Quick Answer
You can pay rent using a credit card in Canada through Casa. Platforms like Casa let you pay rent with your credit card while your landlord receives the payment seamlessly.
Key Takeaways
Yes, you can pay rent with a credit card in Canada using a third-party payment platform like Casa.
Direct payment to your landlord occurs when you choose to use your credit card to pay your landlord through the Casa platform.
Paying rent with a credit card can help you earn rewards when you use the ScotiaGold Passport® Visa* Card with your rent payment plus a minimum monthly spend.
You would typically want the value of your rewards or the fees you have to pay to make a rental payment on your credit card to outweigh any transaction fee that might apply, so it’s important to choose the credit card that helps with that. The ScotiaGold Passport® Visa* Card has no transaction fee when you use it to pay your rent through the Casa platform.
Table of Contents
In this guide:
Rent is one of the biggest monthly expenses for most Canadians, so why not use a credit card that can help you get rewarded for it? By paying your rent (and other housing expenses) with a credit card like the ScotiaGold Passport® Visa* Card, through a platform like Casa, you could also earn rewards and help make the most of your everyday spending.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how to pay rent through a credit card, how Casa works, the transaction fees by Casa that are involved and the rewards you could earn, to help you decide if it’s the right option for you.
Can You Pay Rent with a Credit Card in Canada?
Most landlords don’t accept rent payments by credit card for various reasons. Fortunately, third-party payment platforms like Casa have made it possible by acting as the middle person between you and your landlord if you choose to use your credit card.
An easy way to pay rent with a credit card is through Casa, a platform that lets you pay rent and condo fees with your credit card while your landlord receives payment seamlessly through e-Transfer, PAD or Bill Pay.
Here’s a mini comparison on paying rent the traditional way vs with Casa:
Direct Landlord Payment | Through Casa |
Credit cards usually not accepted | Credit cards accepted |
No rewards earned | Earn rewards (cash back, points, etc.) |
Manual, outdated alternatives (cash, cheque, etc.) | Automated credit card payments |
How Does Paying Rent with a Credit Card Work?
With Casa, you can use a Canadian dollar Visa or Mastercard credit card (or debit card) to pay your rent. Note: payments using Canadian dollar debit cards are also permitted.
Getting started only takes a few minutes:
How to Pay Rent with a Credit Card Through Casa: Step-by-Step
Create a Casa account using your email address, Google account, or Apple account.
Enter your contact information, including your address, name, and phone number.
Add your Visa or Mastercard credit card number (or debit card number). As you know, Casa will waive transaction fees on the ScotiaGold Passport® Visa* Card. You can also scroll down to learn more about the ScotiaGold Passport® Visa* Card if you don’t already have one.
Enter your landlord or property manager’s details.
Choose how Casa should send the payment to your landlord (as of now, e-Transfer; PAD and Bill Pay coming soon), and enter their email address.
Enter your rent amount and choose whether it’s a recurring or one-time payment.
Confirm the payment details and add any required security information for your payment method.
Verify your identity by uploading a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver’s licence, and complete a quick live face scan with Plaid.
That's it! Once your identity is verified and your payment is set up, Casa automatically charges your payment method 3 days before your rent is due. On rent day, your landlord receives the full rent amount, and once the transaction has been processed by your credit card issuer, you'll earn your eligible credit card rewards.
Note: Casa is not currently available in QC.
How Does It Work with the ScotiaGold Passport® Visa* Card?
If you use Casa’s preferred credit card, the ScotiaGold Passport® Visa* Card, to set up your rental payment through the Casa platform, you’ll pay no transaction fees, and Scotiabank will waive your first year’s annual fee for your card.⁴ Plus, you’ll earn 1 Scene+ᵀᴹ point for every dollar spent when minimum monthly spend requirements are met.²
If you’re using a different card, Casa’s transaction fees are:
Visa or Mastercard credit card: 1.75% of the transaction amount
Visa or Mastercard debit card: 1.00% of the transaction amount
When you set up a recurring or one-time payment, you’ll see the transaction fee upfront – there are no hidden or surprise charges. Your landlord also receives the full rent amount, and they don’t pay any fees.
Why Pay Rent with a Credit Card?
When used strategically, paying rent with a credit card has several benefits, such as:
Earn Credit Card Rewards
A big benefit of paying your rent with a credit card is earning rewards on one of your largest monthly expenses. For example, if you use the ScotiaGold Passport® Visa* Card to pay your rent with Casa, you’ll earn 1 Scene+ point for every dollar spent when monthly spend requirements are met, while paying no transaction fees.1
Let’s say for illustrative purposes, your monthly rent is $2,400 (the average in Toronto). You could earn 2,400 Scene+ points per month, in addition to the points you earn on everyday purchases.
However, if you’re using a different credit card, you’ll need to consider the value of the rewards you’re earning vs. the transaction fee. For example, if your card earns 1% cash back or rewards worth about 1%, those rewards won’t offset Casa’s 1.75% transaction fee, so you should consider cards that offer higher value rewards or valuable welcome bonuses instead.
*Terms and conditions apply
Build Your Credit Score
Paying your rent with a credit card can help build your credit score – as long as you pay your balance in full and on time each month. Payment history is one of the biggest factors affecting your credit score.
By consistently making on-time payments, you can gradually increase your credit score.
What is the Best Credit Card for Paying Rent?
If you’re using Casa, the ScotiaGold Passport® Visa* Card is the best option because it offers no transaction fees and earns 1 Scene+ point for every dollar spent when monthly spend requirements are met.1
Key benefits include:
No transaction fees on Casa payments
1st year’s annual fee waived on new cards ($110 in value)3
Earn up to 10,000 Scene+ points (up to $100 value) with the welcome offer4
Earn 1 Scene+ point for every dollar spent on rent when monthly spend requirements are met1
Redeem your Scene+ points for groceries, dining, travel, fuel, movie tickets, Points for Credit, and more
Earn 1 Scene+ point for every dollar you spend on eligible purchases5
You can apply for the ScotiaGold Passport® Visa* Card directly through Casa.
Learn more about the card here.
Is Paying Rent with a Credit Card Worth It?
It may be worth it if…
You earn valuable rewards. If your credit card rewards are worth more than the transaction fee, you’ll come out ahead.
You pay your balance in full. This lets you earn rewards and enjoy the benefits without paying interest.
It may not be worth it if…
You tend to carry a balance. Interest charges can quickly outweigh the value of any rewards you earn.
Your credit card rewards are very low. If your card earns minimal cash back or rewards (less than 1.75%), the transaction fee may not be worthwhile.
You prefer to avoid transaction fees. Some renters simply prefer paying rent directly from their bank account to avoid paying additional fees.
Common Questions About Paying Rent with a Credit Card
Will my landlord know I paid by credit card?
No. Your landlord will receive the rent payment through the payment method you selected, without knowing you used a credit card. The payment will include the relevant details needed to identify you and your property.
Can I earn Scene+ points on rent?
Yes, using the ScotiaGold Passport® Visa* Card, you’ll earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 you spend on rent and housing payments when monthly minimum spend requirements are met.2
Is paying rent with a credit card safe?
Yes, it is. Casa is registered with FINTRAC as a Money Services Business and is registered with the Bank of Canada under the Retail Payment Activities Act (RPAA).
Can I automate rent payments?
Yes. When you sign up for Casa, you can choose to set up a recurring payment on the 1st of the month, or any day your rent is due.
Ready to Earn Rewards on Your Rent Payments?
Paying your rent with a credit card in Canada is easier than ever, even if your landlord doesn’t accept credit cards directly. With Casa, you can pay your rent, condo fees, and other housing expenses using your ScotiaGold Passport® Visa* Card with no transaction fees, or by using any other eligible Visa or Mastercard credit card.
Create a Casa account today and start earning rewards on one of your largest monthly expenses.
Terms & Conditions