You cannot pay a credit card directly with PayPal, but you can use PayPal to move money to your bank account and then pay from there
PayPal does not accept credit cards as a payment method for bills or transfers. If you try to link a credit card to PayPal and use it to pay another credit card bill, PayPal will decline the transaction. This is a rule PayPal enforces across all account types.
What you can do instead: transfer money from PayPal to your bank account, then use that bank account to pay your credit card bill through your card issuer's website or app. This takes two to three business days but works reliably. Alternatively, if your credit card issuer accepts PayPal as a payment method directly (some do), you can pay without moving money first.
The reason for PayPal's restriction is that credit card networks treat credit-to-credit transfers as cash advances, which carry high fees and interest rates. PayPal avoids this by not allowing the transaction at all.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal will not let you link a credit card and use it to pay another credit card bill, even if both cards are in your name.
- You can transfer money from PayPal to your linked bank account, then pay your credit card from that account.
- Some credit card issuers accept PayPal as a direct payment method on their bill-pay page, which skips the bank account step.
- Transfers from PayPal to your bank account usually take two to three business days.
- Paying a credit card with a credit card through any method typically triggers a cash advance fee and higher interest rate.
How to check if your credit card issuer accepts PayPal payments
Log into your credit card account on your issuer's website or app. Look for the "Make a Payment" or "Pay My Bill" section. Scroll through the payment method options — you will see choices like bank account, debit card, or wire transfer. If PayPal appears as an option, you can use it directly without transferring money first.
Major issuers like Chase, American Express, Discover, and Capital One do not currently list PayPal as a direct payment method. Smaller or regional banks sometimes do. The only way to know for certain is to check your own issuer's payment page.
If PayPal is not listed, move to the bank account transfer method described below.
How to transfer money from PayPal to your bank account and pay your card
Open PayPal and go to your Wallet. Click "Transfer Money" and select "Transfer to Your Bank." Choose the bank account you want to send money to (you must have already linked it). Enter the amount you need to pay your credit card bill and confirm the transfer.
PayPal will show you the transfer date — usually two to three business days. Once the money lands in your bank account, log into your credit card issuer's website or app, go to "Make a Payment," and pay the amount from your bank account as you normally would.
This method works with any credit card issuer and any bank account. There is no fee for transferring money from PayPal to your bank account if you have a standard PayPal account.
Why you should not pay a credit card with another credit card
If you use a credit card to pay another credit card bill — whether through PayPal, a payment processor, or directly — the transaction counts as a cash advance. Cash advances charge a separate fee (usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount) and a much higher interest rate than regular purchases, often 20 to 30 percent.
Interest on a cash advance starts accruing when ready, with no grace period. This means you pay interest from day one, even if you pay off the balance in full the next month. A $500 cash advance at 25 percent interest costs you roughly $10 in interest charges in the first month alone.
If you are short on cash and considering this option, look first at whether your credit card issuer offers a balance transfer (moving debt from one card to another, sometimes at a lower rate) or whether you can borrow from a bank account, family member, or personal loan instead.
What to do if you cannot access your bank account right now
If you do not have a linked bank account in PayPal, you can add one. Go to your PayPal Wallet, click "Link a Bank Account," and follow the prompts. PayPal will ask for your routing number and account number, which you can find on a check or in your bank's app. Verification usually takes one to two business days.
If you need to pay your credit card bill before your bank account is verified, contact your credit card issuer directly. Explain that you are having trouble making a payment and ask about a grace period or alternative payment arrangements. Many issuers will work with you rather than report a late payment.
Do not attempt to pay with a credit card through PayPal or any other third-party service. The fee and interest will cost you far more than any convenience is worth.
PayPal payment options for other types of bills
PayPal does accept debit cards, bank accounts, and PayPal balance as payment methods for most bills and transfers. You can pay utilities, rent, insurance, and other vendors through PayPal if they are set up to receive PayPal payments. You can also send money to another person's PayPal account or bank account.
The restriction applies only to credit cards — PayPal will not let you use a credit card to pay bills, send money, or make purchases through their platform. This is different from using PayPal as a payment method at a store or website, where credit cards are accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to pay my PayPal balance?
No. PayPal does not accept credit cards for any transaction, including paying your own PayPal balance. You can only add funds to PayPal using a bank account, debit card, or existing PayPal balance. If you need to add money to PayPal, use a debit card or bank transfer instead.
Will PayPal let me pay a credit card bill if I use a different card?
No. PayPal blocks all credit card transactions, regardless of whether the cards belong to the same person or different people. The restriction is on the payment method itself, not on the account or the recipient.
How long does it take for money to move from PayPal to my bank account?
Standard transfers take two to three business days. PayPal also offers an when ready transfer option for a small fee (usually $0.25 to $2, depending on the amount), which deposits money within 30 minutes. Check PayPal's transfer page to see which option is available for your bank.
Is there a fee for transferring money from PayPal to my bank?
No fee for standard transfers. when ready transfers charge a small fee. There is also no fee if you withdraw money to a debit card linked to your PayPal account, though this takes one to two business days.
What if my credit card payment is due tomorrow?
Call your credit card issuer and ask about a grace period or late payment waiver. Explain that you are arranging payment but it will arrive in a few days. Many issuers will hold off on reporting a late payment if you contact them before the due date. Do not attempt to pay with a credit card through PayPal or any workaround — the fees will make the problem worse.