You cannot pay a credit card balance with another credit card directly
Most credit card issuers do not allow you to make a payment on one card using another card as the payment method. When you try to pay online, by phone, or in person, the system will reject a credit card as a valid payment source. The card networks — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover — treat this as a cash advance or a transaction that creates risk for both the issuing bank and the network itself.
If you need to move a balance from one card to another, or if you need cash to pay a card, there are specific routes that actually work. Each has different costs, timelines, and effects on your account.
Key Takeaways
- Direct card-to-card payments are blocked by all major issuers; the system will not accept one credit card as payment for another.
- A balance transfer moves debt from one card to another and may offer a lower interest rate for a set period, but involves a transfer fee and a hard inquiry.
- A cash advance from one card lets you withdraw cash to pay another card, but charges a higher interest rate and a cash advance fee from day one.
- A third-party payment service or money transfer app can move funds between cards, but these services charge fees and may report the transaction as a cash advance.
- The cheapest option depends on your balance, the interest rates on both cards, and how long you plan to carry the debt.
Balance transfers: moving debt between cards
A balance transfer is the most direct way to move a balance from one card to another. You contact the card you want to transfer the balance to and request a balance transfer. That card's issuer pays off the balance on the first card, and you now owe the second card instead.
Balance transfers usually come with a promotional interest rate — often 0% APR for 6 to 21 months, depending on the card and the offer. After the promotional period ends, the regular APR applies to any remaining balance. You also pay a balance transfer fee, typically 3% to 5% of the amount transferred, charged upfront and added to your new balance.
The card you are transferring to must have available credit (your credit limit minus your current balance). The issuer will also run a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points. If you are approved, the transfer usually posts within 7 to 14 days.
Cash advances: withdrawing money to pay another card
A cash advance lets you withdraw cash from one credit card and use it to pay another. You can get cash at an ATM using your card's PIN, at a bank teller window, or through a convenience check that comes with your card. The cash is yours to use however you want.
Cash advances cost more than regular purchases. Interest starts accruing immediately — there is no grace period — and the APR is usually 3% to 5% higher than your purchase APR. You also pay a cash advance fee, typically 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn, charged upfront. If you withdraw $2,000, you might pay $60 to $100 in fees alone, plus interest starting that day.
Cash advances do not require a balance transfer request or approval from the second card's issuer. You simply withdraw the money and pay the first card's bill however you choose. However, the interest and fees make this option expensive if you carry the balance for more than a month or two.
Third-party payment services and money transfer apps
Services like PayPal, Square Cash, Venmo, and other money transfer platforms can move funds between accounts, but they have limits when it comes to credit cards. Most do not allow you to fund a transfer directly from a credit card — they require a bank account, debit card, or prepaid card as the source.
Some services do accept credit cards but charge a fee for the transaction, usually 2% to 3% of the amount. They also may report the transaction to your card issuer as a cash advance rather than a purchase, which means you pay cash advance interest and fees instead of the regular purchase rate. Before using any service, check the terms to see whether credit card funding is allowed and what fees apply.
These services are useful if you need to move money between people or between your own bank accounts, but they are not a reliable way to pay one credit card with another.
Comparing the cost of each option
| Method | Fee | Interest Rate | When Interest Starts | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance Transfer | 3–5% of amount transferred | 0% APR (promotional period), then regular APR | After promotional period ends | Moving a large balance to a lower rate for several months |
| Cash Advance | 3–5% of amount withdrawn | Higher APR (often 3–5% above purchase rate) | Immediately, no grace period | Short-term need for cash; paying off within a month |
| Third-Party Service | 2–3% (if credit card is accepted) | Varies; may be treated as cash advance | Depends on service and card issuer | Moving funds between accounts; not ideal for card-to-card payments |
A balance transfer is usually the cheapest option if you are moving a large balance and can pay it off during the promotional period. A cash advance makes sense only if you need the money for a short time and plan to pay it back quickly. A third-party service is rarely the best choice for paying one card with another, because of fees and the risk of being charged cash advance interest.
What happens to your credit when you use these methods
A balance transfer triggers a hard inquiry, which lowers your score by a few points temporarily. It also increases your credit utilization on the new card (the ratio of your balance to your credit limit), which can lower your score further if the utilization is high. However, it reduces utilization on the card you transferred from, which helps your score. The net effect is usually a small dip that recovers within a few months.
A cash advance also triggers a hard inquiry and increases utilization on the card you are borrowing from. It does not directly affect the card you are paying, but carrying a cash advance balance costs more in interest, so you should pay it off as quickly as possible.
Both methods show up on your credit report and may be visible to future lenders. Issuers can see that you are moving debt around, which may affect your creditworthiness if you do it repeatedly.
When you should not use these methods
If you are using one card to pay another just to avoid missing a payment, stop and contact your card issuer instead. Most issuers have hardship programs, payment deferment options, or the ability to lower your interest rate if you are struggling. Missing a payment damages your credit far more than asking for help.
If you are moving balances between cards repeatedly to chase 0% offers, you are paying transfer fees each time and accumulating debt. This strategy works only if you have a concrete plan to pay off the balance before the promotional period ends. If you do not, you are just delaying the problem and paying more in fees.
Do not use a cash advance to pay another card unless you can pay back the cash advance within a month. The interest rate is too high to carry the balance long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to pay my credit card bill online?
No. Credit card issuers do not accept another credit card as a payment method. You can pay with a bank account (ACH transfer), debit card, or check, but not with a credit card. If you try, the payment will be declined.
Is a balance transfer the same as paying off the card?
No. A balance transfer moves your debt from one card to another; you still owe the money. You are not paying it off, just moving it to a card with a lower interest rate or a promotional 0% period. You still have to make payments on the new card.
What is the difference between a balance transfer and a cash advance?
A balance transfer moves your debt directly to another card and may offer a 0% promotional rate. A cash advance withdraws cash from one card, which you then use to pay another card. Cash advances charge interest immediately and have a higher APR, making them more expensive for long-term balances.
Will a balance transfer hurt my credit score?
A balance transfer causes a small temporary dip because of the hard inquiry and increased utilization on the new card. However, it also reduces utilization on the old card. Most people see their score recover within a few months, especially if they make on-time payments on the new card.
Can I do a balance transfer if I have bad credit?
It depends on the card and the issuer. Cards with 0% balance transfer offers usually require good to excellent credit. If your credit is poor, you may not be approved, or you may be approved for a smaller transfer amount or a shorter promotional period. You can still ask; the worst outcome is a denial.