IRS does not take credit card payments directly. Instead, you pay through one of three approved payment processors — companies the IRS has authorized to handle credit card transactions on its behalf. These processors charge a convenience fee (a percentage of your payment), which you pay in addition to what you owe. The three processors are ACI Payments, Inc.; Global Payments; and PayUSA.
You can reach all three through the IRS website at irs.gov, or you can call each processor directly. The IRS does not charge you anything — only the processor does. The fee varies slightly between processors, so if you are paying a large amount, comparing the three may save you money.
Credit card payments go through when ready, and the IRS receives confirmation the same day. This is different from mailing a check, which can take weeks to process. If you are close to a important date, a credit card payment through an approved processor is one of the fastest ways to pay.
Key Takeaways
- You must use one of three IRS-approved processors — ACI Payments, Global Payments, or PayUSA — because the IRS does not accept credit cards directly.
- Each processor charges a convenience fee (usually between 1.87% and 2.49% of your payment amount), which you pay on top of your tax bill.
- Credit card payments process the same day, making this option faster than mailing a check or paying by mail.
- You can find all three processors on irs.gov, or call them directly to pay over the phone.
How to find the payment processors on the IRS website
Go to irs.gov and search for "payment processors" or "credit card payment." The IRS lists all three approved processors with direct links to their payment pages. You do not need to create an IRS account or log in to anything — you go straight to the processor's website to enter your payment information.
Each processor's page will ask for your Social Security number or employer identification number (EIN), the tax year the payment is for, and the amount you want to pay. You then enter your credit card details. The processor will show you the convenience fee before you confirm the payment, so you know the total cost.
What the convenience fee covers and how much it costs
The convenience fee is what the processor charges for handling your credit card transaction. It is not a tax or a penalty — it is a service fee, similar to what you might pay to a payment company for any other transaction. The IRS does not keep this money; it goes to the processor.
The fee is calculated as a percentage of your payment. Depending on which processor you use, the fee typically ranges from about 1.87% to 2.49%. On a $5,000 payment, this could be roughly $94 to $125. On a $1,000 payment, it could be roughly $19 to $25. The exact percentage varies by processor and can change, so check the current rate when you are ready to pay.
Because the fee is a percentage, larger payments cost more in absolute dollars. If you are paying a very large amount, you might want to call all three processors and compare their current rates before deciding which one to use.
When paying by credit card makes sense versus other payment methods
Credit card payment is fastest if you are near a important date or need confirmation the same day. It is also useful if you do not have a checking account or prefer not to mail a check. The trade-off is the convenience fee — you are paying extra for speed and ease.
If you have time and want to avoid the fee, you can pay by check, electronic bank transfer (called Direct Debit), or through the IRS's payment plan option. Direct Debit through your bank account has no fee and is nearly as fast as a credit card. A check takes longer but costs nothing. A payment plan lets you spread the cost over time, though you will owe interest and penalties on the unpaid balance.
If you are using a credit card that earns cash back or rewards points, the fee might be worth it to you — the rewards could offset some of the cost. But if the card does not earn rewards, the fee is pure cost with no benefit.
What happens after you submit a credit card payment
The processor sends confirmation to your email when ready. The IRS receives the payment the same day and posts it to your account within one to two business days. You should see the payment reflected in your IRS account online (if you have one set up) shortly after.
Keep the confirmation email from the processor. If there is ever a question about whether the payment went through, you have proof of the transaction and the date it was processed. The confirmation includes a reference number you can use if you need to contact the processor or the IRS about the payment.
If you cannot pay the full amount right now
You do not have to pay everything at once. You can make a partial payment by credit card now and set up a payment plan for the rest, or make multiple credit card payments over time. Each payment will have its own convenience fee, so making one large payment costs less in fees than making several small ones.
If you cannot pay even a partial amount right now, the IRS offers payment plans that let you pay over months or years. These plans have a setup fee (usually $31 to $225, depending on the plan type) but no convenience fee. A payment plan might be a better choice than multiple credit card payments if the total convenience fees would be high.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay estimated taxes or quarterly taxes by credit card?
Yes. Estimated taxes and quarterly payments go through the same three processors. You will need your Social Security number or EIN and the tax year or quarter the payment covers. The convenience fee applies the same way.
What if I want to pay by phone instead of online?
You can call any of the three processors directly to pay over the phone. The processor will ask for your card details verbally and process the payment the same way. The convenience fee is the same whether you pay online or by phone.
Does paying by credit card hurt my credit score?
A credit card payment to the IRS is treated like any other purchase — it counts toward your credit utilization (how much of your available credit you are using). If you are paying a large amount, it could temporarily raise your utilization and slightly lower your score, but the effect is usually small and temporary.
Can I use a debit card instead of a credit card?
Yes. The processors accept debit cards as well as credit cards. The convenience fee applies either way. Debit cards work the same as credit cards for this purpose — the processor charges the fee and processes the payment when ready.
What if the payment processor's website is down or not working?
If one processor's site is down, you can use one of the other two. All three are equally valid. If all three are down (rare), you can pay by check, mail, or electronic bank transfer instead. The IRS website lists backup payment methods if processors are unavailable.