Yes, you can send money with a credit card, but the method and cost depend on who you're sending it to and which service you use
A credit card is not the fastest or cheapest way to move money to another person, but it works. The main routes are money transfer apps (PayPal, Venmo, Square Cash), wire services (Western Union, MoneyGram), bank transfers, and peer-to-peer payment platforms. Each charges differently and takes a different amount of time. Some let you link your credit card directly; others require you to load money into an account first, then send from there. The catch is that most charge a fee when you use a credit card instead of a bank account or debit card — sometimes 3% or more of the amount you're sending.
Key Takeaways
- Money transfer apps like PayPal and Venmo accept credit cards but often charge a fee of 2% to 3% for credit card transfers, while bank account transfers are free or cheaper.
- Wire services like Western Union and MoneyGram let you send money with a credit card at a physical location or online, but fees are typically $5 to $50 depending on the amount and destination.
- Sending money to someone else's bank account using your credit card usually requires a third-party service and costs more than sending to a payment app.
- The recipient's location and whether they have a bank account or app account determine which method will work and how long the money takes to arrive.
Money transfer apps that accept credit cards
PayPal, Venmo, Square Cash, and Google Pay all let you link a credit card and send money to friends or family. The process is straightforward: read the app, add your credit card, enter the recipient's username or phone number, and send. Money usually arrives within one to three business days if you're sending to a U.S. bank account.
The trade-off is the fee. PayPal charges 2.2% plus $0.30 for credit card transfers to a U.S. bank account. Venmo charges 3% if you use a credit card (though transfers from a bank account or debit card are free). Square Cash and Google Pay are free for transfers between users in the U.S., but if you're sending to a bank account, fees vary. These apps work best when both people have the app and you're sending small amounts — $50 to $500 — because the percentage fee stays manageable.
Wire services and in-person money transfer
Western Union and MoneyGram let you walk into a physical location (grocery stores, pharmacies, check-cashing shops) and send money with a credit card. You can also send online through their websites. The recipient picks up cash at another location, usually within minutes to a few hours. This method works when the person you're sending to doesn't have a bank account or needs cash when ready.
Fees are flat amounts rather than percentages. Western Union typically charges $5 to $50 depending on how much you send and how far it's going. MoneyGram charges similarly. If you're sending $100, you might pay $10 to $15. If you're sending $1,000, you might pay $30 to $50. These fees are higher than app-based transfers, but the speed and cash-in-hand option make them worth it in emergencies. Both services accept credit cards online and at physical locations.
Bank-to-bank transfers using a credit card
Sending money directly from your credit card to someone else's bank account is not straightforward because most banks don't accept credit cards for outgoing transfers — they see it as a cash advance or balance transfer, which triggers higher fees and interest rates. Instead, you use a third-party service like PayPal, Wise (formerly TransferWise), or your bank's own bill-pay system.
PayPal is the most common route: link your credit card, enter the recipient's email and bank details, and send. The fee is 2.2% plus $0.30. Wise is cheaper for international transfers (1.5% to 2%) but more expensive for domestic U.S. transfers. If you're sending to someone in the U.S. with a bank account, a money transfer app is usually faster and cheaper than Wise. For international transfers, Wise is often the best option despite the credit card fee.
Why credit card transfers cost more
Services charge more for credit card transfers because they treat them differently than debit card or bank account transfers. A debit card or bank account withdrawal is a direct pull from your money. A credit card is a loan — the service has to wait for the credit card company to process and pay them, which takes longer and costs more. They pass that cost to you as a fee.
Additionally, credit card companies themselves may charge you a cash advance fee if the service codes the transaction as a cash advance rather than a purchase. This is rare with major apps like PayPal and Venmo, but it can happen with smaller services or wire transfers. Check your credit card's terms before sending large amounts.
Comparing costs across methods
| Method | Fee with Credit Card | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| PayPal (to bank account) | 2.2% + $0.30 | 1–3 business days | Sending to a U.S. bank account |
| Venmo (to bank account) | 3% | 1–3 business days | Sending to friends with Venmo accounts |
| Western Union (cash pickup) | $5–$50 flat | Minutes to hours | Emergency cash transfers |
| MoneyGram (cash pickup) | $5–$50 flat | Minutes to hours | Emergency cash transfers |
| Wise (international) | 1.5%–2% | 1–2 business days | Sending money abroad |
For small domestic transfers ($100 to $500), a money transfer app is usually cheapest. For large amounts ($1,000+), the percentage fee adds up, so a flat-fee service like Western Union might be better. For international transfers, Wise beats PayPal on cost. For emergencies where the recipient needs cash when ready, Western Union or MoneyGram are the only options.
How to reduce fees when sending with a credit card
The simplest way to avoid credit card fees is to use a debit card or bank account instead. If you don't have a debit card, link a bank account to the service and transfer money from your bank to the app first, then send from there. This takes an extra day but saves the 2% to 3% fee.
If you must use a credit card, send smaller amounts more often rather than one large transfer. A $100 transfer with a 3% fee costs $3; a $1,000 transfer costs $30. You can also look for services that waive credit card fees for new users — PayPal and Venmo sometimes run promotions. Finally, if you're sending internationally, Wise is cheaper than PayPal even with a credit card fee, so compare before you send.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money with a credit card to someone without a bank account?
Yes, but only through services that offer cash pickup. Western Union and MoneyGram let the recipient collect cash at a physical location. Money transfer apps like PayPal and Venmo require the recipient to have a bank account or the app itself. If the person has neither, a wire service is your only option.
Does sending money with a credit card count as a cash advance?
Usually no. PayPal, Venmo, and most money transfer apps code transfers as purchases, not cash advances. However, some wire services or smaller platforms may code them as cash advances, which triggers a higher fee and interest when ready. Check with the service before sending, or call your credit card company to confirm how they'll treat the transaction.
How long does it take to send money with a credit card?
Money transfer apps typically take one to three business days to reach a bank account. Wire services like Western Union deliver cash in minutes to a few hours. International transfers through Wise take one to two business days. The speed depends on the service and whether the recipient is picking up cash or receiving a bank deposit.
What's the cheapest way to send money with a credit card?
For domestic transfers, PayPal to a bank account costs 2.2% plus $0.30, which is usually cheaper than Venmo's flat 3%. For international transfers, Wise is cheaper than PayPal. For emergency cash, Western Union and MoneyGram charge flat fees that may be lower than a percentage fee on large amounts. Compare the total fee for your specific amount and destination before choosing.
Can I send money internationally with a credit card?
Yes. PayPal, Wise, and Western Union all accept credit cards for international transfers. Wise is usually the cheapest option for bank-to-bank transfers abroad, charging 1.5% to 2%. Western Union and MoneyGram work for cash pickup in most countries but charge higher fees. PayPal is more expensive for international transfers but works if the recipient has a PayPal account.