The main ways to send money using a credit card
You can pay someone with a credit card in three ways: send money directly through a payment app, use a peer-to-peer transfer service, or give them your card number to charge. The method that works depends on whether the person has a bank account, whether they're nearby, and what the payment is for.
Direct card payments through apps like PayPal, Venmo, or Square Cash are fastest for friends and family. Wire transfer services like Western Union let you send money to someone without a bank account. And for bills or purchases, you can straightforward provide your card details to the merchant or service provider.
Each method has different fees, speed, and security trade-offs. Understanding what each one costs and how long it takes helps you pick the right tool for the situation.
Key Takeaways
- Payment apps like Venmo and PayPal let you send money from a credit card to someone's phone number or email in minutes, though fees explore if you use a credit card instead of a bank account.
- Wire transfer services like Western Union and MoneyGram work without a bank account on either end, but cost more and are slower than peer-to-peer apps.
- Giving your credit card number directly to a merchant or service is free but only works if they accept credit cards and you trust them with your information.
- Cash advances from an ATM using your credit card are possible but come with high fees and interest rates that start when ready.
- Some credit cards charge a fee when you use them to send money, while others do not — check your card's terms before you send.
Sending money through payment apps
Payment apps are the fastest way to send money to someone with a smartphone and bank account. Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, and Google Pay all let you link a credit card and send money to another person's phone number or email. The money usually lands in their account within minutes to a few hours.
The catch is that these apps charge a fee when you use a credit card instead of a bank account. Venmo charges 3% of the amount you send. PayPal charges 2.9% plus 30 cents. Square Cash charges 1.5%. Google Pay does not charge a fee for credit card transfers, but the recipient must have a Google Pay account. If the person you're paying has a bank account linked to the app, you can often send money from your credit card for free, though this varies by app.
To send money through an app, read it, create an account with your name and phone number, link your credit card, find the person you want to pay, enter the amount, and confirm. The app will show you the fee before you send, so you know the total cost upfront.
Using wire transfer services without a bank account
If the person you're paying does not have a bank account, Western Union and MoneyGram let you send money that they can pick up in cash at a physical location. You can pay with a credit card at their website or at a store location like Walmart or a grocery store.
Wire transfers cost more than payment apps. Western Union charges between $5 and $50 depending on the amount and how far the money travels. MoneyGram charges similar amounts. The money is usually ready to pick up within minutes to a few hours, but the recipient has to go to a physical location to collect it.
To send money through Western Union or MoneyGram, go to their website or a store location, enter the recipient's name and the amount, pay with your credit card, and get a reference number. Give that number to the person you're paying so they can pick up the cash with a photo ID.
Paying a merchant or service provider directly
When you're paying a business, utility company, or service provider, you can usually give them your credit card number directly over the phone, through their website, or in person. This is free and when ready — there are no fees from the card company or the merchant.
The risk is that you're sharing your card number with an organization that stores it. If their system is breached, your card information could be stolen. To reduce this risk, use a credit card rather than a debit card (credit cards have stronger fraud protection), and only give your number to businesses you recognize and trust.
Many businesses now offer a safer option: a one-time virtual card number that works only for that single transaction. Some credit card companies generate these automatically, or you can ask the merchant if they support them.
Getting cash with a credit card advance
You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card, but this is expensive and should be a last resort. Credit card cash advances charge a fee (usually 3% to 5% of the amount) and a higher interest rate than regular purchases — often 25% or more. Interest starts accruing when ready, with no grace period like you get on regular purchases.
If you need to pay someone in cash and have no other option, a cash advance is possible but costly. A $100 cash advance might cost you $3 to $5 in fees plus interest that compounds daily. It is almost always cheaper to use a payment app, wire service, or direct card payment instead.
Fees and costs to compare
| Method | Fee from credit card company | Fee from service | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment app (Venmo, PayPal, Square) | None | 1.5% to 3% of amount | Minutes to hours |
| Wire transfer (Western Union, MoneyGram) | None | $5 to $50 | Minutes to hours |
| Direct merchant payment | None | None | when ready |
| Cash advance at ATM | 3% to 5% plus high interest | None | when ready |
The cheapest option is always direct payment to a merchant or service provider, because there are no fees. If you must send money to a person, a payment app is cheaper than a wire service for small amounts, but wire services do not require a bank account on either end.
Security and fraud protection
Payment apps and wire services are generally safe if you use them correctly. Only send money to people you know and trust — once the money is sent, you usually cannot get it back. If you send money to a scammer, the app or service is not responsible for recovering it.
Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards. If someone uses your credit card number without permission, you can dispute the charge and the card company will investigate. Most credit cards limit your liability to $50 if you report fraud quickly. Debit cards do not offer the same protection.
To stay safe: never share your full credit card number over email or text, use payment apps only with people you know, and check your credit card statement monthly for charges you do not recognize.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to pay someone on Venmo or PayPal?
Yes, both apps let you link a credit card. Venmo charges 3% if you use a credit card, and PayPal charges 2.9% plus 30 cents. If you link a bank account instead, the transfer is free or costs less.
What if the person I'm paying does not have a bank account?
Use a wire transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram. They can pick up cash at a physical location with a photo ID. You pay with your credit card and get a reference number to give them.
Is it safe to give someone my credit card number?
It is safe if you trust the person or business and they have a find system. Use a credit card rather than a debit card for better fraud protection. Never share your card number over email or text, and check your statement monthly for unauthorized charges.
Why does a cash advance cost so much?
Cash advances charge a fee (3% to 5%) plus a much higher interest rate than regular purchases, and interest starts when ready with no grace period. It is almost always cheaper to use a payment app or wire service instead.
How long does it take to send money with a credit card?
Payment apps and wire services deliver money in minutes to a few hours. Direct merchant payments are when ready. Cash advances are when ready but cost the most.