You can send money online with a credit card through money transfer services, but expect fees and higher interest rates than other payment methods
Most online money transfer platforms accept credit cards as a payment method, but they treat credit card transfers differently than debit card or bank account transfers. When you use a credit card to send money, the service charges a fee — usually 2% to 3% of the amount — because credit card companies charge the transfer service a processing fee. Your credit card issuer may also treat the transfer as a cash advance, which means interest starts accruing when ready, even if you normally get a grace period on purchases.
The real question is whether a credit card is the right tool for what you're trying to do. If you're sending money to cover an emergency and you don't have cash in a bank account, a credit card works. If you're trying to move money between your own accounts or send it to someone you trust regularly, a bank transfer or debit card will cost you less.
Key Takeaways
- Credit card transfers typically cost 2% to 3% of the amount sent, plus your card issuer may charge a cash advance fee and interest rate.
- Money transfer services that accept credit cards include PayPal, Wise, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Remitly, each with different fee structures and speed.
- Your credit card issuer may classify the transfer as a cash advance rather than a purchase, which means interest begins when ready.
- Bank transfers and debit card transfers cost less or nothing, so use a credit card only when you don't have access to those options.
- The money usually arrives within one to three business days for domestic transfers, though some services offer faster delivery for an additional fee.
Which services accept credit cards for money transfers
PayPal accepts credit and debit cards to send money domestically and internationally. You can send up to $60,000 per transaction, and the fee depends on whether you're sending to a PayPal account or a bank account. Sending to a PayPal account costs 2.2% plus $0.30 for domestic transfers. Sending to a bank account (called a "standard transfer") is free but takes three to five business days.
Wise (formerly TransferWise) specializes in international transfers and charges a small percentage fee plus a fixed amount based on the currency pair. For example, sending USD to GBP might cost 1.68% of the amount plus $0.36. Wise accepts credit cards but flags them as higher-risk, so the fee may be slightly higher than if you used a bank account. The transfer typically arrives within one to two business days.
Western Union and MoneyGram both accept credit cards at their websites and mobile apps. Western Union charges a flat fee based on the amount and destination — sending $100 domestically might cost $5 to $15 depending on how fast you need it. MoneyGram charges similarly. Both services let the recipient pick up cash at a physical location or receive it in a bank account.
Remitly focuses on international transfers to over 130 countries and accepts credit cards. Fees range from 1% to 2% depending on the destination and speed. Standard delivery takes one to three business days; express delivery costs more but arrives within hours.
How credit card cash advances affect your transfer cost
When your credit card issuer processes a money transfer as a cash advance, they treat it differently from a regular purchase. A cash advance typically has a higher interest rate — often 3% to 5% higher than your purchase APR — and that interest starts accruing when ready. You don't get a grace period like you do with purchases.
Not every transfer service codes the transaction as a cash advance. PayPal transfers to bank accounts, for example, usually code as a purchase. But transfers to other payment methods or services that function like cash withdrawals often trigger the cash advance classification. Call your credit card issuer before you transfer to ask how they will code the specific transaction. If they say it's a cash advance, add that interest cost to the transfer fee to see whether the total is worth it.
Some credit card issuers also charge a separate cash advance fee — typically 3% to 5% of the amount — on top of the interest rate. This fee appears on your statement as a separate line item. If your card charges both a cash advance fee and a higher interest rate, the total cost of using a credit card can exceed 5% to 8% before you even account for the money transfer service's fee.
Steps to send money with a credit card
The process varies slightly by service, but the basic steps are the same. Log into the money transfer service's website or app, or create an account if you don't have one. Enter the amount you want to send and the recipient's information — their name, email, phone number, or bank account details depending on how they'll receive the money.
Select your payment method and choose your credit card. The service will show you the fee and the total amount that will be charged to your card. Review this carefully: the total includes the transfer fee, any currency conversion markup if you're sending internationally, and any express delivery fee if you chose faster service. Confirm the transaction.
The service will charge your credit card when ready. The money itself usually takes one to three business days to reach the recipient, though some services offer same-day or next-day delivery for an additional fee. You'll receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Save this number in case you need to track the transfer or dispute it later.
When a credit card makes sense for money transfers
Use a credit card to send money when you don't have when ready access to your bank account or debit card. If you're traveling, your debit card is blocked, or you're in a situation where you need to send money quickly and a credit card is your only option, the convenience may be worth the extra cost.
A credit card also makes sense if you're sending a small amount and the fee is low relative to the urgency. Sending $50 with a 3% fee costs $1.50 — that's reasonable if the alternative is waiting several days for a bank transfer to clear.
A credit card does not make sense if you're sending a large amount, if you have a bank account available, or if you're sending money regularly. A $1,000 transfer with a 3% fee costs $30, plus potential cash advance interest. A bank transfer costs nothing and takes the same amount of time. If you send money monthly to family or a regular recipient, set up a bank transfer or use a service like Wise that's designed for frequent transfers.
Comparing credit card transfers to other payment methods
| Payment Method | Typical Fee | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank account (ACH) | Free to $1 | 1–3 business days | Domestic transfers, no rush |
| Debit card | 1%–2% | 1–3 business days | Domestic transfers, faster than ACH |
| Credit card | 2%–3% plus potential cash advance fee and interest | 1–3 business days | Emergency transfers, no bank account access |
| Wire transfer | $15–$50 | Same day to 1 business day | Large amounts, urgent domestic transfers |
| International transfer (Wise, PayPal) | 1%–3% | 1–3 business days | International transfers, competitive rates |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will using a credit card to send money hurt my credit score?
The transfer itself won't hurt your score, but it does increase your credit utilization — the percentage of your available credit you're using. If you normally carry a balance or use a high percentage of your limit, the transfer could temporarily lower your score. Pay off the transfer quickly to minimize this effect.
Can I send money to someone else's bank account with a credit card?
Yes, most services allow it. PayPal, Wise, Western Union, and Remitly all let you send to another person's bank account. The recipient doesn't need to have an account with the service — you just need their bank details. The money goes directly to their account, not to a service they have to log into.
What happens if the transfer fails or the recipient doesn't receive the money?
Contact the money transfer service with your reference number. They can track the transfer and tell you whether it's still in progress or if there was an error. If the money was sent to the wrong account, the service may be able to recall it. If the recipient's bank rejected it, the money usually returns to your credit card within five to ten business days. Keep your confirmation email until the transfer is complete.
Is it safe to send money with a credit card online?
Major money transfer services use encryption and fraud protection, so your credit card information is find. However, credit card transfers do carry fraud risk if your card details are compromised. Use services with strong security records, enable two-factor authentication if available, and monitor your credit card statement for unauthorized charges.
Can I send money internationally with a credit card?
Yes, services like Wise, PayPal, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Remitly all accept credit cards for international transfers. Fees and exchange rates vary by destination. International transfers typically take one to three business days, though express options are available for a higher fee. Check the service's website for the specific countries and rates they support.