Best Credit Cards for Rent Payment in India (2026) – Complete Guide

Rent is one of the biggest monthly expenses for Indian professionals — yet it’s also the most confusing when it comes to credit cards. Banks frequently change rules, platforms charge fees, and many cards quietly exclude rent from rewards. This guide is designed to be a one-stop resource for paying rent with a credit card in India in 2026 — covering which cards work, which platforms to use, costs involved, and real-world strategies.

Can You Pay Rent Using a Credit Card in 2026?

Yes — rent payments are allowed via authorised platforms that act as intermediaries between tenants and landlords.

Popular rent payment platforms:

• NoBroker
• Housing.com
• RedGiraffe
• BharatNXT⚠️ Direct bank transfers via credit card are not allowed.

How Rent Payment via Credit Card Works (Simple Flow)

1. You pay rent on a platform using your credit card
2. The platform transfers money to the landlord’s bank account
3. You pay a processing fee (1%–2% + GST)
4. The transaction appears as “rent” or “wallet” on your card statement

The Most Important Truth (Read This First)

Almost no Indian credit card gives full rewards on rent anymore.

So why should you still care?

Because rent payments can help you:

• Meet annual fee waivers
• Hit milestone spends
• Build credit history
• Optimise cashflow (30–45 days float)

Best Credit Cards for Rent Payments in India (2026)

These cards allow rent payments without penalties and can be strategically useful.

IDFC FIRST Swype Credit Card

• Rent payments allowed
• Rewards credited (subject to caps & T&Cs)
• Simple fee structure

Best for: Users who pay rent monthly and want predictable returns

HDFC Infinia / Regalia / MoneyBack (Platform Dependent)

• Rent payments allowed via select platforms
• No direct rewards on rent
• Helps reach:
  • Annual fee waiver
  • Overall spend milestones

Best for: High spenders already using HDFC cards as primary cards

SBI Elite Credit Card

• Rent allowed on select platforms
• No direct rewards on rent
• Helps reach:
  • Annual fee waiver
  • Overall spend milestones

Best for: Users optimising for lowest net cost

American Express Platinum Travel Card

• Rent payments count toward milestone spends
• Excellent reward conversion via Amex partners
• Platform acceptance must be checked

Best for: Users comfortable with Amex ecosystem

Best Platform + Card Combinations (Practical)

Cost Breakdown: Is It Actually Worth It?

Example: ₹50,000 monthly rent

• Platform fee (1.5%): ₹750
• GST on fee: ₹135
• Total cost: ₹885

Now evaluate:

• Annual fee waiver value
• Milestone rewards
• Credit score improvement

If total annual value > ₹10,000 → worth it

When You Should NOT Pay Rent with a Credit Card

1. If you revolve balances
2. If platform fees exceed any benefit
3. If your card charges interest immediately
4. If rent pushes utilisation above 40% regularly

Rent Payment Checklist (Save This)

Before paying rent via card:

• Card allows rent
• Platform fee checked
• Rewards/milestones confirmed
• Bill paid in full every month

Rent payment via credit card in 2026 is a strategy, not a reward hack.

Used correctly, it can:

• Save annual fees
• Improve credit profile
• Unlock premium card benefits

Used blindly, it will cost you money.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I pay house rent using a credit card in India?

Yes. You can pay house rent using a credit card through authorised rent payment platforms like NoBroker, Housing.com, RedGiraffe, and BharatNXT. Direct rent payments via bank transfer using a credit card are not allowed.

2. Do credit cards give rewards on rent payments?

Most credit cards in India do not give direct rewards or cashback on rent payments anymore. However, rent payments may still help you meet annual fee waivers, milestone spends, or improve your overall credit profile.

3. What is the typical fee for paying rent with a credit card?

Rent payment platforms usually charge 1% to 2% as processing fees, plus 18% GST on the fee. The exact charge depends on the platform and payment method.

4. Which credit card is best for rent payments in 2026?

There is no single “best” card for rent payments. Cards like IDFC FIRST Swype still allow rent payments with rewards (subject to caps), while HDFC cards are useful for meeting spend thresholds. The best option depends on your rent amount and spending pattern.

5. Does paying rent with a credit card affect my credit score?

Yes. Paying rent with a credit card and clearing the bill on time can positively impact your credit score by improving payment history and increasing total credit activity.

6. Can rent payments help meet annual fee waiver conditions?

Yes. Many banks count rent payments as part of total annual spends, even if they don’t award rewards. This can help you qualify for annual fee waivers on premium cards.

7. Is TDS applicable when paying rent through a credit card?

Yes. If your annual rent crosses the applicable threshold, TDS rules apply and the landlord’s PAN may be required by the platform, regardless of whether you pay via bank transfer or credit card.

8. Should freelancers or gig workers pay rent using a credit card?

Yes, freelancers and gig workers can benefit from rent payments via credit cards if it helps them build credit history or manage cash flow. However, it’s important to avoid interest and high utilisation.

9. When should I avoid paying rent with a credit card?

You should avoid using a credit card for rent if:

• You don’t pay your credit card bill in full
• Platform fees exceed the value you get
• Your credit utilisation crosses 40% consistently

10.What are the other Credit Cards options for me?

Check out all the credit cards here –  Choose your credit card & fill your digital credit card application right away