You can pay a credit card bill with another credit card, but it usually costs money and comes with risks
Paying one credit card with another credit card is possible, but it is rarely the cheapest way to handle a bill. Most credit card issuers do not accept direct card-to-card payments. Instead, you would use a cash advance or a balance transfer — two different tools with different costs and purposes.
A cash advance lets you borrow money against your credit limit and use it to pay the other card. A balance transfer moves debt from one card to another. Both charge fees upfront, and both charge interest if you do not pay the full amount by the due date. The interest rate on a cash advance is almost always higher than the rate on regular purchases.
The only scenario where this makes sense is if you are temporarily short on cash and the fee plus interest cost less than a late payment fee or the damage to your credit score from missing a payment. In most cases, there are cheaper alternatives.
Key Takeaways
- Credit card issuers typically do not accept another credit card as direct payment; you must use a cash advance or balance transfer instead.
- A cash advance charges an upfront fee (usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount) plus a higher interest rate than purchases, starting immediately with no grace period.
- A balance transfer moves existing debt to a new card and charges an upfront fee (usually 3 to 5 percent), but may offer a lower or zero interest rate for a set period.
- If you are short on cash, contacting your card issuer about a payment extension or hardship program costs nothing and does not trigger new fees.
How a cash advance works when you need cash to pay another card
A cash advance is a loan against your credit limit. You withdraw cash (usually through an ATM, bank teller, or convenience check) and then use that cash to pay your other credit card bill. The moment you withdraw the cash, the issuer charges you a fee — typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount, though some cards charge a flat fee instead.
Interest starts accruing immediately. Unlike purchases, which often have a grace period of 21 to 25 days before interest kicks in, cash advances begin charging interest the day you withdraw the money. The interest rate is also higher — often 5 to 10 percentage points above your purchase APR. If your purchase rate is 18 percent, your cash advance rate might be 28 percent.
Example: You withdraw $500 as a cash advance to pay a bill. Your card charges a 5 percent fee ($25) and a 25 percent APR. After one month, you owe $25 in fees plus roughly $10 in interest, for a total of $35 in costs on top of the $500 you borrowed. If you carry the balance for three months, interest alone could exceed $35.
How a balance transfer works if you want to move debt between cards
A balance transfer moves an existing balance from one card to another. You do not withdraw cash; instead, the new card issuer pays off the old card directly. You then owe the balance on the new card instead.
Balance transfers charge an upfront fee, usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount transferred. However, many cards offer a promotional period — often 6 to 21 months — during which the interest rate is 0 percent. This makes a balance transfer cheaper than a cash advance if you can pay off the balance during the promotional period.
The catch is that the promotional rate applies only to the transferred balance. Any new purchases you make on that card will charge your regular purchase APR immediately, with no grace period. Once the promotional period ends, the remaining balance reverts to the card's standard APR, which can be 18 to 25 percent or higher.
Example: You transfer a $2,000 balance from Card A to Card B. Card B charges a 3 percent transfer fee ($60) and offers 0 percent APR for 12 months. If you pay $167 per month, you will pay off the balance in 12 months with only the $60 fee as your cost. If you pay only $100 per month, you will still owe $400 after 12 months, and that $400 will then accrue interest at Card B's standard rate.
Why paying a credit card bill directly with another card usually is not an option
Most credit card issuers do not accept another credit card as a payment method. When you log into your account to make a payment, the system typically accepts bank account transfers, debit cards, checks, or money orders — but not credit cards.
The reason is that credit card networks (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) have rules against using one card to pay another card directly. Allowing it would create a loop where people could borrow indefinitely without ever using their own money, and it would make it harder for issuers to assess real risk.
Some third-party payment services claim they can process credit card payments to credit cards, but they charge fees of 2 to 3 percent on top of any fees your card issuer charges. This makes the total cost even higher than a cash advance or balance transfer.
Comparing the real costs: cash advance vs. balance transfer vs. alternatives
| Method | Upfront Fee | Interest Rate | When Interest Starts | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash Advance | 3–5% of amount | 20–30% APR (typical) | Immediately, no grace period | Short-term cash needs only |
| Balance Transfer | 3–5% of amount | 0% for 6–21 months, then 18–25% | After promotional period ends | Moving debt if you can pay during promo period |
| Payment Extension (from issuer) | None | None (if within grace period) | N/A | Temporary cash shortage |
| Hardship Program (from issuer) | None | May be reduced | N/A | Long-term financial difficulty |
If you are short on cash for a single payment, calling your card issuer to request a payment extension costs nothing. Many issuers will move your due date by 10 to 30 days at no charge, especially if you have a good payment history. This avoids fees and interest entirely.
If you are struggling with multiple bills, ask about a hardship program. These programs may lower your interest rate, waive fees, or restructure your payment schedule. They do not cost anything and do not require you to borrow more money.
What happens to your credit score when you use a cash advance or balance transfer
Both a cash advance and a balance transfer affect your credit in different ways. A cash advance increases your overall debt (your total balance across all cards), which raises your credit utilization ratio. If you were using 30 percent of your available credit before, a $500 cash advance might push you to 40 percent or higher. This can lower your score by 5 to 10 points.
A balance transfer does not increase your total debt — it just moves it. However, opening a new card to do a balance transfer triggers a hard inquiry and a new account, both of which can lower your score by a few points initially. The benefit is that you may pay off the debt faster if the promotional rate is low enough.
Missing a payment on either method damages your score far more than the initial dip from the transaction itself. If you are considering a cash advance or balance transfer to avoid a missed payment, the temporary score hit is worth it compared to a 30-day late mark, which can stay on your report for seven years.
Red flags: when using another card to pay is a sign of deeper trouble
If you are regularly using cash advances or balance transfers to pay other credit cards, you are borrowing to pay debt — a pattern that usually leads to owing more, not less. Each transaction costs money in fees and interest, and the total amount you owe grows.
This is different from a one-time use. A single cash advance to cover an unexpected expense is manageable. Doing it every month signals that your income does not cover your expenses, and you need to address the underlying problem.
If you are in this situation, consider speaking with a nonprofit credit counselor. Organizations like the National Foundation for Credit Counseling offer free or low-cost sessions to help you build a budget and understand your options. They can also help you negotiate with creditors directly, which sometimes results in lower payments or waived fees without requiring new borrowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a debit card to pay a credit card bill?
Yes. Most credit card issuers accept debit card payments through their online portal or by phone. There is no fee for paying with a debit card, and the payment is processed immediately. This is the cheapest way to pay if you have the cash in your checking account.
What is the difference between a cash advance and a balance transfer?
A cash advance gives you cash that you can use for anything, including paying another card. A balance transfer moves an existing balance from one card to another. Cash advances charge higher interest immediately; balance transfers often offer a promotional 0 percent rate but charge a fee upfront. Use a balance transfer if you are moving existing debt; use a cash advance only if you need cash right now.
Will a cash advance hurt my credit score?
Yes, but usually only slightly. It increases your credit utilization ratio, which may lower your score by 5 to 10 points. However, missing a payment hurts far more — a late payment can lower your score by 100 points or more and stays on your report for seven years. If a cash advance prevents a missed payment, the temporary dip is worth it.
What should I do if I cannot afford my credit card payment?
Contact your card issuer before the due date. Ask about a payment extension (usually free and moves your due date 10 to 30 days), a hardship program (may lower your rate or restructure payments), or a temporary payment reduction. These cost nothing and do not require new borrowing. Only use a cash advance or balance transfer if these options are not available.
Can I use a credit card to pay a credit card bill through a payment app like Venmo or PayPal?
Some payment apps allow credit card payments, but they charge a fee of 2 to 3 percent. This is on top of any fees your card issuer charges, making the total cost higher than a direct cash advance or balance transfer. Avoid this route unless you have no other option.