Property taxes in Ottawa are one of the largest recurring expenses for homeowners, and while you can’t avoid paying them, you can make the most of them. By using Chexy, you can pay your City of Ottawa property tax bill with a credit card for a lower fee than the city’s online payment portal. 

This guide will walk you through how to pay your municipal taxes in Ottawa online, how Chexy fits in, and how to optimize your payment strategy so your next tax bill works in your favour. 

How to Pay Property Tax in Ottawa

The City of Ottawa provides several traditional ways to pay your municipal taxes:

• Online Banking: Add Ottawa Property Taxes as a payee and enter the 19-digit tax roll number without periods as the account number.

• By Mail: Drop off a cheque payable to the City of Ottawa in one of three secure drop-boxes. 

• In-Person: Pay your property tax bill in person at one of the Client Service Centres. 

• Pre-Authorized Debit: Register for the PAD plan and set up automatic monthly or twice yearly scheduled payments. 

• Credit Card: You can pay your property tax bill through the online portal using a credit card, but you’ll be charged a 1.95% fee. 

These methods are reliable, but they don’t earn you any rewards, and they require more manual effort. If you’re looking for a smarter and more flexible way to pay your Ottawa property taxes, Chexy is a game-changer. 

Chexy: A Smarter Way to Pay

The City of Ottawa accepts credit card payments, but charges a fee of 1.95%, whereas Chexy charges only 1.75%. Here’s how paying with Chexy works: 

1. Create or log into your Chexy account.

2. Select “Set up a one-time payment.”

3. Choose the “Property Taxes” payment category.

4. Enter the payee (OTTAWA- TAXES) and your 19-digit property tax roll number. 

5. Enter the amount you owe, select your card, and submit the payment. 

How Chexy Processes Your Payment 

1. After adding your property tax payment, Chexy automatically charges your credit card. 

2. The funds make their way to your Chexy Wallet. 

3. Chexy sends your payment 3 business days later. 

Because payments take 3 business days to process, please ensure you send your payment before the due date. 

Fees for Paying Ottawa Property Taxes with Chexy

Chexy offers low, transparent fees:

• 1.75% for Visa and Amex 

• 2.5% for international credit cards 

This small fee is lower than the City of Ottawa’s and can easily be offset by the points, miles, or cash back you earn. 

Ottawa Property Tax Due Dates for 2025

The City of Ottawa typically sends out property tax bills twice per year. For 2025:

• Interim bill due date: March 20, 2025

• Final bill due date: June 19, 2025 

These deadlines apply to most property owners. If you’re on the PAD plan, your payments will be automatically withdrawn monthly.

Contact Information for Ottawa Property Taxes

If you need help with your Ottawa property tax bill or want more info, reach out to: 

City of Ottawa – Revenue Services:

• Visit a Client Service Centre

• revenue@ottawa.ca 

• 3-1-1 (in Ottawa) or 613-580-2400 (outside city)

Best Credit Cards to Use for Property Tax in Ottawa

When paying Ottawa taxes with Chexy, the transaction counts as a recurring bill, making it eligible for higher rewards on many credit cards.

*Ensure you use a credit card that earns higher rewards to offset the 1.75% Chexy fee. 

Here are a few top cards that give you strong returns on your property tax in Ottawa:

Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card

The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite earns you 4% cash back on recurring bills, up to $25,000 annually. You also earn 4% cashback on groceries, 3% back on gas and transit, and 1% back on everything else. 

With a property tax payment of $5,000, you’d earn $112.50 in cashback (after Chexy fees).

TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Card

The TD Cash Back Visa Infinite is another top pick, as you’ll earn 3% cash back on property tax payments and recurring bills (up to $15,000 annually). You can also earn 3% back on groceries and gas, and 1% back on everything else. 

With a property tax payment of $5,000, you’d earn $62.50 in cashback (after Chexy fees).  

American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card

The Amex Aeroplan Reserve earns you 1.25x the points on every dollar spent on property taxes, bills, and everything else. You can also earn 3x the points on Air Canada purchases and 2x the points on dining. 

It includes incredible Air Canada benefits, like lounge access and top-tier travel insurance. 

With a property tax payment of $5,000, you’d earn $43.75 in points (after Chexy fees).

Make Your Ottawa Property Tax Payment Work for You

Chexy gives you a flexible, rewarding way to handle your property taxes in Ottawa. Here’s why it’s a better way to pay:

• Use your credit card for City of Ottawa property tax payments (with lower fees)

• Earn cashback, points, or valuable travel miles 

• Avoid writing cheques or visiting service centres 

• Improve your credit score through regular bill payments 

Stop leaving rewards on the table. Get started with Chexy today.