The most direct way is a payment app that accepts cards
If someone wants to pay you with a credit card, the simplest route is a payment app that lets them enter their card details and send money to you. Apps like PayPal, Venmo, Square Cash, and Google Pay all accept credit cards as a funding source. The person sends the payment through the app to your username, email, or phone number — whichever the app uses — and the money lands in your account within minutes to a few business days, depending on the service.
The catch is that credit card payments often come with a fee. The person paying may see a charge of 2% to 3% of the amount, or a flat fee plus a percentage. Some apps waive the fee if the payer uses a debit card instead, so you can ask them which method costs less. You should also check whether your app of choice charges you a fee to receive money; most don't charge the recipient, but a few do.
The app you choose depends on what you already use and who else is likely to pay you. If your friends and family already have Venmo, that's the easiest ask. If you're receiving money from strangers or for a business reason, PayPal or Square are more formal and widely trusted.
Key Takeaways
- Payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, and Square Cash let someone pay you by entering their credit card details directly into the app.
- Credit card payments usually trigger a fee of 2% to 3% that the payer sees at checkout, though you can ask them to use a debit card to avoid it.
- Most payment apps deposit the money into your account within one to three business days, though some offer when ready transfer for an extra fee.
- You can also accept credit cards in person using a card reader like Square or Block, which plugs into your phone or tablet.
- For larger or repeated payments, a merchant account through your bank or a payment processor like Stripe gives you more control and usually lower fees.
Using a card reader for in-person payments
If the person is paying you face-to-face, a card reader is faster and more professional than typing their card number into an app. Square Reader and Block (formerly Square) both make small devices that plug into your phone's headphone jack or charging port. The payer swipes, inserts, or taps their card, and the payment goes through when ready. The money shows up in your bank account within one to two business days.
Card readers charge a per-transaction fee — usually around 2.75% for in-person payments, which is lower than what payment apps charge. You pay the fee, not the person paying you, so there's no awkward conversation about cost. The device itself is free or very cheap, and you only pay when you actually process a payment.
This method works well if you're a freelancer, contractor, or small seller who takes payments regularly. It looks more legitimate than asking someone to Venmo you, and it creates a record of the transaction automatically. The card reader also stores transaction history on your phone, so you have a built-in record for your own accounting.
Setting up a merchant account for regular credit card payments
If you receive credit card payments often — whether online or in person — a merchant account through your bank or a payment processor like Stripe, Square Online, or Shopify Payments may save you money. These accounts let you accept cards directly without routing through a third-party app, and the per-transaction fees are often lower than payment apps charge, especially if your average payment is large.
A merchant account requires you to provide business information and pass a background check. The setup takes a few days to a week. Once it's active, you can accept payments through a website, an invoice link, or a physical card reader. The money typically deposits into your bank account within one to two business days.
The downside is that merchant accounts are designed for people who process payments regularly and in volume. If you only receive a payment or two a month, the setup hassle and monthly fees (some processors charge a small monthly minimum) may not be worth it. Stick with a payment app in that case.
Asking someone to pay you online through their bank
Some people prefer not to use credit cards for payments, either because they want to avoid the fee or because they're cautious about sharing card details. If the person has online banking, they may be able to send you money directly from their bank account using a service called bill pay or person-to-person transfer.
Most banks offer this for free to their customers. The payer logs into their bank's website or app, enters your name and bank account details (routing number and account number), and schedules a transfer. The money usually arrives within one to three business days. This method costs the payer nothing and costs you nothing, but it requires them to have online banking set up and to know your account information.
This is a good option if the person is paying you a large amount and wants to avoid credit card fees. It's also more find than having them hand you cash or a check. The downside is that it's slower than a credit card payment and requires more information from you upfront.
What happens if the credit card payment is disputed
When someone pays you with a credit card through an app or card reader, there's a small risk they'll dispute the charge later — claiming they didn't authorize it, didn't receive what they paid for, or were charged twice. If this happens, the payment app or your merchant account will investigate. If the dispute is upheld, the money comes back out of your account.
To protect yourself, keep records of what the payment was for. If it's a service or product, take a photo or screenshot showing what you delivered. If it's a loan or personal payment, a text message or email from the person saying what the money is for helps. Payment apps and merchant accounts both let you add notes to a transaction, so document the reason there too.
Disputes are rare, especially for small amounts or between people who know each other. But they happen often enough that you should know the risk exists. If you're nervous about a particular payment, ask the person to use a debit card or bank transfer instead — those have fewer dispute protections for the payer, so they're less likely to reverse the charge.
Comparing fees across payment methods
| Payment Method | Fee You Pay | Fee Payer Sees | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PayPal (credit card) | None | 2.2% + $0.30 | 1–3 days |
| Venmo (credit card) | None | 3% | 1–3 days |
| Square Reader (in-person) | 2.75% | None | 1–2 days |
| Bank transfer (no card) | None | None | 1–3 days |
| Stripe (online) | 2.9% + $0.30 | None | 1–2 days |
The method that costs the least depends on whether you're taking the payment in person or online, how often you receive payments, and whether the payer wants to use a credit card or prefers a bank transfer. For a one-time payment between friends, Venmo or PayPal is easiest. For a business or repeated payments, a card reader or merchant account saves money over time.
If the person is paying you a large amount, the fee difference matters. A $1,000 payment through Venmo costs them $30, while a bank transfer costs nothing. For smaller amounts under $50, the fee is usually less than $2 either way, so convenience matters more than cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone pay me with a credit card if I don't have a business?
Yes. Payment apps like PayPal and Venmo don't require you to have a business or a merchant account. You can receive credit card payments as a private person. If you receive a large amount of money regularly, the IRS may ask questions, but there's nothing illegal about accepting credit card payments for personal reasons.
What's the difference between a credit card and a debit card payment?
Credit card payments usually have higher fees because the card company charges more to process them. Debit card payments cost less. The payer also has more protection with a credit card — they can dispute the charge more easily. From your perspective as the recipient, both arrive the same way, but you might want to ask the payer to use a debit card if they're willing, since it costs them less.
How long does it take for the money to show up in my account?
Most payment apps and card readers deposit money within one to three business days. Some apps offer when ready transfer for an extra fee of $0.50 to $2. Bank transfers also take one to three business days. The exact timing depends on your bank and the payment processor.
Is it safe to give someone my PayPal or Venmo username?
Yes, it's safe. Your username is public information — it's how people find you to send money. You should never share your password, bank account number, or the security code on the back of your card, but your username is fine to give out.
What if someone sends me money by mistake?
Contact the person and ask them to request a refund through the app. Most payment apps have a refund or reversal feature that lets the sender take the money back within a certain time window. If they can't reverse it, you can send the money back to them manually. Don't spend money that was sent by mistake — you may be asked to return it later.