You cannot transfer money directly from one credit card to another
Credit cards are designed to let you borrow money to make purchases, not to move funds between accounts. If you try to use one credit card to pay another credit card's bill, the transaction will be declined or treated as a cash advance — which carries a higher interest rate and fees.
What you can do is pay one credit card using money from your bank account, or use a balance transfer offer if your card issuer provides one. A balance transfer moves an existing balance from one card to another, usually with a promotional interest rate for a set period. This is different from moving cash or making a payment.
The method you choose depends on whether you are trying to pay a bill, move a balance, or access cash. Each has different costs and timing.
Key Takeaways
- Direct card-to-card transfers do not exist; you must route money through a bank account or use a balance transfer offer from your card issuer.
- A balance transfer moves an existing balance to a new card at a lower interest rate, but charges a one-time fee (usually 3 to 5 percent) and requires approval.
- Cash advances let you withdraw money from a credit card at an ATM, but charge higher interest rates and fees than regular purchases.
- The fastest way to pay one credit card bill with funds from another is to transfer money to your bank account first, then pay the bill from there.
Balance transfers: moving a balance to a lower-rate card
A balance transfer moves the money you owe on one credit card to a different card, usually one with a lower interest rate or a promotional period where you pay no interest. You do not receive cash; the issuer of the new card pays off the old card on your behalf.
To start a balance transfer, contact the card issuer you want to transfer to and ask about balance transfer offers. You will need to provide the account number of the card you want to pay off, the amount you want to transfer, and proof of your identity. The new card's issuer will contact your old card's issuer and arrange the transfer.
Balance transfers charge a fee, usually between 3 and 5 percent of the amount transferred. If you transfer $5,000, expect to pay $150 to $250 upfront. This fee is added to your new card's balance. The benefit is the promotional interest rate — often 0 percent for 6 to 21 months, depending on the card and the offer. After the promotional period ends, the regular interest rate applies to any remaining balance.
Balance transfers take 5 to 14 days to complete. During that time, both cards remain active, so do not close the old card or make new charges on it until the transfer is done.
Cash advances: withdrawing money from your credit card
A cash advance lets you withdraw money from your credit card at an ATM or bank branch. You receive actual cash, which you can then use to pay another credit card bill or anything else. However, cash advances are expensive.
Cash advances charge an upfront fee (usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn) and a higher interest rate than regular purchases — often 20 to 30 percent, depending on your card and credit history. Interest starts accruing when ready; there is no grace period like there is for purchases. If you withdraw $1,000, you might pay $30 to $50 in fees plus interest that begins the same day.
To take a cash advance, visit an ATM that accepts your card, enter your PIN, and select the cash advance option. Some banks also allow cash advances at the teller window. Check your card's terms to confirm your cash advance limit, which is often lower than your credit limit.
Paying one credit card bill from your bank account
The simplest and cheapest way to pay one credit card using funds from another card is to move money to your bank account first, then pay the credit card bill from there. This avoids fees and high interest rates.
If the other card is a debit card or a card linked to a bank account, you can transfer money from that account to your checking or savings account using your bank's online portal, a mobile app, or by calling your bank. Once the money is in your account, log into the credit card's website or app and make a payment from your bank account. Most credit card issuers accept bank transfers and process them within one to three business days.
If the other card is a credit card with no linked bank account, you will need to use a cash advance or balance transfer instead, since you cannot move credit directly between cards.
When a balance transfer makes sense
A balance transfer is worth considering if you carry a balance on a high-interest credit card and have access to a card with a 0 percent promotional rate. The math is straightforward: if you owe $3,000 at 22 percent interest and can transfer it to a card with 0 percent for 12 months, you save roughly $660 in interest, even after paying the $90 to $150 transfer fee.
Balance transfers work best if you have a plan to pay down the balance during the promotional period. When the 0 percent period ends, the interest rate jumps to the regular rate, which is usually 15 to 25 percent. If you still owe money at that point, you are back where you started.
You will also need decent credit to be approved for a balance transfer card. Most cards offering 0 percent promotional rates require a credit score of 670 or higher. If your score is lower, you may not be approved, or the promotional rate may not be as generous.
Comparing your options
| Method | Fee | Interest Rate | Time to Complete | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance transfer | 3–5% of amount transferred | 0% for 6–21 months, then regular rate | 5–14 days | Moving a large balance to a lower rate |
| Cash advance | 3–5% of amount withdrawn | 20–30%, starts when ready | Same day | Needing cash quickly; not recommended for paying bills |
| Bank account transfer then payment | None | None (you are paying with your own money) | 1–3 business days | Paying a bill with funds from another account |
What to watch out for
Do not confuse a balance transfer with a regular payment. A balance transfer moves an existing balance to a new card; a payment reduces the balance on your current card. If you make a regular payment from your bank account, your credit card balance goes down. If you do a balance transfer, your old card's balance goes to zero, but you now owe the new card.
Be aware that balance transfer offers are temporary. The 0 percent rate expires, and the regular rate takes over. Mark the end date on your calendar and have a plan to pay the balance before that date arrives. Many people transfer a balance, forget about the promotional period, and end up paying high interest on the remaining balance.
Also check whether your card issuer allows balance transfers from other cards issued by the same company. Some do not. If you want to transfer a balance between two cards from the same bank, contact that bank first to confirm it is allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to pay another credit card bill online?
Most credit card issuers do not accept credit card payments directly through their website or phone system. You must pay from a bank account, with a check, or by mail. If you try to enter a credit card number as the payment method, the system will reject it. Your bank account is the standard payment method.
What is the difference between a balance transfer and a cash advance?
A balance transfer moves an existing balance from one card to another at a promotional rate. A cash advance withdraws cash from your credit card at an ATM. Balance transfers are cheaper if you are moving a large balance; cash advances are faster if you need money right now, but they charge higher interest and fees.
Do balance transfers hurt my credit score?
A balance transfer may temporarily lower your credit score because the issuer will do a hard inquiry and open a new account. However, if you use the transfer to pay off high-interest debt and keep your new card's balance low, your score usually recovers within a few months as you pay down the balance.
How long does a balance transfer take?
Most balance transfers take 5 to 14 days from the time you request them. Some issuers complete them in 3 to 5 days. During the transfer, both cards remain active. Do not close the old card until the transfer is complete and you have confirmed the balance is zero.
What happens if I cannot pay off the balance before the promotional period ends?
The interest rate on your remaining balance will jump to the regular rate, which is usually 15 to 25 percent. You will then owe interest on whatever balance is left. If you know you cannot pay it off in time, a balance transfer may not be worth the fee.