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Can You Pay Payroll with a Credit Card?
July 1, 2025
Quick Answer
Yes, you can pay payroll with a credit card, a move that allows businesses to better manage cash flow and earn rewards, typically by leveraging a third-party payroll service.
Should You Pay Payroll With A Credit Card?
Paying payroll with a credit card has both distinct advantages and potential drawbacks.
Benefits of Paying Payroll With a Credit Card
- Earn rewards. You can accumulate significant points, miles, or cash back on a large, recurring business expense.
- Improve cash flow. Using a credit card provides a float, giving you flexibility between payday and when your payment is due.
- Simplify bookkeeping. Payroll expenses are consolidated onto a single, itemized credit card statement for easier tracking.
Costs of Paying Payroll With a Credit Card
- Incur processing fees. Most payroll services charge a transaction fee, typically 2-3%, for credit card payments.
- Risk high-interest charges. If you carry a balance, the interest accrued can quickly outweigh any rewards earned.
- Face limited acceptance. Not all payroll providers accept credit cards, potentially requiring a third-party payment service.
How to Pay Payroll With A Credit Card
Using a credit card for payroll can help manage cash flow and earn significant rewards. While you can't pay employees directly, a few steps make it possible with the right service.
- Select a Third-Party Payroll Service: Since direct credit card payments to employees aren't standard, you'll need a payroll provider that accepts credit cards for funding. Research services that specialize in this transaction type.
- Choose the Right Credit Card: Opt for a business credit card with a high credit limit to cover your payroll expenses and robust rewards, like cash back or travel points. You can use Kudos' Explore Tool to compare options and find the best fit for your business.
- Configure Your Payroll Account: Link your chosen credit card to the payroll service. You will need to input all necessary employee information, including salary and bank details, to prepare for processing payments.
- Run Payroll and Track Fees: Initiate the payroll process through your provider's platform. Always be aware of the transaction fees charged by the service for using a credit card, as this will affect the cost-benefit of your rewards.
- Pay Your Credit Card Bill in Full: To capitalize on rewards and avoid debt, pay off your credit card balance in full and on time each month. Failing to do so will result in interest charges that negate any benefits earned.
Impact On Your Credit Score
Using a credit card for payroll can influence your credit score in several ways, both positively and negatively. Here are a few key factors to consider before you proceed.
- Credit Utilization Ratio. Large payroll expenses can significantly increase your credit utilization, which is the amount of credit you're using versus your total limit. A high ratio can negatively impact your score.
- Payment History. Making large, on-time payments for your payroll expenses can build a positive payment history. Conversely, any missed or late payments will damage your credit score significantly.
- Credit Inquiries. Applying for a new business credit card to cover payroll will result in a hard inquiry on your report. This can cause a temporary, minor dip in your credit score.
Alternative Ways To Pay Payroll
Direct Bank Transfers
The most common alternative to credit card payments is using direct bank transfers, often through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. This method involves electronically moving funds from your business bank account directly into your employees' accounts. Most accounting and payroll software platforms allow you to configure your bank account as the primary payment source, providing a secure and cost-effective way to manage payroll without incurring credit card processing fees.
Third-Party Payroll Services
Engaging a dedicated payroll service provider offers another robust solution. These companies specialize in managing all facets of payroll, from calculating wages and tax withholdings to executing direct deposits. By linking your business bank account, they handle the entire payment process on your behalf. This not only bypasses the need for credit cards but also helps ensure compliance with tax regulations and reduces the administrative burden on your team.
Choose the Right Card to Pay Payroll
Choosing the right credit card for payroll can turn a major expense into a major asset. With nearly 3,000 cards to pick from, the choice can be daunting. Kudos helps you cut through the noise with a tool that offers personalized recommendations, letting you compare top options to find the perfect fit for your business. Explore our list of the best credit cards to maximize your rewards on every payroll run.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of paying payroll with a credit card?
Key benefits include earning credit card rewards, improving cash flow, and simplifying your overall payroll process.
Are there fees for using a credit card for payroll?
Yes, payroll providers typically charge a small processing fee, often a percentage of the total payroll amount.
Is it secure to pay employees with a credit card?
Yes, trusted payroll services use advanced encryption and security protocols to protect your sensitive financial information.
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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.
