Credit card payments are enabling tenants to ensure payments are reliably paid - though there is a cost implication warns one of the county's leading letting agents.

While some concerns have been raised about paying for life on credit cards, Jayne Tart, head of lettings at Balfours Property Professionals, reports a change in recent years as people find it more convenient and agents are ensured payments.

She explains: "We have seen an increased number of tenants who have paid their deposit and or rent via credit card. Without doubt 21^st century living is more mobile in every sense and paying by credit card is considered and easy short-term method of making payments, giving both parties peace of mind that rent is paid on time. Today fewer people have cheque books and renting is often a speedy process.

"At Balfours we offer credit and debit card methods of payment for speed and convenience. We have an increasing number of properties let throughout Shropshire and the facility was originally set up to give new applicants the opportunity to pay over the phone, avoiding having to travel to an office and speeding up the procedure of securing a property.

She says that as agents Balfours require prospective tenants to submit a detailed financial reference as part of the renting process. Landlords do need to be sure that any potential tenant is not living ‘on tick' which of course is the concern some have with today's world of cards - this way everyone knows the rent will take priority over High Street spending.

Jayne adds: "My only concern is that payment by cards can incur an additional 3% charge which can quickly mount up on regular monthly rent payments. Whilst it is jolly convenient if the rental is just for a few months, or in the set up process, I believe those renting for 12 months plus should still consider setting up a direct debit which normally incurs no cost and gives both parties assurance that rent is paid on time."

Pictured Jayne Tart, of Balfours - credit cards aid mobile lifestyles.