Canadians looking to earn credit card rewards on large mandatory expenses like rent, property tax, and contractor fees often weigh two main platforms: **Chexy** and **Plastiq**.
⚠️ Important Consideration
Updated October 7, 2026: Starting October 22, 2026, Scotiabank pays only its regular 1% rate (instead of 4%) on rent (MCC 6513) and tax payments (MCC 9311) charged to the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite+, including payments made through Chexy. After Chexy's 1.75% fee that is a net loss. Utilities, insurance, phone and internet, daycare, tuition, car leases and gym payments still earn 4% (up to $25,000 per year). The recommendations and math below reflect this change.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Chexy | Plastiq |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction Fee (Visa/MC) | ~1.75% | 2.90% |
| Merchant Category Coding | Varies by payment type (rent posts as MCC 6513) | General Services (1%) |
| Landlord Payment Method | Automated Interac e-Transfer / Direct Deposit | EFT / Cheque / Direct Deposit |
| Primary Focus | Rent, Property Taxes, Utilities in Canada | B2B Vendor Invoices & US/CA Bills |
| Net on $2,000 Rent with a 3% Bills Card | +$26.05 / month (TD Cash Back Visa Infinite, until its annual bills limit) | Usually a loss (fee is higher than most cards earn) |
✅ Pro Tip
Winner for Rent & Personal Bills: Chexy, mainly because of its lower ~1.75% fee. Note that from October 22, 2026, the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite+ earns only 1% on rent and tax payments made through Chexy (a net loss), so pair Chexy with a card that pays 2% to 3% on bills instead.
