For most Americans, rent or mortgage is the single biggest monthly bill. If you could put that expense on a credit card, you’d not only cover your housing but also:
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Earn cashback or points every month.
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Hit big welcome-bonus requirements faster.
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Get short-term breathing room with 0% APR offers.
But there’s a catch: landlords and mortgage lenders rarely accept cards directly, and when they do (usually via third-party services), fees can eat into your rewards. That’s why choosing the right card matters.
Best Credit Card for Rent in 2025
Bilt World Elite Mastercard®
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Rewards: 1 point per $1 on rent (up to 100,000 points/year), 2x on travel, 3x on dining, 1x everywhere else.
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Fees: $0 annual fee, and no rent payment fee.
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Extra Perks: Points can be redeemed for travel, fitness memberships, even toward a future home down payment.
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Why It Wins: It’s the only mainstream card built specifically for renters. Unlike other cards, you don’t pay the annoying 2.5–3% processing fee.
👉 If you rent, this is hands-down the best option in 2025.
Other Ways to Pay Rent with a Credit Card
If your landlord doesn’t take credit cards directly, you can use platforms like Plastiq or RentTrack. These let you pay rent with a credit card, but charge about 2.5–3% in fees.
To make it worthwhile, pair these services with:
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Capital One Venture X – Great for big travel rewards.
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Chase Freedom Unlimited – Flexible 1.5% cashback plus a 0% APR intro offer.
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AmEx Blue Business Plus – Strong rewards on everyday spend for small business owners.
⚠️ Pro Tip: Only use these for sign-up bonuses (e.g., spend $4,000 in 3 months to earn 75,000 points). Paying fees long-term isn’t worth it.
What About Mortgage Payments?
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Directly: Almost all banks and mortgage lenders say no.
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Indirectly: Some people use services like Plastiq, or even gift-card hacks. But fees are usually higher than rewards.
👉 Unless you’re chasing a huge sign-up bonus or avoiding a late payment, it’s not recommended to put your mortgage on a credit card.
At a Glance: Best Options
| Situation | Best Choice | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (monthly payments) | Bilt Mastercard | No fee + rewards built for rent |
| Short-term rent via service | Venture X / Freedom Unlimited | Only worth it for bonuses |
| Mortgage payments | Avoid / only for emergencies | Fees outweigh rewards |
Final Word
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If you’re a renter, the Bilt Mastercard is the clear #1 pick in 2025.
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If you’re a homeowner, using a credit card for your mortgage isn’t practical except for special cases.
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Always do the math: if the fees are higher than the rewards, it’s not worth it.
Bottom line: Paying rent or mortgage with a credit card can work — but only if you’re strategic.