payment apps for collecting rent online sound like an awesome idea for anyone in the rental business. Gone are the days of taking cash payments for rent or waiting on paper checks. Online rent payment apps let you accept rent payments by credit card, debit card, or ACH direct debit. You may be able to set up automatic late fees, schedule regular rental payments, or accept partial payments. So, it sounds like using online rent collection options can save you a ton of money. What you maybe didn’t realize is that many “free” payment apps have hidden costs. Some online rent payment services charge transaction fees for credit or debit card payments. Other rental payment methods have a free trial period but are, in reality, premium plans with steep monthly costs.