Kudos has partnered with CardRatings and Red Ventures for our coverage of credit card products. Kudos, CardRatings, and Red Ventures may receive a commission from card issuers. Kudos may receive commission from card issuers. Some of the card offers that appear on Kudos are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Kudos tries to include as many card companies and offers as we are aware of, including offers from issuers that don't pay us, but we may not cover all card companies or all available card offers. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do!
Can You Pay Rent with a Credit Card?
July 1, 2025
Quick Answer
Yes, you can pay rent with a credit card, but it almost always requires going through a third-party payment service that charges a processing fee.
Should You Pay Rent With A Credit Card?
Deciding whether to pay rent with a credit card requires weighing its distinct advantages and drawbacks.
Benefits
- Earning Rewards: You can accumulate points, miles, or cash back on a large, recurring expense.
- Building Credit History: Making large, on-time payments can help demonstrate creditworthiness.
- Short-Term Flexibility: It provides a buffer if you are waiting for a paycheck to cover rent on its due date.
- Meeting Sign-Up Bonuses: A rent payment can help meet the spending threshold for a new credit card's welcome bonus.
Costs
- Processing Fees: Landlords or third-party payment services typically charge a convenience fee, often 2-3% of the transaction.
- Interest Charges: If you carry the balance past the due date, you will accrue interest at your card's standard APR.
- Potential for Debt: Using credit for a major living expense can make it easier to accumulate high-interest debt if not managed carefully.
- Cash Advance Classification: Some processors may code the payment as a cash advance, which often comes with higher fees and immediate interest accrual.
How to Pay Rent With A Credit Card
Paying rent with a credit card can be a savvy move for earning rewards and managing cash flow. Here’s a general guide to navigating the process from start to finish.
- Confirm with Your Landlord: First, verify that your landlord or property management company accepts credit card payments. Inquire about which cards they take and if they use a third-party payment portal.
- Calculate the Costs: Most rental payment services charge a convenience fee, typically 2-3% of your rent. Do the math to ensure the rewards you’d earn from your credit card outweigh this extra cost.
- Choose the Right Card: Select a card that offers high rewards on general spending or one with a valuable sign-up bonus. To find a card that fits your needs, the Kudos explore cards tool can help you compare options.
- Set Up Your Payment: Once you have the right card, add it to your landlord’s payment portal. Consider setting up autopay to ensure your rent is always paid on time, avoiding late fees.
- Pay Your Bill in Full: To make this strategy worthwhile, you must pay off your credit card balance in full each month. Otherwise, interest charges will quickly erase any rewards you’ve earned.
Impact On Your Credit Score
Paying your rent with a credit card can be a double-edged sword for your credit score. Here are a few key factors to consider before you decide to use plastic for your monthly payment.
- Credit Utilization. Charging a large rent payment can significantly increase your credit utilization ratio, a key scoring factor. A high ratio can negatively impact your score, so it's crucial to monitor your balance.
- On-Time Payments. Successfully making on-time credit card payments that include your rent can positively build your payment history. This demonstrates financial responsibility and can help improve your overall credit score over time.
- Potential Credit Inquiries. Some third-party rent payment services may perform a hard credit check when you sign up. Multiple hard inquiries in a short time can temporarily lower your credit score.
Alternative Ways To Pay Rent
Direct Bank Account Payments
To avoid using a credit card, you can link your bank account for direct ACH transfers. This method deducts rent from your checking or savings account, bypassing potential credit card interest and fees. It offers a straightforward way to manage your monthly housing expenses. Simply add your bank's routing and account numbers in your payment settings to enable this option.
Scheduled Automatic Payments
For added convenience, you can enable automatic payments. This feature lets you schedule recurring rent withdrawals for a specific day each month from your linked bank account. Setting up autopay helps prevent missed deadlines and potential late fees, ensuring your rent is consistently paid on time without requiring manual action each month.
Choose the Right Card to Pay Rent
Finding the perfect credit card to handle your rent payments doesn't have to be a guessing game. With thousands of options on the market, Kudos' free Explore Tool can help you cut through the noise. It uses AI to provide personalized, unbiased recommendations from a database of nearly 3,000 cards, matching your specific needs—whether that's maximizing rewards or minimizing fees. You can find your credit card match and make an informed decision with confidence.
For those aiming to maximize their credit card benefits, Kudos is the ultimate free shopping assistant for online purchases. Plus, we have a special offer of $20 back on your first qualifying purchase when you sign-up for free with the code 'GET20' and buy from a Boost merchant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there fees for paying rent with a credit card?
Yes, most landlords or payment platforms charge a processing fee, typically around 2-3% of your rent payment.
What are the benefits of paying rent with a credit card?
You can earn credit card rewards, build your credit history, and better manage your monthly cash flow.
Will paying rent with a credit card affect my credit score?
It can help your score with on-time payments but may hurt it by increasing your credit utilization ratio.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
