Can you pay California Franchise Tax Board with a credit card?
Yes, with a fee of 2.3%.
Stated on California Franchise Tax Board's own payment page.
Last checked October 19, 2026 by Bill Router. How we check
Ways to pay California Franchise Tax Board
| Way | Accepted | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Card through the biller's processor | Yes | 2.3% | Processor: ACI Payments (formerly Official Payments), online or by phone at 800-272-9829. The service fee is 2.3% for personal and business credit card payments. No minimum is listed, and networks are not stated. Card payments are not accepted for wage garnishments. |
| Bank account (ACH) | Yes | Free | Web Pay direct from a bank account. Free. |
What it is worth for your tax payment
Example amount shown; change it to yours.
| Way to pay | Fee per payment | Net per year |
|---|---|---|
| Card through the biller's processor (2.3%) | $23.00 | −$36 |
| Bank account (ACH) | $0 | $0 |
Rewards minus fees, twelve payments a year. A negative number means a card costs you money.
When a card is worth it
The fee usually beats the reward, except when it unlocks a sign-up bonus. Example: someone who already puts $1,000 a month on a card could pay 2 tax payments of $1,000 by card for about $46 in fees, reach the Chase Sapphire Preferred bonus, and keep about $609 after fees and the annual fee. Then switch back to the bank account. Run your own numbers.
Watch out for
Refunds resulting from credit card payments may be delayed or require verification. Submit separate payments for different tax years.
Sources
There's a 2.3% service fee if you pay by credit card.
www.ftb.ca.gov · checked October 19, 2026direct pay from your bank account via our Web Pay service (free)
www.ftb.ca.gov · checked October 19, 2026
Payment rules change. Every biller is re-checked at least every 180 days, and a page past that date is taken out of search until it is.
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Other tax agencies
- Georgia Department of Revenue · Card, with a fee
- IRS (federal income tax) · Card, with a fee
- Illinois Department of Revenue · Card, no fee published
- Michigan Department of Treasury · Card, with a fee
- New Jersey Division of Taxation · Card, no fee published
- New York State Department of Taxation and Finance · Card, with a fee
- North Carolina Department of Revenue · Card, with a fee
- Ohio Department of Taxation · Card, with a fee
See every bill at once
Add your other bills to the calculator to see which go on a card, which stay on your bank account, and which sign-up bonus your normal spending can reach.