As digital payments become increasingly popular, landlords are looking for fast, secure, and easy-to-use tools to collect rent. Cash App and Square are two major platforms offering rental payment solutions, but which one is better suited for your property management needs? If you’re considering which service to use, read more to understand how these platforms compare in terms of features, fees, usability, and reliability.

Understanding Cash App for Rent Collection

Cash App, developed by Block Inc., is a peer-to-peer payment platform known for its simplicity and speed. Many tenants already use it for personal transactions, which makes it appealing for rent payments. With just a phone number or $Cashtag, tenants can send money instantly, and landlords receive funds directly to their linked bank account.

However, Cash App is primarily designed for personal use—not business transactions. While it does offer a Cash for Business account that supports payment tracking and tax reporting, it lacks the robust features needed for long-term rent management. For example, there’s no built-in lease tracking, recurring billing, or tenant communication tools.

Benefits of Using Cash App:

Instant transfers (with optional fees for faster access)

User-friendly mobile interface

Popular among younger renters

No monthly subscription fee

Downsides of Using Cash App:

Limited customer support

No built-in rent reminder or tracking features

Risk of chargebacks or payment disputes

No dedicated tenant portal or lease integration

Using Square for Rent Payments

Square, also owned by Block Inc., is a more professional platform designed for small businesses and service providers. Square allows landlords to set up custom invoices, accept credit card payments, and track income with integrated reporting tools. It supports online payments via email or SMS, recurring billing, and even integrates with some accounting and property management platforms.

Unlike Cash App, Square is built with businesses in mind, making it a stronger option for professional landlords and property managers. It allows more flexibility and control over rent collection processes and provides access to customer support and dispute resolution services.

Benefits of Using Square:

Professional invoices and payment tracking

Recurring billing and payment scheduling

Integration with accounting software

Better protection against fraud or disputes

Downsides of Using Square:

Transaction fees (typically 2.9% + 30¢ per payment)

Requires setup and configuration

May be overwhelming for small landlords with one or two units

Fee Structures Compared

Cash App for Business charges a flat 2.75% fee per transaction. Personal transactions are free, but using a business profile for rent ensures you remain compliant with tax laws and platform policies.

Square charges 2.9% + 30¢ per online payment, with additional fees for ACH transfers and hardware if you accept in-person payments. While slightly more expensive, these fees come with added features such as invoicing and transaction protection.

Security and Compliance

Both platforms use strong encryption and are PCI compliant, offering secure transactions. However, Square provides additional business features such as fraud detection, itemized receipts, and user management tools—making it a more secure choice for recurring, high-value transactions like rent.

Cash App is simpler but has been subject to more scams and misuse due to its casual nature. Landlords should be cautious when using Cash App for rent collection and always verify tenant profiles before accepting payments.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you're a landlord with just a few tenants and prefer a quick, no-frills payment method, Cash App may work for you. It’s familiar, free for personal use, and requires minimal setup. But you’ll need to manually track rent payments and send reminders.

On the other hand, if you're managing multiple units or want more professionalism, Square offers a better long-term solution. With automated invoices, scheduled payments, and comprehensive tracking, Square helps landlords stay organized and compliant.

Match Your Payment Platform to Your Rental Needs

The choice between Cash App and Square depends on how you run your rental business. For landlords prioritizing simplicity and instant transfers, Cash App may be the right fit—especially for occasional rent collection. For those who need more structure, payment tracking, and tenant management tools, Square stands out as the more complete, reliable option.

Be sure to read more and consider trying both platforms before committing to one. Ultimately, the best rent collection method is one that aligns with your workflow, meets your tenants’ needs, and protects your business from risk.