Most landlords won't take credit cards directly, but you have workarounds
You cannot usually pay rent to your landlord with a credit card. Most landlords accept checks, bank transfers, or money orders — not card payments. The reason is straightforward: landlords want to avoid the processing fees that come with card transactions, which can run 2 to 3 percent of the rent amount.
That said, you have three real paths forward if you want to use a credit card to cover rent: pay through a third-party service that accepts cards, use a cash advance to get money into your bank account, or transfer the balance to a checking account and pay from there. Each option has different costs and timing, and which one makes sense depends on your card's terms and your landlord's payment method.
Key Takeaways
- Landlords typically do not accept credit cards directly because of processing fees, but some accept payments through third-party platforms that do take cards.
- Services like Plastiq and Venmo charge a fee (usually 2 to 3 percent) to convert your card payment into a check or bank transfer your landlord can receive.
- A credit card cash advance puts money in your bank account but charges a cash advance fee plus a higher interest rate than regular purchases.
- Balance transfers to your checking account work only if your card issuer offers that feature, and they also charge a fee.
- The cheapest option is usually to pay your landlord directly from your bank account, which costs nothing and takes one to three business days.
Using a payment service to convert your card to a check or transfer
Plastiq is the most common service for this. You enter your landlord's mailing address, Plastiq sends them a check from your account, and you pay Plastiq with your credit card. The fee is 2.2 percent of the rent amount. So on a $1,500 rent payment, you pay $33 in fees. The check arrives in three to five business days.
Venmo lets you send money to another person's Venmo account, and that person can transfer it to their bank. If your landlord uses Venmo, you can pay them directly through the app using your credit card — but Venmo charges a 3 percent fee for credit card payments. Bank transfers through Venmo are free. This works only if your landlord has a Venmo account and is willing to use it.
PayPal works similarly: you can send money to your landlord's email address if they have a PayPal account. Credit card payments through PayPal cost 2.2 percent for goods and services, though personal transfers are free if both parties have bank accounts linked.
The trade-off with all these services is that you pay a fee to convert your card into money your landlord can actually receive. The fee is worth it only if you have a specific reason to use the card — for instance, if you are earning cash back on the purchase or paying off a 0 percent promotional rate before it expires.
Getting cash from a credit card advance
A cash advance lets you withdraw money from your credit card at an ATM or bank. The money goes into your account, and you can then pay your landlord by check or transfer. But this option is expensive. Most cards charge a cash advance fee of 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn, plus a higher interest rate (often 20 to 25 percent) that starts accruing when ready — there is no grace period like there is for regular purchases.
On a $1,500 cash advance, you might pay $45 to $75 just in fees, plus interest starting the same day. If you pay it back within a month, the interest might add another $25 to $30. This is the most costly option and should be a last resort.
Balance transfers to your checking account
Some card issuers allow you to transfer your credit card balance directly to your bank account. This is different from a cash advance — it is a balance transfer, and the terms may be better. However, not all cards offer this feature, and those that do typically charge a 3 to 5 percent fee. You would need to check your card's terms or call the issuer to see if this option is available.
Even if your card offers it, the fee still makes this more expensive than paying directly from your bank account. Use this only if you have a specific reason to put the charge on your card.
Asking your landlord to accept card payments
Some landlords use property management software that accepts credit cards — Apartments.com, Zillow, and other platforms sometimes include payment portals. If your rent is collected through one of these, you may already have the option to pay by card. Check your lease or the payment instructions your landlord gave you.
If your landlord does not currently accept cards, you can ask. Explain that you would be willing to cover the processing fee. Some landlords will set up a payment arrangement if you offer to pay the 2 to 3 percent fee yourself. This is worth asking about, especially if you have a good relationship with your landlord or if you have a specific reason to use the card.
When paying rent with a card makes sense
Using a credit card to pay rent is worth the fee in only a few situations. If your card offers cash back on all purchases, and the cash back percentage is higher than the payment fee, you come out ahead. For example, a 2 percent cash back card used with a 2.2 percent Plastiq fee breaks even, but a 3 percent cash back card comes out $15 ahead on a $1,500 payment.
Another reason is if you are in a 0 percent promotional period and need to meet a spending requirement before the rate expires. In that case, paying rent through a card service lets you use the card without paying interest, as long as you pay off the balance before the promotional period ends.
Outside of these situations, paying rent with a credit card costs more than paying from your bank account. If you have the money in your checking account, transfer it directly to your landlord — it is free and takes one to three business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my landlord know I paid with a credit card?
No. If you use Plastiq or a similar service, your landlord receives a check or bank transfer — they do not see that it came from your credit card. The payment looks like it came from your bank account. Your landlord only knows what payment method they receive, not what you used to fund it.
What if I do not have a bank account to transfer money from?
If you do not have a checking account, a cash advance is your only direct option, though it is expensive. A better path is to open a checking account at a bank or credit union — most have no monthly fee and let you open one online in a few minutes. Then you can transfer money from your credit card to the account and pay your landlord from there, or use a service like Plastiq.
Can I use a debit card instead of a credit card?
Yes. Debit cards work the same way as credit cards with payment services like Plastiq and Venmo — you still pay the processing fee. The advantage is that the money comes directly from your bank account instead of creating a credit card charge. If you want to avoid adding to your credit card balance, use your debit card instead.
Does paying rent with a credit card help my credit score?
It can, but only if you pay off the balance in full each month. Rent payments count as regular purchases on your credit report, so using a credit card and paying it off on time shows responsible credit use. However, if you carry a balance and pay interest, the cost outweighs any credit benefit.
What if my landlord uses an online portal that charges a fee?
Many property management companies charge a fee for online payments — sometimes 2 to 3 percent, sometimes a flat fee like $3 to $5. Check whether the fee applies to all payment methods or only to credit cards. If it applies to all methods, you are paying it regardless. If it applies only to cards, paying by check or bank transfer through the same portal costs nothing.