Offer ACH as the standard path. Add cards only after deciding who pays the fee, how chargebacks are handled and whether state law or the lease affects the arrangement.
In this guide
My test is fairly plain: will this make rent, repairs or the books easier on an average Tuesday, after the excitement of setup is gone?
For a closer look at the next step, read Best Rent Payment Apps for Small Landlords.
The short answer
For a $1,500 rent payment, even a 3% card fee is $45. Tenants may accept that for points or short-term flexibility, but the fee should be obvious before payment. ACH fees are typically smaller and settlement can be slower.
What matters in the real workflow
Use a rent-specific platform that records the charge, payment method, processing status and deposit. A payment is not fully handled until it matches the tenant ledger and bank transaction.
Run the least glamorous test you can think of: a partial payment, a returned ACH, a receipt with two properties or a maintenance request that needs follow-up. That is where a system earns its place.
Cost is more than the advertised price
Price a complete year, including the small charges underneath the subscription. A low base price can become expensive when every payment, signature or bank account adds a fee.
Pricing and product terms were checked September 17, 2026. Confirm current details with the provider before buying. Review the primary source →
A practical way to decide
- Name the two workflows causing the most repeated work.
- Test those workflows with real portfolio information.
- Calculate the complete first-year cost.
- Check the tenant experience, exports and cancellation process.
- Choose the simplest option that solves the named problem.
Use the decision on your own portfolio.
Do not buy from the feature list alone. Compare the actual workflow, total cost and records you will receive at month-end.
Compare online rent collection with Baselane →Bottom line
Offer ACH as the standard path. Add cards only after deciding who pays the fee, how chargebacks are handled and whether state law or the lease affects the arrangement. A useful system leaves fewer loose ends at month-end and gives you records you would be comfortable handing to an accountant.
Keep comparing in our landlord software guide for 1 to 10 units, or browse the complete landlord resources page.