Landlords Accept Credit Cards Directly

As a landlord or if your landlord accepts credit card payments directly, they typically have a software system set up to accepts the payments either on-line or in person. A lot of times there are fees associated with the payment. These are called processing fees and/or service charges. For example, if the processing fee to use the credit card is 3%, your $1,200 rent will become $1,236. Please make sure to check with your landlord to know all the details.

Services that let you pay your rent with a card (Third-Party)

If your landlord or management service does not accept credit cards as a payment option. You can consider a third-party service. In some cases, your payment activity might also be reported to one or more credit bureaus, allowing you to build good credit by paying your rent on time. They have perks and reward points that you can earn as well. With these services, some can take your payment, turn around, and mail your landlord a check or electronic payment. Some of these platforms need the landlord to join, so check with your landlord /management company to see if they have an account with any of the third-party services. Remember, they all have a fee with their service, please check the details before you decide. Some of them include:

• RentMoola
• PlacePay
• Venmo
• Paypal
• Plastiq
• SparkRental
• Avail

Now if charging your rent on a card costs you more money then why do it? In some circumstances it makes sense, here are a few reasons why…

Flexibility

If you find yourself needing extra funds in the bank one month and payday is just around the corner, you may want to float your payment to a credit card to give yourself more time. However, this is not ideal if doing this month to month. Remember, you are paying interest on the credit card as well as a service/processing fee for the payment from your landlord. This can become very expensive in the long run and put you into a debt problem easily. We all can get into a financial pinch, using a credit card is a tool to help. For this reason, using a credit card to buy time should only be considered as a last resort option as it can lead to a cycle of debt.

Rewards

Points, cash back, SkyMiles. We all love those! For example, if you have a card that you use for traveling and you are so close to getting the upgrade or free room you have been working hard for, using your card for your rent could just get you to that goal. If your rewards earning rate is higher than the fee, you'd pay for using your credit card, it could be a good option. Keep in mind, you may end up paying more in processing fees by your landlord since services are often higher. Do your homework to see if this is a good plan.

Bonus for a new card

There are many rewards or bonuses for new card holders. Especially if you reach a spending threshold in a certain period of time. There are some cards that will give you double points, cash back or miles if you reach a certain monthly purchase balance every month. For example, if the new card you just opened gives you double cashback if you spend $1,000 the first month, paying your rent could get you that goal. Using this option make sure you have a solid plan to pay your balance on your card before the next month rolls around. Like we stated before, credit cards are tools to get you financially ahead, not in debt. When used correctly they are one of the best creative financing tools around.

Some Disadvantages of using your credit card to pay rent

Fees, Fees and more Fees!

While in a pinch to get you through a tough month, remember there are fees attached to any third-party services, or processing fee from your landlord/management company. Let alone the interest rate and fees attached to your credit card. If using it frequently, it can add up quickly and be very expensive throughout the year.

Accruing Debt

Credit cards are convenient, especially if you need to charge rent. However, they can lead to debt and the cycle of interest rates that will harm your financial situation in more ways than one! The average credit card balance is 16% now- but what happens when we roll this payment into the next billing cycle? Expect an increase by at least 1%, even double or triple depending on how much was already owed before - which means not only does paying off any existing owe amount become harder every day (since our income doesn't grow fast enough) This can be a risk to your credit. Charging your rent to a credit card will likely lead you into an endless debt cycle IF you are not using it wisely.

All things considered whether you are a tenant paying rent with your credit card or a landlord offering this service to your tenants, we can agree this service is a profitable option to have on either side. Building your real estate business with more avenues to make your return as an investor/landlord. Also, by giving the tenant ways to use their credit cards as creative financing tools to boost their credit, gain rewards on their cards and so on. So many opportunities, as well as disadvantages if not done correctly. Weigh the benefits and downsides as they relate to your financial situation, so you can make the best decision for your circumstances.

Areas of Review

Big picture takeaway points

Big picture takeaway points

1. Credit cards are more useful than their financial implications would have you believe. They are creative financing tools.
2. Using credit cards in your real estate business provides more avenues for a greater return.
3. As a tenant, using a credit card to pay rent is a great advantage to your credit profile when done properly.

Reflection

Self-reflection questions to think more about the content

1. Is this even an option for me? If renting, check to see what options your property owner has for your monthly payment and see if this option works for you and your finances.
2. Can my tenants pay this way? If you are a property owner, think about adding this feature for your tenants.