Paying bills with plastic can feel like a life hack, so it’s natural to wonder how to pay mortgage with credit card to earn rewards or buy time. Here’s the short answer: it’s sometimes possible through workarounds—but fees and rules mean it rarely makes sense except in narrow cases. Most servicers don’t take cards directly, and even some card networks or issuers limit these payments.
Can you really pay a mortgage with a credit card?
Directly? Almost never—servicers typically refuse cards because of processing costs, and many issuers restrict coding mortgage payments on their cards. That’s why most “yes” answers rely on a third-party bill-pay service that charges your card and then sends your lender a check or ACH. Expect a convenience fee that usually outweighs everyday rewards.
How to pay mortgage with credit card (4 practical methods)
1) Third-party bill pay (most common).
Platforms like Plastiq charge your card and deliver funds to your lender. The trade-off is a processing fee—often ~2.9%—plus small delivery charges for ACH/check. Do the math before you swipe.
2) Money order via credit card.
Some retailers let you buy money orders with a card, but many don’t; if they do, fees apply and your issuer may treat the purchase as a cash advance (immediate interest, no grace period). Experian highlights this as a workaround with real caveats.
3) Balance transfer to bank account (or BT checks).
Certain cards allow a 0% intro APR balance transfer to checking, letting you send the mortgage payment from your bank. You’ll pay a transfer fee and must aggressively repay before the promo ends to avoid high interest.
4) Cash advance (last resort).
This is usually the worst option: high APR starts immediately, and there’s an upfront cash-advance fee. Use only to avoid a late payment catastrophe—and have a plan to pay it off fast.
Do rewards ever beat the fees?
Run the numbers. Suppose your mortgage is $2,500. At a 2.9% fee, you’ll pay $72.50 to process the payment. A 2% cash-back card returns $50, leaving you $22.50 in the red. That’s why most experts say everyday rewards don’t pencil out. The exception: welcome bonuses that require large spend in a short window; paying one month via a service like Plastiq could tip you over the threshold—but only if you’ll pay the card statement in full to avoid interest and keep utilization in check.
What do card networks and lenders actually allow?
Rules change, but the pattern is consistent: mortgage servicers generally refuse direct card payments, and some networks/issuers block mortgage-coded transactions even through intermediaries. Always confirm with both your servicer and your card issuer before you count on this strategy.
When does it make sense to pay a mortgage with a card?
- One-time bonus play: You’re a few hundred dollars shy of a large sign-up bonus worth more than the fee.
- Tight timing with guaranteed payoff: You need a few days’ float, will avoid interest entirely, and have a clear plan to zero the card.
- Targeted promotions: Rare lower-fee promos from a bill-pay platform (always verify current terms).
Safer alternatives if cash is tight
Before you pay a housing bill with high-cost credit, check your servicer’s hardship or forbearance options, review budget line items, or consider a short-term refinance/loan solution. Consumer guides from major publishers consistently recommend exhausting lower-cost routes first.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I earn points when I pay a mortgage with a credit card?
Yes—if your issuer allows the transaction and you use a third-party service—but the 2.9%-ish processing fee usually cancels out typical cash-back or points values. Rewards can work in your favor only when chasing a large welcome bonus and you won’t carry a balance.
2. Will paying a mortgage with a card hurt my credit score?
It can, indirectly. Large one-time charges spike your utilization, which can lower scores until you pay the statement. If you revolve a balance, you’ll also incur interest. Paying the card in full and timing the charge right before your statement due date can limit utilization impact.
3. Is Plastiq legit for mortgage payments and what does it cost?
Plastiq is a long-running bill-pay platform used to pay vendors that don’t take cards. For card-funded payments, the published fee is 2.9%, plus small delivery fees (e.g., $0.99 ACH, $1.49 check). Policies and promos change; confirm pricing and eligibility before relying on it.
4. What’s the best “how to pay mortgage with credit card” approach?
If you’re determined, the cleanest path is a reputable third-party bill-pay service. Do fee-versus-value math, verify your servicer/issuer rules, and consider a one-month-only use to trigger a welcome bonus—then revert to normal payments. For ongoing cash-flow issues, explore hardship options instead.
The bottom line: tread carefully
If you’re asking how to pay mortgage with credit card to game rewards, know that fees usually win. The move can make sense for a single month to clinch a big sign-up bonus—only if you’ll pay the card in full and keep utilization in check. For everyone else, lower-cost alternatives protect your credit, your budget, and your peace of mind.
