Guide
Best way to earn rewards on rent payments (2026)
Most cards earn nothing extra on rent because landlords use third-party processors with fees. Bilt Mastercard earns 1× on rent with no processing fee when paid through Bilt — the standout option for renters.
Quick comparison
| Card | Best for | Earn rate | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bilt Mastercard | Rent payments | 1× points, no fee | $0 |
| Citi Double Cash | If rent accepts card | 2% minus fees | $0 |
| Any card | Plastiq-style processors | Varies | — |
Why most people pick the wrong card
Paying rent through a processor with a 3% fee to earn 2% cash back loses money — the math rarely works.
How Pikt routes smarter than guesswork
Pikt links the cards you already carry, weighs your offers and category earn rates, and tells you the best card to use — with a plain-English explanation and dollar estimate for every purchase. Online, the Pikt Checkout extension auto-fills that card at checkout; in-store, Pikt Nearby names it on your lock screen. Pikt factors processing fees into the earn calculation so you never pay to earn.
Frequently asked questions
- Is paying rent with a card worth it?
- Only with Bilt's no-fee rent program or if you're hitting a minimum spend for a sign-up bonus.
$89 at Amazon → Active Cash earns $1.78 (+$0.89 vs default card)
See your personal best cards
Generic advice assumes average spend. Your wallet is different. Take Pikt's 60-second quiz — pick your top spending areas and whether you prefer cash back, travel points, or simplicity.
Where does your money go?
Pick your top spending areas and we'll show you which cards earn the most for each.
What matters most to you?
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