Landlord changed system in the new year and now it costs 3% to pay rent with debit card?

It didn't used to cost this much... It was either free in the old system or small $5 fee. 3% of $1200 is $36 per month...

They say I can pay with my bank account, but I'd rather not do that. I've always paid with debit and have no idea why a new system would be charging $36 for me to pay my rent. It seems like they've effectively raised my rent by 3%.

I'm in the USA. Am I just going to have to eat this cost? Is this legal for them to do? Any insight is greatly appreciated?