Why is there an expensive "service charge" for online rent payment? (apartment, tenants)

[OzzyRules]

Does anyone know if it is normal to have a monthly service charge for paying rent? Why is it so expensive?

Thanks for any info.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by OzzyRules

Does anyone know if it is normal to have a monthly service charge for paying rent?
Why is it so expensive?

As a separate line item... it can be exploited.

Even though it makes everyone's life simpler...
they can pretend there are reasons to charge for it.

[jdm2008]

Originally Posted by OzzyRules

Does anyone know if it is normal to have a monthly service charge for paying rent? Why is it so expensive?

Thanks for any info.

These are usually charged by third parties not the landlord I believe.

[KonaKat]

The service probably charges a % or maybe a flat rate per transaction, to the management company. If so, just pay by check or money order and mail it in. How much is the service charge that you are paying?

[karen_in_nh_2012]

Originally Posted by OzzyRules

Does anyone know if it is normal to have a monthly service charge for paying rent? Why is it so expensive?

As someone else pointed out, these are often charged by the third party company, not the one who gets the money.

But why don't you pay some other way if you don't like the online service charge? Seems pretty simple.

[OzzyRules]

I have the option of paying by check, but I thought this would have made it easier for the apartment manager as well as myself. Yes, it's the third party who gets the fee, not the apartment. Almost 15 dollars a month.

I was hoping that I could pay through my bank's website. Is that not a normal option?

[satman40]

Actually Chase Bank Charges me nothing to collect my rent ATM Card or Direct Deposit., and I do not charge my tenants.

[STT Resident]

Originally Posted by OzzyRules

I have the option of paying by check, but I thought this would have made it easier for the apartment manager as well as myself. Yes, it's the third party who gets the fee, not the apartment. Almost 15 dollars a month.

I was hoping that I could pay through my bank's website. Is that not a normal option?

That's steep and I don't blame you for seeking an alternative. It shouldn't be that much to arrange for a direct deposit from your bank to that of the landlord.

[jdm2008]

Originally Posted by OzzyRules

I have the option of paying by check, but I thought this would have made it easier for the apartment manager as well as myself. Yes, it's the third party who gets the fee, not the apartment. Almost 15 dollars a month.

I was hoping that I could pay through my bank's website. Is that not a normal option?

$15 a month is ridiculous! When you said expensive I thought you meant $3 or $4 dollars. Most banks should have bill-pay ,where the bank mails a paper check a couple days before the due date.

[karen_in_nh_2012]

Originally Posted by OzzyRules

I have the option of paying by check, but I thought this would have made it easier for the apartment manager as well as myself. Yes, it's the third party who gets the fee, not the apartment. Almost 15 dollars a month.

I was hoping that I could pay through my bank's website. Is that not a normal option?

Why not check with your particular bank? Yes, that is often an option ... I can't figure out why you haven't just asked THEM.