You cannot pay a credit card bill directly with another credit card
Most credit card issuers will not let you make a regular payment on your bill using another credit card. If you try to pay online, by phone, or by mail, the payment system will reject a credit card as a funding source. The card networks (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and the banks that issue cards treat this as a cash advance or a balance transfer, which come with their own rules, fees, and interest rates — not as a standard payment.
There are a few narrow ways to move money from one card to another, but each one costs you money and should only be used if you are in a tight spot. Understanding what each method does, what it costs, and when it makes sense is the only way to avoid paying more than you have to.
Key Takeaways
- Direct credit card payments are blocked by card networks; you cannot enter one card number to pay another card's bill.
- A balance transfer moves debt from one card to another and usually charges a fee of 3 to 5 percent of the amount transferred.
- A cash advance lets you withdraw money from a credit card at an ATM or bank, but charges a fee and starts accruing interest when ready with no grace period.
- Using a debit card, bank transfer, or payment app to move money is cheaper than either a balance transfer or cash advance.
- If you are behind on a payment, contact your card issuer to discuss a hardship plan before attempting any workaround.
Why credit card payments cannot come from another credit card
When you make a payment on a credit card, the issuer expects the money to come from a real bank account, a debit card, or cash. Credit card networks have rules that prevent one credit card from directly paying another card's bill. This rule exists partly to prevent fraud and partly because the card networks want to keep credit card debt separate from payment methods.
If you try to use one credit card to pay another card's bill through the issuer's website or phone line, the system will either reject the transaction outright or flag it as a cash advance. A cash advance is treated very differently from a regular payment: it charges a fee, starts accruing interest right away, and does not get the grace period that regular purchases do.
Balance transfers: moving debt from one card to another
A balance transfer is a formal way to move the balance from one credit card to another. You contact the new card's issuer (or they may offer it to you unsolicited) and ask them to pay off your old card's balance. The new issuer sends the money directly to the old card, and you now owe the new card instead.
Balance transfers almost always charge a fee, usually between 3 and 5 percent of the amount transferred. Some cards offer a 0 percent introductory rate for a set period — often 6 to 18 months — which can save you money on interest if you pay down the balance during that window. After the intro period ends, the regular interest rate kicks in.
A balance transfer makes sense only if the new card's intro rate and fee are better than what you would pay in interest on the old card. If you are carrying a $5,000 balance at 22 percent interest on your current card, a balance transfer with a 3 percent fee ($150) to a card with 0 percent for 12 months could save you hundreds in interest — but only if you pay down the balance during those 12 months. If you do not, you will owe interest at the new card's regular rate, plus you have already paid the transfer fee.
Cash advances: withdrawing money from a credit card
A cash advance is when you withdraw money directly from your credit card at an ATM, a bank teller window, or through a convenience check. The money goes into your pocket or bank account, not toward paying another card. You can then use that cash to pay your other card however you want.
Cash advances charge a fee — usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum fee of $5 to $10. Unlike a regular purchase, a cash advance starts accruing interest when ready. There is no grace period. If you withdraw $1,000 at a 4 percent fee, you pay $40 upfront, and interest begins accruing the same day at your card's cash advance rate, which is often higher than the purchase rate.
A cash advance should be a last resort. The combination of the upfront fee and when ready interest makes it one of the most expensive ways to borrow money on a credit card. It only makes sense if you have no other way to access funds and you can pay back the cash advance within a few days.
Cheaper alternatives: debit cards, bank transfers, and payment apps
Before you consider a balance transfer or cash advance, check whether you have other ways to fund a payment. A debit card, a bank transfer from your checking account, or a payment app like Venmo or PayPal (if your card issuer accepts them) will move money without the fees and interest that come with balance transfers or cash advances.
If you do not have money in your bank account right now, a personal loan from a bank or credit union is usually cheaper than a balance transfer or cash advance. Personal loans charge interest, but the rate is often lower than a credit card's rate, and there is no upfront transfer fee. You borrow a fixed amount, make fixed monthly payments, and the loan ends on a set date.
A 0 percent introductory credit card offer (if you may have access to for one) is another option. You could open a new card with a 0 percent intro rate on purchases or balance transfers, use it to pay off your current card, and then focus on paying down the new card during the intro period. This only works if you have good credit and can be approved quickly.
What to do if you are behind on a payment
If you are behind on a credit card payment and are looking for a way to catch up, do not start with a balance transfer or cash advance. Contact your card issuer first. Many issuers have hardship programs that can lower your interest rate, waive fees, or set up a payment plan that fits your budget. These programs are free and do not show up on your credit report the way a missed payment does.
Tell the issuer your situation honestly: a job loss, medical emergency, or unexpected expense. Be specific about what you can afford to pay each month. Some issuers will freeze your account while you work out a plan, which stops late fees and interest from piling up. Others will reduce your interest rate for a set period. The exact terms depend on the issuer and your history with them.
If the issuer cannot help, look into a nonprofit credit counselor through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). They offer free or low-cost sessions to help you understand your options and sometimes negotiate with creditors on your behalf.
Comparing the costs of each method
The table below shows the upfront cost, interest treatment, and best use case for each way to move money between cards or fund a payment. Use this to compare which option costs the least for your situation.
| Method | Upfront Cost | Interest Rate | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance transfer | 3–5% fee | 0% intro, then regular rate | Moving a large balance to a card with a long 0% intro period |
| Cash advance | 3–5% fee | Starts when ready, higher rate | Only if you need cash and can repay within days |
| Debit card or bank transfer | None | None | Whenever possible — this is always the cheapest option |
| Personal loan | None or low origination fee | Fixed rate, usually lower than credit card | Consolidating multiple cards or paying off a large balance |
The cheapest option is always a debit card or bank transfer, because neither charges a fee or interest. If those are not possible, a personal loan usually costs less than a balance transfer or cash advance over time, even though you pay interest on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I try to pay my credit card bill with another credit card online?
The payment system will reject the transaction or convert it to a cash advance. Either way, you will not be able to make a regular payment this way. If the system does process it as a cash advance, you will be charged a fee and interest will start accruing when ready.
Is a balance transfer the same as paying one card with another?
No. A balance transfer moves your debt from one card to another, but it is not a payment. You still owe the money; you just owe it to a different card issuer now. The new issuer charges a fee and may offer a lower interest rate for a limited time.
Can I use a credit card to withdraw cash and then pay my other card?
Yes, but it is expensive. A cash advance charges a 3 to 5 percent fee upfront and interest starts accruing when ready at a higher rate than purchases. This should only be a last resort if you have no other way to access funds.
What is the cheapest way to pay one credit card with money from another source?
Use a debit card, a bank transfer from your checking account, or a payment app if your card issuer accepts it. These methods have no fees or interest. If you do not have money available right now, a personal loan from a bank or credit union is usually cheaper than a balance transfer or cash advance.
Should I do a balance transfer if I am behind on payments?
Not when ready. Call your card issuer first and ask about hardship programs. Many issuers will lower your rate or set up a payment plan for free. If that does not work, then explore a balance transfer to a card with a 0 percent intro rate, but only if you can commit to paying down the balance during the intro period.