Can you pay off a credit card with another credit card?
Have you ever wondered if you can pay your credit card bill with another credit card? And if you can, is it a smart financial move to do so? Credit card issuers limit the types of accounts you can use to pay your credit card bill, but there are workarounds. Let's examine your options.
Can I pay my credit card with another credit card?
Banks and card issuers typically accept checks, money orders and payments from checking accounts for credit card payments. However, other options include taking a cash advance or using a balance transfer. Here's a closer look at each one.
What is a cash advance?
A cash advance works just like it sounds. It's a transaction that allows you to access cash from your credit card limit. For example, instead of using your debit card to withdraw cash from an ATM, you use your credit card to take out money. This money is borrowed against your credit card's credit limit.
The one positive of a cash advance is that it offers quick access to money. However, cash advances are generally the most expensive option and not something we recommend.
Here's why:
- Cash advances are subject to costly fees, usually a fixed dollar or percentage of the total cash advance amount.
- Cash advance annual percentage rates are higher than credit card purchase APRs, and interest begins to accrue from the day you take the advance. There is no grace period.
- Withdrawal amounts are capped and are often a small percentage of your total credit limit.
- Unlike purchases, you can't earn reward points on cash advances.
Related: Can you get cash back from a credit card?
What is a balance transfer?
A balance transfer moves debt from one credit card to another. The main purpose of a balance transfer is to save money by shifting the debt from a higher-interest to a lower-interest card. If you're doing a credit card balance transfer, always try to find a card with a 0% introductory APR offer. These promotional offers can last anywhere from 6 to 21 months.
Also, before you execute a transfer, always check the new card's standard APR because that's the rate you'll be paying after the 0% introductory APR expires.
Another consideration is that balance transfers have fees (usually 2% to 5% of the amount transferred) or a fixed dollar amount, such as $10 — whichever is greater. Also, following the balance transfer, be careful not to rack up more debt on the card you transferred the balance from.
Keep in mind that if you have two credit cards from the same issuer, they will not allow you to do a balance transfer. You can only do balance transfers from credit cards between different issuers.
Related: How to do a balance transfer
Should I pay my credit card with another credit card?
Generally, you should only pay your credit card with another credit card as a last resort. Balance transfers are a better option than cash advances as they have fewer fees and can temporarily remove your interest charges if you utilize a 0% introductory APR card.
If you're struggling to manage your credit card debt, another option is to call your card issuer and ask if they have any temporary payment relief options or if you qualify for an interest rate reduction. Many issuers are willing to work out payment arrangements if you have a track record of making on-time payments.
Related: What kind of debt can you transfer to a credit card?
Bottom line
You should avoid using a cash advance to pay your credit card with another credit card, as you will have to pay interest and fees for the cash advance. Balance transfers are a better option with more upside and fewer fees. However, we always recommend paying your credit card balance in full every month whenever possible.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.