Can you use a credit card to pay off another?
No, you can’t make a credit card repayment using another credit card. This is because credit card companies like payments to come from a bank account – in other words, they want actual funds and not more borrowed money. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. There are ways to move debt from one card to another – and, if done right, it could actually save you money.
How to pay off one credit card with another
So, while you can’t directly use a credit card to pay off another, there are a couple of workarounds: balance transfers, money transfer credit cards, and cash advances.
Balance transfers
A balance transfer is the most common way to shift debt between credit cards. This is where you move what you owe on one card (the ‘balance’) over to a new card, which ideally has a much lower interest rate.
Some balance transfer credit cards offer 0% interest on transfers for 30 months or more. That can give you breathing space to pay off the debt without racking up interest.
There are a few things to keep in mind about balance transfers:
There’s often (though not always) a fee for transferring a balance – usually around 2-4% of the amount you’re moving. Be sure to calculate whether you’ll still save money once you factor in the fee
Stick to the schedule – the interest rate can jump significantly once the 0% promotional period ends and you’re moved onto the lender’s ‘reversion rate’ – though you may be able to find another balance transfer deal to avoid interest at that point.
Make more than the minimum payment – even with a 0% deal, it’s wise to pay as much as you can afford each month to clear the balance before interest kicks in
Think twice before spending on the card – often, a different interest rate will apply to new spending so you could end up with debt that you have to pay interest on. If you do want a 0% interest rate on both balance transfers and new spending, a 0% dual credit card might be helpful
Your credit history matters – to qualify for a good interest rate and credit limit, you usually need to have a decent credit score. If your credit’s taken a bit of a hit, you might have fewer options.
The good news is you can check if you’re eligible for a balance transfer credit card without impacting your credit score, using our credit card eligibility checker.
Head to our handy guide to learn more about how a balance transfer works.
Quick tip
Not seen your credit score for a while? You can check it for free with any UK credit reference agency. The big three are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
Money transfer credit card
Unlike a standard credit card, a money transfer credit card is designed specifically to transfer cash to your bank account. Some offer 0% interest on the balance for up to 12 months, but you may still need to pay a transfer fee. Learn more about money transfer credit cards.
Cash advances
You may be able to withdraw cash from an ATM or bank branch using a standard credit card (known as a cash advance) but it’s generally a bad move. While you could, in theory, use this money to pay off another credit card, be aware that:
Interest charges kick in from the day you make the withdrawal, and will keep building until you pay back what you've withdrawn
The interest rate is often much higher than the rate for purchases
You’ll likely get hit with a cash advance fee on top (typically around 3%)
It will leave a mark on your credit record, which lenders use when considering other applications for credit.
Steps to take if you can’t pay your credit card
If you’re falling behind on your credit card repayments or feeling overwhelmed, try not to panic and don’t struggle alone. There are steps you can take and support out there to help you get back on track.
1. Speak to your credit card provider
Let your lender know what’s going on. Lenders have a duty to help if you're in persistent debt and can support you with options such as:
Temporary payment holidays
Payment plans based on affordability
Reduced interest.
2. Check your budget
Spend some time going through your income and spending. Are there any areas where you could cut back (for example, a gym membership you’re not using) to free up extra cash to put toward your card?
Our guide on how to budget has guidance on how to get a better handle on your finances.
Quick tip
An easy step you can take to gain more control of your finances is to register for online banking and download your lender’s app (if available). This helps you keep track of your transactions and regular payments anytime, anywhere.
3. Get free debt advice
There are numerous UK charities such as StepChange, National Debtline, and Citizens Advice which offer free, confidential help. They can:
Help you build a plan
Speak to lenders for you
Work out realistic repayments.
4. Consider debt consolidation
If you’ve got several debts (such as multiple credit cards or loans), you could consider a debt consolidation loan.
This means combining all your debts into one monthly payment, ideally with a lower interest rate. While this can make debt management easier, keep in mind:
There may be costs to set up the loan which might outweigh any savings you make
You may pay more in the long run if you’re extending the length of your loan
If you opt for a secured loan, you could lose your home if you don’t keep up with repayments.
Learn more about debt consolidation loans.
FAQs
How long does a balance transfer take?
Once you've asked for a balance transfer, it usually takes a few days to complete. This could be longer if the transfer falls on a weekend or bank holiday, or you’ve given some incorrect info. Be sure to check you’ve given your lender the right details before you go ahead with the transfer.
Will a balance transfer impact my credit score?
To do a balance transfer, you’ll need to take out a balance transfer credit card. Doing a full application means a hard check is carried out by the lender, which impacts your credit score.
The good news is you can use our credit card eligibility checker first to see which balance transfer cards you could be accepted for. This only runs a soft search, which doesn’t harm your credit score.
Can I transfer balances between two credit cards from the same provider?
Not normally, no – you can’t transfer balances between two credit cards from the same provider or banking group. Always check with the lender before applying for a new card.
Is a balance transfer always worth it?
Whether a balance transfer is worthwhile depends on your financial situation. For many people, it’s a solid tool for managing credit card debt more affordably over a set time.
But it might not be the right option for you if:
You don’t think you’ll be able to clear the balance before the interest-free period ends
The transfer fee wipes out any savings made on interest.
With almost 10 years’ experience writing, leading and managing content, Allie is an expert in personal finance and insurance products. She’s spent her career helping others quickly understand complicated topics, to help them save money and focus on what matters.
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