Paying Rent with a Credit Card: What You Need to Know

Written by Greystar

Edited by Greystar

Apartments and Communities March 25, 2025

Rent is often one of the biggest monthly expenses, leading many renters to wonder if they can pay with a credit card. Whether you're seeking convenience, rewards, or flexibility, it may seem like a great option. But before you swipe, it's important to weigh the pros and cons.

Can I Pay Rent with a Credit Card?

The short answer is yes, but it can be complicated. Many landlords and property managers, like Greystar, allow rent payments to be made via credit card, but it typically requires going through third-party services. These services—such as RentTrack, Plastiq, and others—facilitate credit card payments for rent, but they often charge fees in exchange. Another option is looking into credit cards that are built for this purpose. For instance, Bilt is a credit card that offers points for paying rent, with no transaction fees or annual credit card fee. Just be sure to read the fine print to avoid any surprise charges.

While paying rent with a credit card is possible, it’s important to understand the additional costs that might come with it. Many credit card processors charge a fee ranging from 2.5% to 3% of the total payment amount. For example, if your rent is $1,000, you might incur $25 to $30 in fees.

A woman holding a credit card while paying rent on her phone, reading the numbers on the back of the card, with a blurred view of her living room in the background.

How to Pay Rent with Credit Card

If you decide to use a credit card to pay rent, follow these steps:

1. Check with Your Landlord or Property Management: First, ask your landlord or property management company if they accept credit card payments directly. Some may provide this option while others might only allow it through third-party services.

2. Use Third-Party Payment Services: Platforms like Plastiq or RentTrack serve as intermediaries between you and your landlord. You'll input your credit card information, and they will handle the payment for you. The service will typically charge a fee, but this could be worth it if you're looking to earn credit card rewards.

3. Pay Attention to Fees: When using third-party services, it's crucial to consider the fees involved. Some platforms may charge up to 3% of the total payment amount. Before making a decision, ensure that the benefits, such as rewards points, outweigh the extra costs.

4. Verify Payment Timeliness: Credit card payments can take several days to process. Make sure your payment is submitted on time to avoid any late fees or penalties from your landlord, as these fees could defeat the purpose of paying with a credit card in the first place.

Pay Rent with Credit Card Without Fee: Is It Possible?

While most credit card payment services charge a fee, there are a few ways you might be able to pay rent with a credit card without incurring extra costs. Some credit card companies occasionally offer promotions or fee-free transactions through specific partners, but these opportunities are quite rare. You might also discover that your landlord provides no-fee payment options through their platform, although this is not very common.

Additionally, some landlords may allow cash payments, but paying rent in cash can be impractical or inconvenient. It's best to check with your landlord to explore all available payment methods.

A close-up view of someone holding a pink wallet, taking out cash, with the wallet’s inner pockets visible and the focus on the bills, while the background remains blurred.

Ways to Pay Rent

Although using a credit card is one way to pay rent, there are other options worth considering:

1. Bank Transfers: Many landlords prefer bank transfers as they’re fast and often come with no fees. You can set up recurring payments through your bank’s online platform for convenience.

2. Check Payments: Writing a check might seem old-fashioned, but it’s still a reliable option. However, this method is becoming less common, especially for renters who value convenience.

3. Cash Payments: Paying rent in cash can sometimes be an option. However, it may come with its own challenges, such as finding a safe way to deliver the payment or ensuring you have a record of payment receipt, and it’s often not an option with larger property managers like Greystar.

4. Direct Debit: Many landlords offer direct debit options, allowing payments to be deducted automatically from your bank account each month. This ensures your rent is paid on time without needing to manually process the transaction.

Rent Tip: If the timing of your rent and payday doesn't align, consider talking to your landlord about adjusting your due date or even paying several months in advance.

Does Paying Rent Build Credit?

Paying rent with a credit card can affect your credit score, but it’s not a guaranteed boost. If your credit card company reports payments to credit bureaus and you pay on time, it may help improve your score.

For renters who use third-party services like RentTrack, your payments may be reported to credit bureaus as well, which could help build credit if you have a limited credit history. However, paying rent with a credit card doesn’t automatically build your credit score—timely payments and responsible credit use are key factors.

A person sitting at a desk with office supplies like pens and a notebook in front of them, holding a credit report document in one hand while looking at the report on a tablet placed on the desk.

Final Thoughts

In summary, you can pay rent with a credit card, but there are several factors to consider. The convenience of using a credit card for rent payments comes with potential fees, and it’s important to evaluate if the benefits (such as rewards points or credit building) are worth the additional costs. Explore other payment options as well, and be sure to check with your landlord or property management company for the best way to pay rent.

With a bit of planning, you can find the most efficient and cost-effective method for your situation.

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