CNBC Points Pro: Are credit card rewards worth it if you pay a surcharge?

Welcome to the Points Pro, where I answer your credit cards and travel rewards questions each week. If you have a question you'd like answered, you can submit it here . This week, CNBC lead reporter Jasmin asks: Are credit card rewards worth it if you're getting hit with a 3% surcharge on a big purchase? ( This question has been edited for clarity and brevity. ) Most credit card purchases earn 1% to 2% in rewards, unless the transaction falls into a specific bonus category, such as gas, groceries , travel or dining . Even those bonus categories can have caps or other restrictions. As such, it's generally not worth it to pay with your credit card if there's an additional charge, which can be the case if you want to use your credit card to pay for utilities, daycare, contractors or certain small businesses. However, the math changes if you're trying to qualify for a big welcome bonus by meeting a minimum requirement — or in cases where surcharge fees are lower. When does paying a credit card surcharge make sense? Earning a welcome bonus Most of the best credit cards offer large intro bonuses to entice you to apply, and the most valuable bonuses can be worth upward of $1,000. However, you rarely receive a bonus just by getting approved for a card; you typically have to spend a certain amount within the first three to six months after account opening. …