🏠 5 Credit Cards That Let You Pay Rent Without Fees in 2025

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Paying rent with a credit card used to be a luxury—or a fee trap. But in 2025, the game has changed. Thanks to new financial tech and innovative rewards programs, renters can now pay their landlords with a credit card—without the ridiculous fees.

Even better? You can build credit, earn cashback, or even score travel rewards—all while handling your largest monthly expense.

In this guide, we’ll cover 5 of the best credit cards that let you pay rent without fees in 2025, and how you can use them smartly to maximize your rewards (and avoid pitfalls). Let’s dive in. 👇

🥇 1. Bilt Mastercard® – The Ultimate Rent Rewards Card

Best For: Renters who want to pay rent with no fees and earn travel rewards

✅ No annual fee
✅ Rent payments are 100% fee-free when using the Bilt app
✅ Earn 1x points on rent, 2x on travel, 3x on dining
✅ Transfer points to partners like Hyatt, United, American Airlines
✅ Free access to Bilt’s rent reporting for credit building

Why we love it:
Bilt is the only credit card designed specifically for renters. You can pay your rent through the Bilt app even if your landlord doesn’t accept cards directly. The app mails a check or ACH on your behalf—no fee added.

You also get access to a powerful travel rewards system, similar to Chase or Amex points. Want a free roundtrip to Hawaii just from paying rent? Bilt can make that happen. 🏖️

🥈 2. Chase Sapphire Preferred® – Pay Rent, Score Massive Bonuses

Best For: Travelers looking to hit big welcome bonuses

✅ 60,000-point sign-up bonus (after $4,000 spend in 3 months)
✅ 3x points on dining, 2x on travel
✅ Points transferable to top travel partners
✅ Annual fee: $95
✅ Use with rent apps like Plastiq or Bilt Rewards (fees may apply)

Pro tip:
You can use Chase Sapphire to pay rent through Plastiq, a third-party bill pay service that lets you pay rent via card—even if your landlord only accepts checks. While Plastiq typically charges a 2.85% fee, you can time this with a welcome bonus to come out ahead.

Example:
Pay $2,000 in rent per month for two months = $4,000 spend
Pay the fee = ~$114
Earn 60,000 points = worth ~$900 in travel or cashback
➡️ Net gain: $786

🥉 3. Citi® Double Cash Card – Simple Cashback on Rent

Best For: Cashback lovers who want no-fuss rewards

✅ Earn 2% cashback (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay)
✅ No annual fee
✅ Compatible with PayPal Bill Pay or Plastiq
✅ Intro APR offers (often 0% for 18 months)

If you prefer cash in your pocket over points you’ll forget to use, Citi Double Cash is a rock-solid pick. You can use services like PayPal Bill Pay or Plastiq to route rent payments through your card, then get 2% back on what you’re already spending.

🏅 4. Wells Fargo Active Cash® – Unlimited 2% Back, Easy to Use

Best For: Consistent high spenders

✅ Flat 2% cash rewards on all purchases
✅ No annual fee
✅ $200 sign-up bonus after spending $500 in 3 months
✅ Use for rent payments via third-party platforms

If your rent is $2,000/month, that’s $480 per year in cashback. That’s basically one free month of rent every two years.

Make sure to check which rent payment platforms work best with your landlord (such as RentTrack, PlacePay, or PayPal). If they support credit card payments, you’re in business.

🎖️ 5. American Express Blue Cash Preferred® – Stack Groceries + Rent Rewards

Best For: Families with high everyday expenses

✅ 6% cashback at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/year)
✅ 3% cashback on transit (including rideshare)
✅ Annual fee: $95 (often waived first year)
✅ Compatible with third-party rent apps

While this card doesn’t specialize in rent payments, you can still use it for rent via services like PlacePay, and offset the small processing fee with huge grocery and transit rewards.

Example strategy:
Pay rent + load up on groceries → earn rewards on both
Apply for the welcome bonus + offset the rent payment fee
Stack with Amex Offers for even more savings 💡

🔍 How to Pay Rent with a Credit Card (Without Losing Money)

Here’s how to do it right:

  1. Use the right platform:

    • Bilt Rewards (free with Bilt card)

    • Plastiq (fee applies)

    • PlacePay / RentTrack / Zego

    • PayPal Bill Pay

  2. Look for fee-free options:

    • Bilt = no fee

    • Some landlords accept PayPal → can be no-fee

    • Others allow credit card portals → check your lease

  3. Time your payments smartly:

    • Pay right after statement closing date for max float

    • Use 0% APR intro offers to manage cash flow

  4. Avoid cash advances:

    • Never use your card to withdraw cash for rent

    • Only use secure rent payment platforms

⚠️ The Pros and Cons of Paying Rent with a Credit Card

✅ Pros

  • Earn rewards on a huge monthly expense

  • Hit signup bonuses fast

  • Improve your credit score (on-time payments!)

  • More flexibility in tight months

❌ Cons

  • Processing fees (unless using Bilt or other fee-free options)

  • Interest if you carry a balance

  • Risk of overspending or debt

  • Landlords may not accept cards directly

🎯 Pro Tips to Maximize Rent Rewards

✅ Use Bilt for primary rent (no fees)
✅ Stack Chase/Citi cards for sign-up bonuses
✅ Rotate 0% APR offers for flexibility
✅ Monitor utilization to protect credit score
✅ Track all rewards and expenses with a budgeting app

🛎️ Call to Action: Want to Earn Rewards for Rent?

You’re spending thousands on rent every year. Why not turn that into free travel, cashback, or perks?

👉 Apply for the Bilt Mastercard® now — the #1 card built for renters.
💳 [Click here to apply] (insert affiliate link)

Or…

👉 Compare all top cards and find your perfect match in 30 seconds.
📊 [Take the Credit Card Match Quiz]

❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I really pay rent with a credit card for free?

Yes! With cards like Bilt, you can pay rent via their platform without any fee, even if your landlord doesn’t accept cards directly.

Will paying rent with a credit card hurt my credit?

Not if you pay in full and keep your utilization below 30%. In fact, it can help you build a strong credit history.

What if my landlord doesn’t take credit cards?

No problem. Use apps like Bilt, Plastiq, or RentTrack—they’ll send a check or ACH on your behalf, funded by your card.

Is it worth paying rent with a card if there’s a fee?

If you’re earning a large sign-up bonus or travel rewards worth more than the fee, it can absolutely be worth it—especially short-term.

Which card is best overall?

For most renters, the Bilt Mastercard offers the perfect combo: fee-free rent payments, no annual fee, and strong rewards.

🧾 Final Thoughts: Your Rent Can Work For You in 2025

Rent is no longer a “dead” expense. With the right card and platform, it can become a cashback generator, a travel reward builder, or a credit booster.

In 2025, renters have more options than ever—and these 5 credit cards are leading the way.

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