Using the right credit card can turn the rent payment into reward points or cashback. It also helps to manage the monthly expenses without burning your pocket. However, it is important to best choose the right card that offers the lower fees and perks. In this guide, you will discover 8 best options with top rewards, cashback which comes with lower fees. Platforms like CRED and NoBroker make the rent payments easier and ensure the payment is secured.
Is It Safe & Beneficial to Pay Rent via Credit Cards?
Yes. Paying the rent with credit cards is generally safe and beneficial. Many secure platforms like CRED and NoBroker enables smoother transactions. Let us break down the pros and cons to help decide better.
- Advantages:
- Earn reward points or cashback on high-value rental payments on monthly basis.
- Enjoy the extended credit period of up to 45-50 days.
- Timely payments that can improve the credit history and boost the credit score.
- Things To Watch Out For:
- Platforms charge a convenience fee of 1-2% per transaction
- Higher rent spends can raise your credit utilization ratio.
- Delayed payments can attract higher interest and late fees.
Top Credit Cards to Pay Rent in India (2025)
1. HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card
- The reward benefits it offers is points per INR on every regular spend, premium travel and dining perks.
- Rent Payment Fees charges are between 1% to 2% through third-party applications like CRED.
- Annual Fee charged is INR2,500 that is waivable on INR 3 lakhs of annual spend.
- This card is ideal for high-income users who want to spend on luxurious benefits with rental rewards.
2. ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card
- The reward benefits offered is 2 points per every INR100 spent on utilities and offers on movies and dining.
- Rent payment fees come to 1.5% to 2% through platforms.
- Annual fee charges come to INR500 that is waivable on INR 1.5 lakh spend.
- This card is ideal for beginners or salaried users with a moderate monthly spends.
3. Axis Bank ACE Credit Card
- The reward benefits that this card offers is 5% cashback on bill payments made via Google Pay.
- The rent payment fee charged is 1% to 2%. Unfortunately, cashback may not apply on rent.
- Annual fee charged is INR499 waivable on INR 2 lakh spend.
- This card is ideal for users who pay bills and want to benefit from higher cashback value.
4. SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card
- The reward benefits are 10X rewards on online partners and 5X on other online spendings.
- The Rent payment fees charged is 1.5% to 2% through rent payment applications
- Annual fees charged come up to INR 499 that is waivable on INR 1 lakh spend
- This card is ideal for online shoppers who are looking to collect rewards on rent and shopping.
Also read: These Credit Cards Are the Best for Beginners in 2025 – See If You’ve Been Using One All Along!
5. Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card
- The reward benefits are 2% cashback on online spendings and 1% on all other spendings.
- The rent payment fee charged is 1% to 1.8% through CRED or NoBroker.
- The annual fee is INR 499 that is waivable on INR 1.2 lakh spendings
- This card is ideal for millennials and the salaried individuals who want low-cost rewards.
6. HSBC Cashback Credit Card
- The reward benefits include 1.5% cashback on all the online spendings with no exclusions
- The rent payment fee charged is as per the platform, generally 1% to 2%.
- The annual fee charged is INR 750 that is waivable on INR 1 lakh spendings
- This card is ideal for the users who prefer flat cashback rewards over any points or miles.
7. IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card
- The reward benefits include 10X rewards on the spends above INR 20,000 per month.
- The rent payment fee is 1% to 2% through the partner platforms
- Annual fee is free of charge for lifetime
- This card is ideal for younger professionals who want a no-fee card with good rewards.
8. AU Bank Zenith Credit Card
- The reward benefits offered is 2% cashback on retail, travel and lifestyle related expenses.
- The rent payment fee is as per the application usually between 1% to 2%
- The annual fee charged is INR7,999 (premium offering)
- This card is ideal for high-spenders looking for airport lounge, golf and cashback mix.
Best Platforms to Pay Rent Using Credit Cards
1. CRED: This platform is user-friendly and comes with the benefit of earning rewards. The charges incurred can range between 1-1.5% of convenience fee.
2. RedGiraffe: This platform is partnered up with different banks. This platform offers the lowest fee that starts from INR39/month for rent.
3. NoBroker: NoBroker offers rewards like cashback, coupons, while the convenience fees ranges between 1-2%
4. Paytm: Easier rent payment option is made available with offers and rewards and fees charged also based on the credit card.
5. Housing.com: It offers a simple to use interface, and supports the majority of the cards. The charges to incur are a standard processing fee.
Tips to Maximize Benefits and Avoid Pitfalls
- Always pay your credit card bill in full instead of making the minimum payment and before the due date to avoid unnecessary charges and fees.
- Choose cards that offer either cashback or rewards on rental payments.
- Avoid cards or platforms that attract higher convenience fees or processing fees.
- Keep and maintain your credit utilization ratio to be less than 30% in order to protect your credit score.
Conclusion
Paying rent through credit card is a smarter choice to earn rewards, manage cash flow and build your credit history. But, using it responsibly is a must. Choosing the right credit card based on your spending habits, and fee tolerance is the key. Always pay your dues on time and track your utilization to stay financially stable and healthy.
Written by Kavitha Sugumar