Record Heat And Higher Utility Costs: Smart Ways To Save With Rewards Cards
This summer, record-breaking heat isn't just uncomfortable—it's hitting budgets where it hurts.
Climate change is driving longer and hotter heat waves across the U.S. In summer 2025 alone, dangerously high temperatures and humidity have impacted over 255 million people.
As electricity bills rise during the summer, finding creative ways to cut cooling costs is imperative. Cash-back credit cards can take some heat off your wallet, helping you stay cool all season long.
Utilities are passing on higher generation and delivery costs to customers, and many households are already feeling the impact. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says residential electricity bills are expected to average $178 per month between June and September 2025, up from $173 during the same period in 2024.
A $5 difference might sound insignificant, but over a long, hot summer, it adds up—especially for families managing stretched-thin budgets.
One tool to use to fight against soaring energy bills is a cash-back credit card . The right card won't cool down your living room, but it might help ease the sting when the bill arrives.
One popular choice is the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card . It offers 6% cash back for the first year in the eligible category of your choice, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases), and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs up to the quarterly maximum.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Additionally, new cardholders can earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. The best part? It has a $0 annual fee, meaning you can earn rewards without extra costs.
Another solid option is the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (rates & fees). It currently offers a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months, along with 2% cash rewards on purchases. That extra cash back can add up, providing some spare change to go toward paying your next utility bill. Also, with no annual fee, this card provides a practical way to earn rewards as utility costs continue to climb.
While using a cash-back credit card to earn rewards on your utility bills, check if your utility provider charges a processing fee for credit card payments. Those fees could eat into, or even cancel out, your potential savings.
Extreme heat isn't just something that makes you sweat the moment you step outside—it can make you sweat when a costly bill arrives, too. However, using tools like 2% cash-back credit cards to pay utility bills can help you earn rewards that offset the climbing costs expected this summer.
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