In short
- A few landlords and letting agents take cards directly, but most only want a bank transfer.
- Card-to-bank services let you pay by card while the landlord still gets a transfer.
- Workarounds like money-transfer cards are usually treated as cash and earn no rewards.
The options
- Ask your landlord or agent: some larger letting agents take card payments through their own portal. Many only take debit cards, and Amex is rare.
- A card-to-bank service like Omrello: you pay by card and the landlord receives a normal UK bank transfer. Works with any landlord who has a UK bank account.
- Money-transfer or balance-transfer offers: these move credit to your bank account, but they're usually treated like cash, so they earn no rewards and may charge interest straight away.
- Cash withdrawals on a credit card: almost always the worst option. They earn nothing, charge interest from day one and can affect how lenders see you.
What to compare
- Does your card treat it as a purchase? Only purchases earn points and the interest-free period.
- Which cards work? Check for American Express if that's your main card.
- What does the landlord receive? Ideally a normal bank transfer with your reference, so nothing changes for them.
- Who is behind it? Look for an FCA-authorised payment partner and an ID check on every customer.
- Total cost against rewards: add up what you pay against what you earn on your card.
Our safety guide explains what to look for before you trust any service with your rent.
Which suits you
If your agent already takes your card for free, use that. If they don't, or you want to use Amex or a reward card on every bill, a card-to-bank service is the simplest route. Avoid anything that counts as a cash advance.
Common questions
- What's the best way to pay rent by credit card in the UK?
- If your landlord takes cards, pay them directly. If not, a card-to-bank service lets you pay by card while they receive a bank transfer.
- Does a money transfer card earn points?
- Usually not. Money transfers are normally treated like cash, so they don't earn rewards.
- Will my landlord know I paid by card?
- With Omrello they receive a normal UK bank transfer with your chosen reference.
Launching soon in the UK
Pay your next big bill by card.
Rent, school fees and council tax, paid on your card, while the person you pay gets a normal UK bank transfer. Join the waitlist and you'll be first in.
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