How to Pay Rent with a Credit Card in Canada

Last Updated: August 25, 2021

In this digital world, paying rent via credit card can be a lot quicker and handier than using checks and cash. However, it can be a little tricky to navigate the world of digital payments, especially if you live in Canada. Not to worry! We’ve answered all your frequently asked questions, so you can decide if credit card rental payments are a good fit for your lifestyle.

Question 1 of 5:

Can you use a credit card to pay rent?

Yes, but it can be pretty expensive. Third-party payment services will accept your rent payment via credit card and transfer the money to your landlord’s bank account. However, these services charge extra fees for processing your payment.^{[1]
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- Ask your landlord first if they accept credit card rent payments. If they do, you can save money by not paying extra fees.

Question 2 of 5:

How do you put rent on a credit card?

Pay your rent via a third-party service. Companies like RentMoola, Get Digs, and Plastiq will process your rent payment and transfer it to your landlord automatically. All of these services accept Visa cards, but only RentMoola and Plastiq accept MasterCard and Amex. Plastiq also accepts Discover and Diners Club cards.^{[2]
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Question 3 of 5:

Is it smart to pay rent with a credit card?

Yes, it can be. Large credit card payments may help you rack up rewards from your credit card company. It can help boost your credit score if you make your payments on time.^{[3]
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Question 4 of 5:

Who shouldn’t pay their rent with a credit card?

Anyone with a low credit score or inconsistent income isn’t a good candidate. If you aren’t able to pay off your credit card debt efficiently, your overall credit score might lower. Use your own discretion to decide if credit card rental payments are a good option for you.^{[4]
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- For example, if you’re in between jobs, you probably shouldn’t pay your rent with a credit card.

Question 5 of 5:

How can I pay my rent with a credit card for free?

You can’t pay your rent for free. Unfortunately, third-party payment services all tack on an extra fee in exchange for processing your payment.^{[5]
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Research source} Instead, look for a third-party service with a lower fee overall.^{[6]
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- For instance, some companies offer a 1% fee, while other groups add up to a 4% fee.