The short answer: most credit card companies won't let you

You cannot pay a credit card bill using another credit card directly. When you try to make a payment to your credit card account, the payment processor checks what type of account you're sending money from. If it detects a credit card, the transaction is blocked before it goes through.

This rule exists because credit card payments are treated as cash advances when they come from another credit card. A cash advance is when you borrow money against your credit line rather than making a purchase. Cash advances carry higher interest rates, start accruing interest when ready (with no grace period), and often include an upfront fee of 3 to 5 percent of the amount.

The credit card company's system is designed to prevent you from running up debt this way. Paying one card with another doesn't reduce what you owe — it just moves the debt around and costs you more in the process.

Key Takeaways

  • Credit card payment systems automatically reject payments from other credit cards to prevent cash advances, which carry higher fees and interest rates.
  • If you use a cash advance to pay a credit card, you'll pay an upfront fee (typically 3 to 5 percent) plus a higher interest rate with no grace period.
  • Debit cards, bank transfers, and checks are accepted payment methods that won't trigger cash advance fees.
  • If you're struggling to pay multiple cards, a balance transfer or debt consolidation loan may cost less than juggling payments between cards.

What happens if you try anyway

If you attempt to pay a credit card bill using another credit card number, the payment will be declined at the authorization stage. The payment processor identifies the source as a credit card and stops the transaction. You'll see an error message — usually something like "This payment method is not accepted" — and the payment won't go through.

Some people think they can work around this by using a credit card at an ATM to withdraw cash, then depositing that cash into their bank account, then paying their credit card bill from the bank account. This technically works, but it's expensive. The ATM withdrawal counts as a cash advance, so you pay the cash advance fee when ready, plus interest starts accruing right away — even before you use the money to pay the other card.

The real cost of paying one card with another

If you somehow managed to pay a credit card with another credit card (through a cash advance or third-party service), here's what it would cost you. Say you owe $2,000 on Card A and you use Card B to pay it.

Card B charges a 4 percent cash advance fee, which is $80. Your interest rate on the cash advance is 26 percent (higher than your regular purchase rate). You now owe $2,080 on Card B, and interest starts accruing when ready at 26 percent. If you pay it off over three months, you'll pay roughly $170 in interest on top of the fee. Your total cost for moving that $2,000 around: $250.

If you had straightforward paid Card A's $2,000 balance from your bank account, there would be no fee and no extra interest. The difference between the two approaches is substantial, especially if you're already carrying a balance.

Payment methods that actually work

Your credit card company will accept payment from a debit card, a bank account (via ACH transfer or check), or cash. Some issuers also accept payment through third-party services like PayPal or Venmo, though those services may charge their own fees.

The fastest method is usually an ACH transfer directly from your checking or savings account. This typically posts within one business day and costs nothing. You can set this up through your credit card's online portal or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card.

If you don't have a bank account or prefer not to link one, you can mail a check or money order. Allow 7 to 10 business days for the payment to reach the credit card company and post to your account. Some issuers also accept payment in person at a branch if they have physical locations.

When you're stuck between multiple cards

If you're carrying balances on multiple credit cards and struggling to keep up with payments, moving money between cards isn't the solution. But you have other options that cost less than paying one card with another.

A balance transfer lets you move a balance from one card to another, usually at a lower interest rate for a set period (often 6 to 21 months). You'll pay a balance transfer fee upfront (typically 3 to 5 percent), but if the new rate is significantly lower, you'll save money overall. This only works if you have access to a second card with available credit and a lower rate.

A debt consolidation loan from a bank or credit union lets you borrow money at a fixed rate, then use that money to pay off all your credit cards at once. You then make one monthly payment to the loan instead of juggling multiple card payments. Consolidation loans often have lower interest rates than credit cards, especially if you have decent credit.

Both of these options require you to be approved based on your credit score and income. If you're not approved for either, contact a nonprofit credit counselor through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). They can review your situation and discuss what options might work for you.

Why credit card companies block this

Credit card issuers don't allow card-to-card payments because it creates risk for them. If you're paying one card with another, you're not actually reducing debt — you're just moving it. The credit card company would rather you pay from a real source of funds (your bank account or income) so they know the money is actually available.

From a business perspective, allowing card-to-card payments would also encourage people to max out multiple cards, which increases the chance of default. By blocking the transaction, the company protects itself and, indirectly, protects you from digging yourself deeper into debt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a credit card to pay another credit card through a payment app like Venmo or PayPal?

Some payment apps allow you to add a credit card as your funding source, but they treat it as a cash advance and charge fees accordingly. PayPal and Venmo both charge 3 to 4 percent when you fund a transfer with a credit card. It's cheaper to link your bank account directly to these apps, which usually costs nothing.

What if I'm behind on payments and need to move money between cards quickly?

Contact your credit card company's customer service line and explain your situation. Many issuers offer hardship programs that lower your interest rate or pause payments temporarily. This is better than trying to juggle payments between cards, which will damage your credit score and cost you more money.

Does paying a credit card with a debit card cost extra?

No. Debit card payments are treated as regular payments and cost nothing. The credit card company accepts them without fees or higher interest rates. This is the safest and cheapest way to pay if you don't want to link your bank account directly.

If I do a balance transfer, will I pay interest on the transferred amount right away?

No. Balance transfers come with an introductory period (usually 6 to 21 months) where no interest accrues on the transferred balance. You will pay a one-time balance transfer fee upfront, typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount transferred. After the introductory period ends, any remaining balance will accrue interest at the card's regular rate.

What's the difference between a cash advance and a balance transfer?

A cash advance is borrowing money against your credit line (like withdrawing from an ATM). A balance transfer is moving an existing balance from one card to another. Cash advances charge higher interest rates and fees, with interest starting when ready. Balance transfers have lower introductory rates and a grace period before interest kicks in, making them much cheaper if you're moving debt between cards.