Most landlords will not take a credit card for a security deposit, but some will if you pay a processing fee

Security deposits are typically paid by check, bank transfer, or money order — not credit card. The reason is straightforward: landlords want the money to land in their account without a middleman taking a cut. Credit card processing fees (usually 2 to 3 percent) come out of what the landlord receives, which makes the deposit smaller than what you promised to pay.

That said, some landlords and property management companies do accept credit cards, especially larger firms that process hundreds of transactions monthly and have systems set up for it. When they do, they almost always pass the processing fee to you — meaning you pay an extra $20 to $60 on a $1,000 deposit. A few will absorb the fee themselves, but this is rare and usually only happens if you are a strong tenant candidate or the market is competitive.

The real constraint is not whether it is possible, but whether it makes financial sense. Using a credit card for a deposit only makes sense if you are earning rewards that exceed the processing fee, or if you genuinely have no other way to pay right now.

Key Takeaways

  • Most landlords prefer check, bank transfer, or money order because credit card processing fees reduce what they receive.
  • Some landlords will accept credit cards but charge you a 2 to 3 percent processing fee on top of the deposit amount.
  • Using a credit card only makes financial sense if your card's rewards rate exceeds the processing fee you will pay.
  • If you cannot pay by check or transfer, ask the landlord directly whether they accept cards and what fee applies before you commit.
  • Some property management platforms (like Apartments.com or Zillow) let you pay deposits online with a card, but these also charge processing fees.

When a landlord will accept a credit card

Larger property management companies and corporate landlords are more likely to accept credit cards than individual landlords. They have payment processing systems already in place for rent collection, tenant portals, or maintenance requests, so adding a deposit option is a minor addition. Companies like Zillow, Apartments.com, and Avail all offer online deposit payment, though each charges a processing fee (typically 2.5 to 3 percent).

Individual landlords almost never accept credit cards voluntarily. The fee cuts into their deposit, and they have no reason to absorb it. If an individual landlord does accept a card, they will almost certainly require you to cover the fee — either by paying extra on top of the deposit amount, or by using a payment platform that automatically deducts the fee from what you send.

Some landlords will accept a credit card only if you are paying through a third-party service like Stripe, Square, or PayPal. These services handle the transaction and the fee, so the landlord does not have to set up card processing themselves. You still pay the fee, but at least the landlord does not have to manage it.

How the processing fee works and what it costs you

A processing fee is a percentage of the deposit amount that goes to the payment processor (the company handling the credit card transaction), not to the landlord. Standard rates are 2 to 3 percent, though some platforms charge up to 3.5 percent. On a $1,500 deposit, a 3 percent fee is $45.

The fee structure depends on who is collecting the payment. If you pay through the landlord's own system, they set the fee and decide whether to pass it to you. If you pay through a third-party platform like Zillow or Apartments.com, that platform's fee is built in and non-negotiable. If you use a payment app like Venmo or PayPal, the fee depends on which service you choose — some charge 2.2 percent plus $0.30 per transaction, others charge a flat percentage.

Before you commit to paying by card, ask the landlord or property manager exactly what fee applies. Get the number in writing (email is fine) so there are no surprises when the payment processes.

When paying by credit card actually makes sense

Using a credit card for a security deposit only makes financial sense if the rewards you earn exceed the processing fee. For example, if your card earns 2 percent cash back and the processing fee is 3 percent, you lose money — you earn $30 on a $1,500 deposit but pay $45 in fees, for a net loss of $15.

The math works in your favor only if your card's rewards rate is higher than the fee. A card earning 3 percent cash back on all purchases would break even on a 3 percent processing fee. A card earning 5 percent on certain categories (like some cards do for groceries or gas) would come out ahead — but only if the deposit payment counts as that category, which is unlikely. Most cards classify rent and deposit payments as a standard purchase category, not a bonus category.

The other scenario where a credit card makes sense is if you have no other way to pay right now. If your bank account is low and you need to move in immediately, a credit card is better than missing the move-in date. But this should be a last resort, not a strategy.

What to do if the landlord does not accept credit cards

If the landlord will only accept check, transfer, or money order, you have a few options. The fastest is a bank transfer (also called an ACH transfer or wire transfer). Most banks let you send money to another account in one to two business days at no cost. You will need the landlord's bank account number and routing number, which they should provide in writing.

A cashier's check is another option if you do not have online banking set up or prefer not to share your bank details. You can get one at any bank branch for a small fee (usually $5 to $15) and hand it to the landlord in person or mail it. A money order works similarly and is available at post offices, grocery stores, and convenience stores for $1 to $5.

If you are paying through an online rental platform (Zillow, Apartments.com, Avail), the platform handles the payment method — you do not negotiate with the landlord directly. These platforms typically accept credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers, so you have options even if one method is not available.

Red flags: when a landlord's card payment offer is a scam

Be cautious if a landlord insists you pay by credit card or asks you to pay through an unusual payment app. Legitimate landlords accept standard methods (check, bank transfer, or established platforms like Zillow). Scammers sometimes push credit card payments because they are harder to reverse than bank transfers, and they can disappear with the money before you realize the apartment is not actually available.

Another red flag: a landlord asking you to pay a deposit to a personal Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App account rather than a business account or official property management system. Legitimate property managers use formal payment systems with receipts and documentation. Personal payment apps are easy to fake and offer no protection if something goes wrong.

Always verify the landlord's identity before sending any money. Call the property management company directly using a phone number from their official website, not a number the landlord texted you. Ask whether they have received your deposit payment and confirm the amount. If the landlord is pushing an unusual payment method or cannot provide a receipt, do not send money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will paying a security deposit with a credit card hurt my credit score?

No. A security deposit payment is a transaction, not a loan or credit inquiry. It will show up on your credit card statement as a purchase, but it will not affect your credit score. Your score is based on payment history, credit utilization, and length of credit history — not individual purchases.

Can I use a debit card instead of a credit card?

Yes. Most landlords and payment platforms that accept cards accept both debit and credit cards. The processing fee applies the same way. A debit card does not earn rewards, so there is no financial benefit to using it over a check or bank transfer, but it works if that is your only option.

What if I pay the deposit by credit card and then move out — do I get the money back on my card?

The deposit refund goes back to the landlord's account, not to your credit card. When you move out, the landlord returns the deposit (minus any deductions for damage) to the payment method you used to send it. If you paid by credit card, the refund appears as a credit on your card statement, which reduces your balance. You do not receive cash back.

Can I dispute a security deposit charge on my credit card if the landlord keeps it unfairly?

Yes, you can file a dispute (called a chargeback) with your credit card company if the landlord refuses to return the deposit or makes deductions you believe are unfair. However, this is a last resort. First, send the landlord a written request for the refund and documentation of the deductions. If they do not respond, then contact your credit card company. Chargebacks can take weeks and may damage your relationship with the landlord.

Do I have to pay the processing fee, or can I negotiate it?

If the landlord is using their own payment system, you can ask whether they will absorb the fee or reduce it. Some will negotiate, especially if you are a strong tenant or the market is competitive. If you are paying through a third-party platform like Zillow or Apartments.com, the fee is set by the platform and non-negotiable — the landlord cannot change it.