While you cannot pay credit card with credit card directly, some workarounds enable you to pay off your credit card debt with another credit card. We’ll discuss these workarounds in this post.
Splurged from your credit card? Don’t worry – we’ve all been there.
Using another credit card to pay off your credit card bill and keeping your credit score intact sounds like a great idea. But unfortunately, this cannot be done.
Most credit card companies do not allow customers to pay off their debt using another credit card. Credit card companies are reluctant to allow this because of the hefty fees associated with processing.
It becomes super expensive for a credit card company to transact in that way, so the companies typically do not allow customers to pay credit card with credit card.
Luckily, there are two workarounds.
The first way to pay credit card with credit card is to take a cash advance on a credit card.
The second way is to initiate a balance transfer and move the debt from one card to another card.
But you must learn the pros and cons of these workarounds before you make use of any of them:
Cash Advances: Benefits and Drawbacks
Taking a cash advance against one credit card is one way to pay off debt from another credit card.
After you take the cash advance, all you need to do is deposit the cash into your checking account and pay the credit card bill from there.
However, the primary disadvantage of using this workaround is the high processing fees.
Credit card companies typically charge their customers 5% or $10 of the amount taken in advance, whichever is greater.
Also, there are limitations to how big of an advance you can get. Your cash advance limit is a lot less than your credit line is – if you have substantial debt, a cash advance might not cover it.
Taking a cash advance is the right move if you have relatively small credit card debt. You will need to pay higher processing fees – but that’s the price you must pay to keep your credit score intact.
Balance Transfer: Benefits and Drawbacks
In the right situation, balance transfers can be an excellent way to pay credit card with credit card.
Bear in mind that balance transfers can be tricky to pull off.
However, if you can move debt from a high-interest credit card to something lower, you can save a lot of money in the long run.
Your first move is to find a credit card that offers a low-interest rate. It makes the strategy super effective. Many credit card companies offer promotions to new customers, allowing them to enjoy a super-low interest rate for a year, and sometimes longer.
Taking a bill that you need to pay high interest on – maybe 10, 15, or even 20 percent – and moving it to a credit card that offers a promotional interest of as little as 0% is a brilliant move.
As long as you’re disciplined and committed to paying off your debt in dividends and can pay double, triple, and quadruple the minimum payment, you can quickly clear your debt using the balance transfer workaround.
While balance transfers also involve processing fees, the average processing fee for a balance transfer is 3%, lower than the 5% processing fee of a cash advance. However, if you have substantial debt, the fees can still add up to a big number.
However, using balance transfers is not always the right way to approach a big credit card bill. If you’re barely getting by, and want to pay credit card with credit card, it’s a risky strategy to use and can backfire.
Most credit card companies that supply low promotional interest rates have a clause – the low-interest rates expire if you miss a payment.
A setback like losing your job or a medical issue can get you in worse trouble than you are in now.
But there is a third option that you could use to tackle credit card debt.
Debt Consolidation Loans
A debt consolidation loan is an excellent alternative to cash advances and balance transfers to pay down your debt.
As long as you get a loan at a low rate, and are committed to paying off your debt, these loans can work very well.
But you must remember that the lifespan of your debt will extend when you use this option.
Also, while interest rates are low initially, they increase with time.
So, you must restructure your finances to focus on paying off the loan as quickly as possible.
Things You Must Never Do To Pay Off Credit Card Debt
Debt Settlements
Debt settlement companies are not hard to find. They charge you a fee and promise to negotiate with the creditors and reduce your debt.
But these companies usually just take your money and do nothing to reduce your debt. Steer clear of these companies.
401(k) Loans
In addition to the fees you must pay to borrow from your 401(k) account, you’ll also be hit with penalties and taxes on your withdrawal.
Never borrow from your 401(k) account.
Home Equity Loans
Borrowing money against your home to pay off your debt is under no circumstances a good idea.
You risk losing your home if you don’t pay your debt off in time. Don’t even consider taking a home equity loan.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider speaking to a credit counselor. Contact an agency accredited by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. The agents can help you understand your options.
Debt is a symptom of a larger problem, and you must likely change the way you engage with money.
In addition to resolving your debt, you can also consult professionals to help you better structure your finances for improved financial health.
