Best Credit Card to Pay Rent

Top Credit Cards for Paying Rent and Earning Rewards

Rent tends to be a renter’s largest monthly expense, leaving little flexibility. Recent changes in the world of credit cards and payment services have made it possible to earn rewards on rent, provided you approach it correctly. Bilt, Plastiq, and rent platforms are among the newer services that allow you to pay your rent with a credit card. These services typically have processing fees of around 2.5–3%, although some issuers, such as Bilt, may waive these fees in specific circumstances. Experts in finance say that rewards only make sense if all payments are made and fees are offset by benefits that are worth more, like sign-up bonuses or high-category rates. The following cards are great for renters who want to get the most value out of their money.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred

This card is a favorite among frequent travelers and food lovers, offering valuable points on dining and travel purchases. While it doesn’t specifically reward rent, using it through services like Bilt or Plastiq allows renters to earn valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or even cash back. Its strong sign-up bonus and no foreign transaction fees make it ideal for those who travel often.

• Rewards: 2× points on travel and dining; robust welcome bonus.
• Advantages: No foreign transaction fees, flexible redemptions via Ultimate Rewards.
• Fit: Ideal for renters who also travel or dine frequently.

2. Citi Double Cash

If you’re looking for a card with simplicity and consistent value, this one delivers. You earn cash back twice or once when you make a purchase and again when you pay it off. This is particularly useful for rent payments, which tend to be high and recurring. There’s no annual fee, and the flat-rate structure makes it easy to calculate your returns.

• Rewards: 2% cash back (1% on purchase + 1% on payment).
• Highlights: No annual fee; straightforward structure; ideal for recurring rent expenses.

3. Discover it Cash Back

This card is best for renters who can adapt their spending to match rotating 5% categories like utilities, streaming services, or digital wallets. Occasionally, these categories overlap with rent-payment services, letting you boost your rewards. Plus, Discover matches all the cash back you earn in your first year, doubling your return.

• Rewards: 5% cash back in rotating categories each quarter, which often include utilities.
• Perks: Cashback Match doubles first-year earnings; no annual fee.

4. American Express Blue Cash Preferred

For renters who also spend significantly on groceries and public transit, this card offers one of the highest cash back rates in those categories. It’s especially valuable for urban renters or families. If your rent is payable via a platform that accepts AmEx, you can stack rent rewards with everyday important to maximize returns.

• Rewards: 6% on U.S. supermarkets (up to $6K), 3% on transit.
• Use case: Excellent for renters who are also spending heavily on groceries or transportation.

5. Wells Fargo Propel AmEx

With solid rewards across travel, dining, and streaming and no annual fee this card suits renters who lead a modern, lifestyle-focused routine. If you pay rent using an app that accepts AmEx, this card offers well-rounded rewards in categories you’re likely spending on anyway.

• Rewards: 3× points on dining, travel, and streaming; 2× on gas and pharmacy.
• Perks: No annual fee; solid introductory bonus.

6. Capital One QuicksilverOne

This card is one of the few rewarding options available to those with fair or average credit. It offers a flat 1.5% cash back on everything, including rent paid through platforms that accept Capital One. It’s a smart entry point for renters trying to build or rebuild credit while earning some rewards.

• Rewards: Unlimited 1.5% cash back.
• Access: Available to consumers with fair credit; no annual fee first year.

7. U.S. Bank Visa Platinum

If you need breathing room for large expenses like rent, this card’s lengthy 0% intro APR period can help you finance payments over time without interest. While it doesn’t earn rewards, its value lies in helping renters avoid interest when cash flow is tight.

• Feature: Up to 20 billing cycles at 0% APR.
• Use case: Renters needing flexibility for large payments without accruing interest.

8. Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards

This card is for renters who want a bit more control. You can select a 3% cash back category like online shopping or dining that aligns with how you pay rent. It’s a flexible way to earn more without a rigid spending structure.

• Rewards: 3% in a linked category (e.g., gas, dining, online shopping); 1% on other purchases.
• Flexibility: Rotating and customizable based on monthly spending patterns.

9. Sam’s Club Mastercard

Renters who drive frequently or shop in bulk will appreciate this card’s 5% back on gas and 3% on dining. If you’re already a Sam’s Club member, it becomes even more valuable thanks to its synergy with warehouse club savings. It’s a strong choice if your lifestyle centers around driving, dining out, and big-box savings.

• Rewards: 5% gas, 3% dining/takeout, 1% on other purchases; combines well with club savings.

10. HSBC Gold Mastercard

This no-frills card isn’t designed for rewards, but it shines for renters who travel or live abroad. With no foreign transaction fees and a decent intro APR offer, it’s good for those handling rent while frequently dealing with international payments or currencies.

• Perks: No foreign transaction fees; suitable for expats and frequent travelers.

11. Petal 2 “Cash Back” Visa

Tailored to new credit users and renters who may not have a strong credit history, this card earns up to 1.25% cash back with no fees. It evaluates income and banking habits not just your credit score making it more accessible than traditional cards.

• Highlights: Designed for credit‑building; up to 1.25% cash back; no fees.

12. Bilt World Elite Mastercard

Specifically designed for renters, this is the only card that lets you earn points on rent without paying a processing fee (when used directly via Bilt). You can redeem points for rent, travel, fitness classes, and more. Starting July 2025, third-party card usage through the app will incur a 3% fee, making the Bilt card itself the best value.

• Function: Earn 1 Bilt point per $1 on rent (no fee); points transfer to travel partners and are also redeemed for rent. Compatible with any card via Bilt app, but third-party cards incur 3% fees starting July 2025.

Considerations

Conclusion

Rent can now be a way to get rewards, but only if you handle it well. To get the most out of your card, make sure that the rent charges are higher than the processing fees and pay off the balance every month to avoid interest. Informed setups can turn need into advantage, whether you’re looking for sign-up bonuses, cash back, or rent-specific perks (like those from Bilt). Before you go ahead, always look at your spending habits and figure out how much you can save.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to pay rent with a credit card?

Yes, it’s safe to use platforms like Plastiq or Bilt as long as the provider is trustworthy. But high fees or missed payments can cancel out rewards.

Will paying rent with a credit card build credit?

Timely payments may improve credit scores, especially with services like Bilt or RentTrack that report to credit bureaus.

Are there fees for paying rent with a credit card?

Yes, usually. There is a processing fee of 2.5–3%. Bilt only waives these fees if you use its card or a landlord that works with them.

Which card offers the best value for rent payments?

Bilt’s World Elite Mastercard is designed specifically for rent with no fees and transferable points. For others, cards with strong flat-rate rewards or big bonuses can offset fees.

How can rent payments count toward sign-up bonus thresholds?

Rent payments that are charged as regular spending count toward the initial minimum spending requirement for sign-up bonuses, which can be anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 in the first 3 to 6 months.

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Reviewed and edited by Albert Fang.

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Article Title: Best Credit Card to Pay Rent

https://fangwallet.com/2025/06/23/best-credit-card-to-pay-rent/

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