Accumulating credit card debt is a slippery slope to go down. While there are many conventional solutions for dealing with large amounts of debt, it’s important not to dismiss the possibility of using alternative methods.
A better solution to your credit card debt problem can often be found by looking at different options and experimenting with them. Companies that provide credit cards will not allow you to use another credit card to pay off your current balance.
Individuals with a lot of credit card debt may find that balance transfers, which can transfer debt from one card to another with a reduced interest rate, are a good alternative.
The utilization of cash advances is another alternative that allows consumers to borrow money against another line of credit to pay off an existing credit card debt. Neither of these tactics is intended to be a substitute for sound financial planning and management. They may not effectively address the underlying causes of credit card debt.
There are, however, two main strategies you can use to pay off a credit card that doesn’t involve paying more than your minimum required monthly payment. Both balance transfers and cash advances can be two quick ways to reduce your outstanding debt on an existing credit card.
This begs the question, can you pay a credit card with a credit card? Keep on reading for proper understanding.
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Can You Pay a Credit Card with a Credit Card?
For those of you who have ever pondered how to maximize the benefits of your credit cards, you may have questioned, “Can you pay a credit card with a credit card?”
The quick answer is no, at least not in the sense that you may think. Credit card issuers often do not accept credit cards as a common mode of payment regularly. Mostly, they’ll ask you to pay with your checking or savings account rather than with cash or check at your local branch or ATM, over the phone, or by mailing your payment to them.
Balance transfers are available to people with a high-interest credit card balance. According to Aaron Aggarwal, assistant vice president of credit cards at Navy Federal Credit Union, “Balance transfers allow you to take the balances on your existing credit cards and transfer them to another credit card.”
Many credit cards offer a zero percent APR on balance transfers for a specified period during which the card is used. But there are a few things you should think about before you give it a shot.
With a promotional rate offered by many balance transfer cards, you can lower the number of finance charges associated with your balance and put yourself in a better position to pay off your debt sooner rather than later.
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What is a Balance Transfer?
Individuals wishing to transfer existing debt from one card to another with a lower interest rate and other financial incentives should consider balance transfers. Many consumers will choose a card offering the most bonuses and other financial incentives, such as cashback on everyday purchases and improved rewards programs.
A balance transfer is exactly what it sounds like a fee is charged to transfer your balance from one card to another. Do the math before opting to go this path. With fees and lower interest rates, you may end up paying a similar amount to what you owed previously.
Understanding a balance transfer will help you understand the question, “Can you pay a credit card with a credit card?”.
Pros and Cons of Balance Transfers
Pros
#1. Introductory Periods are Interest-Free.
Many credit card companies may offer 12- to 18-month interest-free periods to incentivize you to transfer your amount. If you want to save money, this can be a helpful tool.
Starting with an interest-free period, especially if you’re trying to pay off a large credit card bill, can allow you to make payments on the balance incurring no additional fees or interest.
Remember that this instrument is being used to persuade you to transfer your balance to a new company as a financial cushion and a tool to save money.
#2. Better Incentive Programs
Even if the interest rates are similar and you’re not aiming to pay off your debt during an interest-free introductory period, certain credit cards may offer special bonuses and rewards programs you’d like to take advantage of.
Look for cash-back programs, frequent-flier programs, and other point-based incentive programs. These might make all the difference in getting the most out of your credit card and credit issuing business.
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#3. They can help you Save Money.
Transferring your balance could save you a lot of money in the long run if you can locate the perfect deal. Some credit issuers may give you a lower APR than what is now being applied to your balance.
Lower interest rates allow you to save money as you pay down your debt. A balance transfer can be viable for addressing large amounts of credit card debt when combined with interest-free introductory periods.
Cons
#1. Fees for Transfers
Usually, there is a charge for moving your balance. Do your homework to see if the fee is worth switching to a different credit card. It’s often insignificant compared to the money you’ll save throughout the interest-free term.
#2. You may be Rejected.
The creditor may refuse your balance transfer if you have a bad credit history and a low credit score. A credit score of 670 1 is required to start a balance transfer, depending on your specific situation.
What is a Cash Advance?
To understand the question “Can you pay a credit card with a credit card?”, let’s understand what a cash advance is.
Individuals can take a cash advance against their line of credit, which credit providers provide. This cash-now loan is not the same as a typical credit card purchase and will almost certainly have a different interest rate.
The cash advance will cost you around 24 percent on average, 9% more than the average APR. Remember that the amount you borrow will go against the monthly sum you owe after each billing cycle.
Cash advances are a riskier way to pay off another credit card than balance transfers. Do the arithmetic before you commit to a cash advance with your credit provider, just like you would while investigating balance transfers.
Taking out cash at a 24 percent interest rate to pay off another credit card may not be worth it.
Pros and Cons of Cash Advance
Pros
#1. It’s a Quick Solution.
A cash advance will theoretically allow you to pay off another credit card, which may have a high-interest rate. Depending on your circumstances, you may obtain the funds necessary to pay off this card as quickly as possible.
In the long run, this will save you money on interest on that particular credit card.
#2. Cash Advance does not use Credit as a Main Criterion for Approval
Another advantage is that a cash advance does not use credit as a main criterion for approval. While the cash advance is limited to the money available on your credit card, you do not need to apply for new credit to take advantage of it.
#3. You won’t have to Fill out a lot of Paperwork
Finally, you won’t have to complete much paperwork when applying for cash advances. It does not affect your credit score, and collateral is not required to secure the loan. It is an easy and quick solution for many people in an emergency requiring immediate cash.
Cons
#1. It’s Pricey
Cash advances have a high-interest rate, making them a tough instrument to pay off other credit cards. The benefit of a cash advance is that you may get it right away, but it comes at a cost. Most credit cards have an interest rate 9% higher than the average APR, which can add up to a substantial sum.
#2. There could be Additional Charges
Companies frequently impose a fixed rate or a percentage fee besides the interest rate on cash advances. Before taking out a cash advance, read the fine print.
#3. It’s Possible that it won’t Solve your Issue
Before taking a cash advance to pay off another credit card, do the math. Taking a cash advance on your line of credit is one of the most expensive forms of debt accessible, at 24 percent interest.
It shouldn’t be utilized lightly and has a higher chance of getting you into even more financial difficulties than seeking a balance transfer.
Conclusion
Although these are two distinct choices, the balance transfer has far more potential to be a valuable financial weapon in the fight against credit card debt than the other two. Because you cannot pay off your debt with another credit card, a balance transfer may be your best option, depending on your financial condition.
However, making monthly payments larger than the statutory minimum amount is the most efficient method of paying down credit card debt.
I hope this article could answer the question, “Can you pay a credit card with a credit card?”
FAQs
A balance transfer is when you shift high-interest debt from one account to another, ideally with a lower interest rate. One of the most common types of balance transfers is moving debt to a credit card with an introductory 0% APR offer.
A cash advance fee is a charge levied by your credit card for taking out a cash loan against your line of credit.
Balance transfer times will depend on the banks involved. Some can take as little as two or three days; others can take several weeks.
Ideally, the right time to pay your credit card bill is before the due date every month. If you’re trying to improve your credit, one approach might be to pay your credit card bill as early as possible, even if it’s just a partial payment.
The short answer is no. You can’t pay a credit card with another credit card except by doing a balance transfer.
References
- https://www.investopedia.com/can-you-pay-a-credit-card-with-a-credit-card-5070049
- https://knowledge.umassfive.coop/money-management/banking/article/the-pros-and-cons-of-cash-advances
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