Rent collection can quickly turn into a time-consuming and stressful process – chasing down tenants, managing late payments, and making trips to the bank all add unnecessary friction. But it doesn’t have to be this way. The method you choose to collect rent directly affects your cash flow, time, and peace of mind – and with the right approach, you can eliminate the hassle.
Smart and forward-thinking landlords are streamlining their operations by turning to modern solutions like digital payment apps, direct deposit, and online rent collection platforms. These tools not only reduce administrative burden but also offer greater security, reliability, and convenience for both you and your tenants.
Wondering what the most efficient rent collection method is? This guide will walk you through the smartest strategies to help you make the right choice for your rental business.
10 Best Ways to Collect Rent Payments from Tenants in 2025
Below are the most common ways landlords collect rent in the U.S. in 2025:
1. Dedicated Online Rent Collection Platforms
Online rent collection platforms are software tools built specifically for automating and tracking rent payments. They provide tenants with a secure portal to pay via ACH (bank transfer), debit, or credit card, and allow landlords to set up recurring payments, automated reminders, and late-fee enforcement. In addition, many platforms generate reports (e.g., 1099-K) for tax purposes and offer integrations for bookkeeping.
Platforms such as Avail, Apartments.com Rental Manager, and TurboTenant are among the top solutions designed exclusively for rent collection. These services often combine tenant screening, digital leases, maintenance tracking, and online payments into a single interface. Tenants can schedule recurring ACH withdrawals or pay via card, while landlords can automate reminders, set up partial-payment blocking, and track payment history in real time.
Pros:
- Once configured, rent can be collected automatically each month, reducing late payments by prompting tenants with reminders.
- Tenants can use ACH (often low-fee or free), debit, or credit card (if enabled); some platforms also support Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- Generates tax-compliant documents (e.g., 1099-K) and detailed payment histories; many integrate with accounting tools.
- Often includes user-friendly mobile apps and portals, making it easier for tenants to review leases, maintenance requests, and payment history in one place.
Cons:
- Depending on the platform, tenants or landlords may incur fees – ACH might be $2–$3 per transaction, and credit cards often carry ~3% processing fees.
- Some tenants resist setting up yet another online payment system, and landlords must invest time upfront to configure bank details, tenant profiles, and reminders.
- Tenants without reliable internet access or without bank accounts may be excluded.
2. Property Management Software Portals with Built-In Rent Collection
Property management (PM) software often includes rent collection modules as one component of a broader suite (which might also cover marketing, tenant screening, accounting, and maintenance). Tenants pay rent through the same portal where they sign leases or submit service requests, and landlords benefit from a unified dashboard for managing all properties.
Solutions like Buildium, Rentec Direct, and Innago bundle online rent collection with comprehensive property management. Tenants log in to a portal where rent invoices are automatically generated and emailed. Payments (via ACH, credit/debit cards, or even PayPal in some cases) are routed directly to the landlord’s account, and landlords can track deposits, reconcile bank statements, and generate expense reports. Partnerships with TransUnion or Experian RentBureau may also allow credit reporting for on-time payments.
Pros:
- Automates not only rent collection but also lease renewals, maintenance tickets, and accounting, reducing the need to juggle multiple platforms.
- Tenants appreciate having a single sign-on for rent, maintenance, and communications, often leading to higher on-time payment rates.
- As landlords acquire more units, a PM system can scale easily – new units and tenants simply get added to the same portal.
Cons:
- Monthly or annual fees are often tiered by number of units; small landlords with just one or two properties may find it cost-prohibitive.
- Robust feature sets mean that onboarding can take time – landlords must learn full lease, accounting, and maintenance modules in addition to rent collection.
- Some tenants balk at additional “convenience” fees (e.g., if they opt to pay via credit card), which may discourage full adoption.
3. ACH Transfers / Direct Debit (Standing Orders)
Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers and standing orders are bank-to-bank transfers that move money directly from a tenant’s checking account to the landlord’s bank account on a predetermined date. Standing orders are instructions a tenant sets up through their bank; Direct Debit (used more in Europe but gaining traction in the U.S.) allows the landlord or PM software to pull funds with the tenant’s authorization.
Tenants set up an ACH transaction or standing order through their bank’s online portal to send rent automatically each month. Alternatively, property management or rent collection software can initiate Direct Debit pulls once the tenant has signed an electronic mandate. ACH and Direct Debit are generally processed within 1–3 business days; landlords receive funds directly, no paper checks involved.
Pros:
- Many banks waive ACH fees for recurring transactions; where fees apply, they are typically $1–$3 per transaction, much lower than card processing fees.
- Once a tenant’s bank details are verified, the rent “pull” occurs automatically at the scheduled time – landlords get money without manual intervention.
- Bank-level encryption ensures transfers are secure, and both tenants and landlords have detailed electronic records.
Cons:
- Tenants must provide bank routing and account numbers, and in some cases e-sign a mandate; if tenants aren’t comfortable with online banking, setup may stall.
- If a tenant’s account lacks sufficient balance, the ACH transaction will bounce, potentially incurring NSF (non-sufficient funds) fees and requiring follow-up.
- Although ACH is faster than mailed checks, it still takes 1–3 business days to clear, and weekends/holidays can extend that timeline.
4. Mobile Wallet Payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
Modern rent portals and some property management apps now support mobile wallet payments (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay). Tenants link their debit or bank account to a mobile wallet and tap “Pay Rent” on their smartphone; the digital wallet then processes an ACH-like transfer or debit.
When a tenant chooses Apple Pay or Google Pay in an approved rent collection portal, the mobile wallet securely transmits bank or card details without revealing them to the landlord. Funds settle via ACH or equivalent rails, often in 1–2 business days. While mobile wallet adoption is highest among younger renters, many platforms now prominently display QR codes or in-app buttons for quick tap-to-pay.
Pros:
- With Face ID or fingerprint authentication, tenants can pay rent in seconds without manually entering card or bank data.
- Mobile wallets use tokenization – actual card/account numbers are never transmitted, reducing the risk of data breaches.
- Tech-savvy renters increasingly expect to pay everyday bills via one tap; offering mobile wallets can boost on-time payment rates.
Cons:
- Not all rent portals support mobile wallets; landlords must verify their processor or PM software can accept these forms of payment.
- Although ACH-equivalent, some wallets may route through card rails (especially if linked to credit cards), incurring ~2–3% merchant fees.
- Older or less tech-oriented tenants may not have or want to use mobile wallets, so landlords must still offer alternative methods.
5. Peer-to-Peer Payment Apps (Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, PayPal)
Peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps enable tenants to send rent directly to the landlord’s personal or business account. While these apps weren’t originally designed for rent, they are extremely popular due to ease of use. Recent disclaimers from Venmo and Cash App require landlords to register a business profile when receiving rental income on those platforms.
Tenants initiate a payment to the landlord’s P2P handle (e.g., @LandlordXYZ on Venmo) on or before rent day. Funds reside in the landlord’s P2P wallet immediately, but must be manually transferred to a bank account (which can take 1–3 business days). P2P apps do not automatically generate rent reminders, manage late fees, or produce 1099-K statements unless the landlord meets a certain volume.
Pros:
- Most tenants already use Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App daily, minimizing onboarding friction.
- Landlords see the funds hit their P2P balance instantly; no waiting for mail or batch processing.
- Zelle transfers are typically free, while Venmo and Cash App may charge a 1.75% fee for instant transfers to bank accounts.
Cons:
- P2P apps do not automatically schedule recurring rent pulls or send reminders – landlords must manually request payments.
- P2P apps lack integrated ledgers for rent vs. other personal transactions, making bookkeeping more cumbersome.
- Venmo and Cash App require landlords to register as a business to legally accept rent; credit-funded transfers incur higher fees.
6. Credit & Debit Card Payments
Accepting rent via credit or debit card can provide tenants with flexibility (even rewards points), but it usually carries higher processing costs. Many landlords treat card acceptance as a secondary or last-resort option, since reliance on credit cards for monthly rent can signal tenant cash-flow issues.
With a compatible rent collection platform or merchant account, tenants enter card details each month (or set up a recurring card-on-file mandate). Payments clear via credit card networks, and funds typically settle in 2–3 business days, minus processing fees (~2.5–3.5%). Some services let landlords choose whether to pass the fee on to the tenant.
Pros:
- Tenants juggling other bills may accumulate points, miles, or cash back when paying rent by credit card.
- If a tenant’s bank account is overdrawn, credit cards can be a stopgap to avoid bounced checks.
- Cards authorize in real time, so landlords know immediately if payment will succeed or fail.
Cons:
- At ~3% per transaction, credit card fees quickly add up – landlords must decide whether to absorb or pass fees to tenants.
- Regularly charging rent to a credit card can push tenants into unmanageable debt, raising the risk of eviction later.
- Credit transactions carry the risk that a tenant could dispute or reverse a charge, leading to potential losses and fees.
7. Certified Payment Methods (Money Orders, Certified Checks, Cashier’s Checks)
Certified payment methods rely on third-party institutions (banks, post offices, or retail outlets) to guarantee funds. Unlike personal checks, certified checks, and money orders cannot bounce – banks authenticate funds before issuing them.
First, tenants purchase a money order at a post office, bank, or certain retail stores. The institution guarantees the face value, so landlords need not worry about insufficient funds. Then the tenant’s bank verifies funds and places a hold on the account, issuing a check that the bank guarantees. These clear more quickly than personal checks.
Cashier’s Checks, which are similar to certified checks, are drawn directly on the bank’s own funds rather than the tenant’s account; they are preferable for larger or late rent payments.
Pros:
- No risk of bounced checks – once issued, these instruments clear reliably.
- Most tenants know how to purchase money orders or certified checks; no online setup is required.
- Certified and cashier’s checks clear within 1–2 business days, faster than mailed personal checks.
Cons:
- Requires tenants to travel to a bank, post office, or retailer and pay additional fees (usually $1–$5 per instrument).
- Even certified instruments can be delayed by mail, and lost or stolen money orders may take weeks to replace.
- Landlords still need to deposit the physical instrument at their bank or via mobile deposit, adding a step compared to fully digital methods.
8. In-Person Collection (Checks, Cash)
Collecting rent in person remains an option, especially for small landlords or those with on-site management. Tenants hand over cash or checks directly to the landlord or property manager, often at a leasing office or designated drop-off point.
The landlord or property manager specifies a time and location (e.g., first of every month, 9–11 AM at the leasing office lobby). Tenants arrive with cash or a personal check. The landlord then takes the funds to their bank or signs into a mobile deposit app to upload the check image.
Pros:
- Landlords can build rapport, address maintenance issues in person, and verify tenant identity.
- No online setup needed – just bring cash or a check.
- Tenants can provide post-dated checks in advance (e.g., a year’s worth), reducing monthly logistics.
Cons:
- Requires landlords or managers to be physically present and then deposit funds at the bank – no automation.
- Carrying large amounts of cash poses theft risks; handling cash in person can create tense situations.
- Even if a check is deposited via a mobile app, it still needs to clear (1–3 business days), so landlords must track deposits manually.
9. Postal Mail (Personal Checks)
Many landlords still accept rent via personal checks mailed through the U.S. Postal Service. Tenants mail a check to a specified address (landlord’s home, management office, or third-party processing center). The landlord then deposits the check when it arrives.
Tenants address an envelope to the landlord’s specified remittance address, include a check for rent (often post-dated if desired), and drop it at a local mailbox. Landlords manually track envelope arrival, endorse the check, and deposit it in their bank. Some landlords require certified checks to mitigate bounce risk.
Pros:
- Tenants need only a checkbook and a stamp – no online access or third-party platforms required.
- Tenants often trust that mail reliably reaches its destination; landlords who check mailboxes daily rarely encounter issues.
- Elderly or less tech-savvy tenants may prefer mailing checks.
Cons:
- Checks can get lost or delayed in transit, resulting in late payments or confusion over whether rent was mailed.
- Landlords must verify check arrival and calculate any late fees themselves; errors can lead to tenant disputes.
- Personal checks have no guaranteed-funds status; bounced checks incur NSF fees and require follow-up.
10. Physical Rent Drop Boxes or Kiosks
Some property managers and multi-unit buildings offer a locked drop box (or electronic kiosk) in a common area where tenants can deposit cash or checks. This combines the “in-person” concept with added security, as envelopes go directly into a tamper-resistant box.
A secure metal drop box (often with a slot and internal lock) is installed in the leasing office lobby or building vestibule. Tenants slip their rent (cash in sealed envelope or check) through the slot. Once per day (often after business hours), a designated staff member retrieves and logs each envelope. Larger complexes may use self-serve payment kiosks where tenants swipe a debit/credit card or insert a check; the kiosk processes the payment and prints a receipt.
Pros:
- Tenants can drop payments at any time – no need to coordinate schedules with the landlord.
- Tamper-resistant design protects cash/checks overnight; staff retrieves envelopes only once daily.
- Kiosks often provide on-the-spot receipts, reducing disputes over whether payment was made.
Cons:
- Installing and maintaining a kiosk (or high-security drop box) requires capital outlay and occasional servicing.
- Even with a kiosk, staff must collect, log, and reconcile each payment into accounting systems.
- Tenants unfamiliar with kiosk interfaces may be confused or call support, requiring additional onboarding.
Conclusion
In 2025, collecting rent will no longer be limited to paper checks and in-person visits. With a wide range of digital tools and payment options available, landlords can choose methods that match their operational needs and tenant preferences. Whether it’s a dedicated rent collection platform, property management software, ACH transfers, or mobile payment apps, the key is to strike a balance between reliability, convenience, and cost.
For landlords managing multiple units, software platforms with automated features can reduce missed payments and simplify bookkeeping. For those with only a few tenants, low-cost methods like ACH or peer-to-peer apps may be enough. The most effective approach is one that makes rent collection predictable, secure, and easy to manage, without adding more to your plate.
