Most landlords don't accept credit cards, but you have workarounds
You can technically pay rent with a credit card, but your landlord almost certainly won't take it directly. Most landlords accept only checks, bank transfers, or cash because credit card payments cost them 2 to 3 percent in processing fees. What you can do instead is use a third-party payment service that accepts your credit card and sends the money to your landlord as a bank transfer or check — or transfer money from a credit card to your bank account first, then pay from there.
The catch is that these workarounds cost you money or time, and they only make sense if you have a specific reason to use a credit card: building credit history, earning rewards, or managing cash flow. If you're using a credit card because you don't have the cash, paying rent on credit is expensive and can trap you in debt.
Key Takeaways
- Third-party payment platforms like Plastiq and RentBureau let you pay rent with a credit card, but charge 2 to 3 percent in fees.
- You can transfer money from a credit card to your bank account using a cash advance or balance transfer check, then pay your landlord from your bank account — but this also costs money and may trigger higher interest rates.
- Paying rent on credit only makes financial sense if you're earning rewards that exceed the fees, or if you need to build credit history and can pay the full balance when ready.
- If you're using credit because you can't afford rent, contact your landlord or a local housing authority instead — credit card debt will make the problem worse.
Third-party payment services that accept credit cards
Plastiq is the largest platform for paying rent with a credit card. You create an account, enter your landlord's details, and Plastiq sends them a check or bank transfer. Plastiq charges 2.5 percent of the payment amount, so a $1,500 rent payment costs you $37.50. You can use any major credit card, and the payment typically arrives within 1 to 3 business days.
RentBureau works similarly and charges 2.99 percent. Some landlords are already set up on RentBureau, which means they may accept payments directly through the platform without you needing to enter their details manually. Check the RentBureau website to see if your landlord is listed.
Stripe and Square are payment processors that some individual landlords use, particularly if they manage multiple properties. If your landlord has their own payment portal, they may already accept credit cards there — check your lease or ask them directly before assuming you need a third party.
Transferring from a credit card to your bank account
You can move money from a credit card to a checking or savings account, then pay your landlord from your bank account. The most common methods are balance transfer checks and cash advances.
A balance transfer check is a physical check your credit card issuer mails to you. You deposit it into your bank account like any other check. The fee is usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount transferred, and the interest rate is often lower than your regular purchase rate — sometimes 0 percent for a promotional period. Read the offer carefully: the 0 percent rate typically applies only if you pay off the balance within the promotional window, often 6 to 21 months.
A cash advance lets you withdraw money directly from your credit card at an ATM or bank. Cash advances charge an upfront fee (usually 3 to 5 percent) plus a higher interest rate than purchases — often 20 to 25 percent. They start accruing interest when ready, with no grace period. Cash advances are the most expensive way to get money from a credit card and should be your last resort.
When paying rent with a credit card makes sense
Paying rent with a credit card is only worthwhile if the rewards you earn exceed the fees you pay. If your card offers 2 percent cash back and you pay a 2.5 percent fee through Plastiq, you're losing money. But if your card offers 3 percent cash back on all purchases and you can pay the full balance when ready, the math works: you earn $45 on a $1,500 payment and pay $37.50 in fees, netting $7.50.
Some people use credit cards to pay rent in order to build credit history, since rent payments don't normally report to credit bureaus. If you go this route, make sure you can pay the full balance when the bill arrives. Carrying a balance to build credit is a myth — you build credit by using credit responsibly, which means paying on time and in full.
If you're considering paying rent on credit because you don't have the cash right now, stop. Credit card interest rates are typically 18 to 25 percent, which means a $1,500 rent payment becomes $1,800 within a year if you can't pay it off when ready. Contact your landlord to discuss a payment plan, or reach out to a local housing authority or 211 to learn about rental information programs.
What to do if your landlord won't accept payment services
Some landlords explicitly prohibit third-party payment services because they want to control the payment method and timing. If your landlord refuses Plastiq or similar platforms, you have limited options: you can ask them to make an exception, use a balance transfer check (which they may accept as a regular check), or find another way to fund the payment.
If you're renting through a property management company, ask whether they have their own online payment portal. Many do, and some accept credit cards directly. Check your lease or the company's website before contacting them.
How credit card payments affect your credit score
Paying rent with a credit card and then paying off the balance helps your credit score in two ways: it lowers your credit utilization ratio (the amount of available credit you're using), and it shows a history of on-time payments. However, rent payments made through third-party services don't report to credit bureaus, so the credit-building benefit only comes from the credit card payment itself, not from the rent payment.
If you carry a balance on the credit card, your score will drop because of the higher utilization ratio and the risk you represent to lenders. The interest you pay will far outweigh any credit-building benefit.
Alternatives if you can't afford rent
If you're considering paying rent with a credit card because money is tight, there are better options. Contact your landlord first and explain the situation — many will work out a payment plan or delay the due date. Put the request in writing (email is fine) so you have a record.
Call 211 or visit 211.org to find local rental information programs in your area. These programs pay landlords directly and don't require you to take on debt. may be able to access varies by location and program, but many have reopened or expanded in recent years. Your local housing authority can also point you toward information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does paying rent with a credit card build my credit score?
Paying with a credit card itself does help your score by showing on-time payments and lowering your utilization ratio. However, the rent payment doesn't report to credit bureaus — only the credit card activity does. If you carry a balance, the higher utilization will hurt your score more than the payment helps it.
What's the cheapest way to pay rent with a credit card?
A balance transfer check with a 0 percent promotional rate is usually cheapest, since you pay only the transfer fee (3 to 5 percent) with no interest during the promotional period. Plastiq and RentBureau charge 2.5 to 3 percent and are the next cheapest option. Cash advances are the most expensive and should be avoided.
Can I dispute a rent payment made through Plastiq?
You can dispute the charge with your credit card company if Plastiq fails to send the payment or sends it to the wrong address. Plastiq has a dispute process on their website, but your credit card issuer is your strongest protection. Keep records of the payment confirmation and any communication with your landlord.
What happens if I can't pay off the credit card balance after paying rent?
You'll owe interest on the balance at your card's regular rate, usually 18 to 25 percent. A $1,500 rent payment will cost you an extra $225 to $375 per year in interest if you can't pay it off. If you're in this situation, contact your landlord about a payment plan or look into rental information instead.
Do landlords ever accept credit cards directly?
Some do, particularly property management companies with online portals. Check your lease or the company's website, or ask your landlord directly. Individual landlords rarely accept credit cards because of the processing fees, but it's worth asking before using a third-party service.