The simple answer is no, you don't need a credit card to rent. However, having a good credit history can be very helpful. A poor credit history can make it harder to rent, as landlords want to feel confident that you'll pay your rent on time.
More and more landlords now carry out credit checks on potential tenants – either by themselves or through an agent. This means having a credit card that you've used responsibly could help when your landlord checks your credit history.
Your income and outgoings are usually the most important factors for your potential landlord when they assess your finances.
However, they might also be interested in your credit history. They want to be reassured that you manage your finances well to minimise the risk of you falling behind with your rent. The best indication they can get of whether you'll pay your rent reliably each month is from your credit history.
So, although having a credit card is not strictly necessary, it might help if you've got one that you use responsibly, as this may mean your credit history is above average. Of course, a credit card isn't the only thing that could impact your credit history.
If you haven't checked your credit history recently, you can do so for free using Experian, Equifax & TransUnion. From here, you'll be able to see how good your credit history is, so it's a wise idea to check it before you think about renting.
Depending on the landlord, if you're able to make a larger up-front payment than they ask for – say a couple of months' worth of rent – then your credit history might not affect your chances.
Landlords typically look for a credit score that shows you manage your finances well. While there's no specific score required, a higher score can improve your chances. It's a good idea to check your credit score and work on improving it if needed before you start looking for a rental property.
Yes, you may be able to pay a rental deposit using a credit card, but it depends on the landlord or letting agent. Some landlords accept credit card payments, while others may require a bank transfer or debit card payment.
Paying a deposit with a credit card can be useful if you need extra time to cover the upfront costs of moving. However, it's important to be aware of interest rates—if you don’t pay off your credit card balance quickly, the deposit could end up costing you more in the long run.
It depends on your landlord or letting agent. Some landlords allow tenants to pay rent via credit card, but many still prefer bank transfers or Direct Debits.
Even if paying by credit card is an option, it’s worth considering whether it’s the best financial choice. If you don’t pay off your credit card balance in full each month, interest charges can quickly add up, making your rent more expensive in the long run. Some landlords or payment platforms may also charge a processing fee for credit card payments.
If you’re thinking about paying rent on a credit card, check with your landlord first and make sure you have a plan to pay off the balance to avoid building up debt.
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure content is correct when published. Information on this website doesn't constitute financial advice, and we aren't responsible for the content of any external sites.
Fiona is a personal finance writer with over 7 years’ experience writing for a broad range of industries before joining Ocean in 2021. She uses her wealth of experience to turn the overwhelming aspects of finance into articles that are easy to understand.
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