You cannot pay a credit card directly with another credit card
Most credit card issuers do not let you make a payment using another credit card. If you try to pay your Visa bill with your Mastercard through your bank's website or by phone, the transaction will be declined. The payment systems are designed to accept only bank accounts, debit cards, or checks.
There are a few workarounds that exist, but each one costs money and comes with trade-offs. Understanding what those options are — and what they actually cost — matters before you consider using them.
Key Takeaways
- Direct credit card payments are blocked by card issuers, so you cannot pay one credit card with another through normal payment channels.
- Balance transfers move debt from one card to another and may offer a lower interest rate, but they charge a fee (usually 3 to 5 percent) and require a new card.
- Cash advances let you withdraw money from a credit card to deposit into a bank account, but they charge higher interest rates and fees than regular purchases.
- Peer-to-peer payment apps and money orders are indirect routes that work but add friction and cost without solving the underlying debt problem.
- If you cannot pay your current card, the real issue is cash flow, not payment method — a balance transfer or payment plan may help more than a workaround.
Balance transfers: moving debt to a new card
A balance transfer moves your debt from one credit card to another, usually one with a lower interest rate. You do not pay the old card with the new card directly. Instead, the new card issuer pays off your old balance, and you owe the new card instead.
Balance transfers typically charge a fee of 3 to 5 percent of the amount transferred. If you transfer $5,000, expect to pay $150 to $250 upfront. Many cards offer a 0 percent introductory rate for 6 to 21 months, which can save you money if your current card charges 18 to 25 percent interest — but only if you pay down the balance before the promotional period ends.
The catch: you need to be approved for a new card, and the new card must have available credit. If your credit score is low or you already carry high balances, approval may be difficult. Also, closing or not using your old card after the transfer can hurt your credit score by reducing your available credit and shortening your credit history.
Cash advances: borrowing against your credit limit
A cash advance lets you withdraw money from your credit card at an ATM or bank, then deposit that cash into your checking account to pay another card. This works, but it is expensive.
Cash advances charge a fee (usually 3 to 5 percent, with a minimum of $5 to $10) plus a higher interest rate than regular purchases — often 25 to 30 percent, starting when ready with no grace period. If you advance $1,000, you pay $30 to $50 in fees alone, plus interest that accrues from day one. Over a month, the total cost can exceed what you would pay by straightforward letting the balance sit on your original card.
Cash advances also count against your credit limit, so using one reduces the credit available for other purchases. They are a last resort, not a strategy.
Peer-to-peer payment apps and money orders
Apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Square Cash let you send money to another person's bank account. You could theoretically use one to send money to someone else, have them deposit it into your account, and then pay your credit card — but this adds steps, relies on another person, and does not solve the problem of paying the card.
Money orders work similarly: you buy a money order with one credit card (which counts as a cash advance), then deposit it into your bank account. You are paying cash advance fees and interest for the privilege of moving money in circles.
Neither option is cheaper or faster than the direct alternatives. They exist as workarounds only when you have no other choice.
What to do if you cannot pay your credit card
If you are looking for a way to pay one credit card with another, the real problem is usually that you do not have enough cash to pay either card. Trying to shuffle debt between cards does not create new money — it just moves the problem and adds fees.
If you are behind on payments or carrying balances you cannot pay down, contact your card issuer directly. Many offer hardship programs that lower your interest rate, waive fees, or set up a payment plan. These are not advertised, but they exist, and they cost nothing to ask about.
If you have multiple cards with balances, a balance transfer to a 0 percent card makes sense only if you have a plan to pay the balance during the promotional period. Otherwise, you are just paying fees to delay the problem.
The cost comparison: what each method actually costs
| Method | Fee | Interest Rate | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance transfer | 3–5% of amount transferred | 0% for 6–21 months (then standard rate) | You have decent credit and a plan to pay during the promotional period |
| Cash advance | 3–5% plus $5–$10 minimum | 25–30% starting when ready | You need cash urgently and have no other option |
| Peer-to-peer app | Usually free between users; counts as cash advance if funded by credit card | Varies; often same as cash advance | Rarely; adds steps without saving money |
| Direct bank account payment | None | N/A | Always, if you have the cash |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to buy a money order and then deposit it?
Yes, but it costs you. Buying a money order with a credit card counts as a cash advance, so you pay the cash advance fee and interest rate when ready. You are paying fees to move money from one account to another without solving the underlying debt.
Will a balance transfer hurt my credit score?
A balance transfer involves a hard inquiry and a new account, which can lower your score by 5 to 10 points temporarily. However, if it lowers your overall credit utilization (the percentage of your total credit limit you are using), your score may recover within a few months. Closing your old card after the transfer can hurt more than opening the new one.
What happens if I do a balance transfer but cannot pay it off during the 0 percent period?
The remaining balance reverts to the card's standard interest rate, which is often 18 to 25 percent. You will owe interest on the full remaining balance from that point forward. Balance transfers only save money if you pay the balance before the promotional rate ends.
Is there any way to actually pay one credit card with another?
Not directly through the card issuer. The only indirect methods are balance transfers (which move debt, not make a payment) or cash advances (which are expensive). If you need to move money between accounts, a bank transfer or debit card payment is always cheaper.
Should I call my credit card company if I cannot pay my bill?
Yes. Many issuers offer hardship programs, temporary rate reductions, or payment plans at no cost. These are not widely advertised, but they are real options. Calling before you miss a payment is better than calling after.