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Can You Pay a Credit Card with Another Credit Card?
July 1, 2025
Quick Answer
While it may seem like a straightforward solution, card issuers generally prohibit paying a credit card bill directly with another credit card.
Should You Pay A Credit Card With A Credit Card?
Weighing the advantages against the disadvantages can help you decide if it's right.
Benefits
- Debt Consolidation: You can combine several credit card balances into one, simplifying your monthly payments.
- Introductory 0% APR: Many balance transfer offers include a promotional period with zero interest, giving you time to pay down the principal.
- Earning Rewards: A new card might offer a sign-up bonus or rewards on the transferred balance.
- Avoiding Late Fees: It can be a last-resort option to make a timely payment on one card, thus avoiding a late fee.
Costs
- Balance Transfer Fees: Most issuers charge a fee, usually 3% to 5% of the transferred amount, which is added to your new balance.
- Higher Standard APR: Once the introductory period ends, the standard interest rate on the new card could be higher than the original card's rate.
- Potential for More Debt: It moves debt rather than eliminating it and can lead to a larger overall balance if spending habits don't change.
- Cash Advance Complications: If treated as a cash advance instead of a balance transfer, the transaction will likely have a higher APR and no grace period.
How to Pay A Credit Card With A Credit Card
Paying off a credit card with another can be a savvy financial move, often used to consolidate debt or take advantage of lower interest rates. Here’s how it works.
- Assess Your Situation: Evaluate your current credit card debt, interest rates, and credit score. Understanding your financial standing is crucial to determine if a balance transfer is the right strategy for you.
- Choose the Right Card: Select a new card offering a low or 0% introductory APR on balance transfers. Pay close attention to transfer fees and the length of the promotional period. You can use Kudos' explore cards tool to compare options and find a match.
- Initiate the Transfer: Once approved, request the balance transfer from your new card issuer. You will need the account details of the card you're paying off and the specific amount you wish to transfer.
- Manage Your Accounts: Continue making minimum payments on your old card until you confirm the transfer is complete. Afterward, create a plan to pay off the new balance before the introductory period expires.
Impact On Your Credit Score
Paying one credit card with another isn't a direct payment but a balance transfer or cash advance, which can affect your credit. Here are a few key factors to consider regarding the potential impact on your credit score.
- Credit Utilization Ratio. This action increases the balance on the card used for payment, which can raise your credit utilization. A higher utilization ratio can negatively affect your credit score, as lenders may view it as a sign of risk.
- Increased Overall Debt. You are not actually paying off your debt, but simply transferring it from one card to another. This can lead to a cycle of debt if not managed carefully, which will harm your credit over time.
Alternative Ways To Pay A Credit Card
Direct Bank Payments
The most common alternative for settling a credit card bill is a direct payment from a bank account. Card issuers allow you to link a checking or savings account to make one-time or recurring payments. This is typically done via an electronic funds transfer (EFT) or ACH payment, which moves money directly from your bank. This method avoids the potential cash advance fees and immediate interest accrual that can occur when paying one credit card with another, making it a more financially sound option for most people.
Automatic Payment Settings
To ensure timely payments and avoid late fees, you can configure automatic payments. Most credit card portals offer settings to automatically pay the minimum amount due, the full statement balance, or a custom fixed amount each month. Scheduling these payments ensures your bill is never forgotten, which helps protect your credit score and prevents the accumulation of unnecessary interest charges. You can typically adjust the payment amount and date as needed, offering both convenience and control over your finances.
Choose the Right Card to Pay A Credit Card
Whether you're looking for a balance transfer card to consolidate debt or simply want to earn better rewards, choosing the right plastic is paramount. The Kudos Explore Tool makes it easy, using AI to help you compare thousands of options and find the best card for your specific needs and spending habits.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will paying a credit card with another credit card hurt my credit score?
It can temporarily lower your score by increasing your credit utilization ratio, a significant factor in credit scoring.
Are there fees for paying a credit card with another one?
Yes, most issuers charge a balance transfer fee, which is typically between 3% and 5% of the total amount.
Is it a good idea to pay a credit card with another credit card?
It can be a smart strategy to use a 0% APR offer, but it is not a sustainable long-term debt solution.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
