2 Real Methods to
Pay a Credit Card With a Credit Card [2023]

Method 1 - Use a Balance Transfer to Pay a Credit Card

What exactly is a Balance Transfer?

A balance transfer is a method of paying off your credit card debt by shifting the credit card balance to one with a lower interest rate. 

When using this method, it's important to consider a credit card with a 0% introductory APR. And once you transfer your balance to a card with an introductory 12 to 21 months 0% APR offer, you won’t pay interest throughout that period. 

This will help you to consolidate your debt, save more money, and raise your credit score in the long run.  But there are specific terms and conditions you need to fulfill. 

What Situation is Balance Transfer Best Suitable For?

Generally, a balance transfer card is considered a stand-in for other credit card debt consolidations. 

However, a balance transfer may not be a good option:

• If you can’t get a credit card with enough limit to cover your other credit card balance. 

• If you want to clear your slate and have a single payment instead of multiple credit cards.

Whenever you find yourself in any of the above situations, you may want to consider a personal loan. We will talk more about that later in this article. 

How Does It Work to Pay a Credit Card Bill Via Balance Transfer?

Here’s a step-by-step process to pay a credit card with another credit card using a balance transfer.

Although the application process may vary depending on the credit card company, you can complete most balance transfers with these steps: 

What are the Features of a Balance Transfer? 

Should You Use a Balance Transfer to Pay a Credit Card?

“Can you pay a credit card with a credit card” -  we all know that the answer is yes. 

But should you use a balance transfer to pay a credit card? Well, it’s not always the best option. 

Balance Transfer Cards Aren’t Always The Best Option 

Balance transfer cards are like icebergs. People only see the surface, like 0% introductory APR and the possibility of paying your debts faster. 

Nobody tells you what’s beneath them. Nobody tells you about the transfer fees, the possibility of building more debts, and your credit score could drop. 

Let me explain. 

Even though balance transfer cards come with a 0% APR offer, you still need to pay a transfer fee of 3% to 5%, depending on the card issuer. 

This means that you will pay a balance transfer fee of $45 to $75 for every $1500 you transfer. So, you may end up paying more on balance transfer fees. 

Furthermore, you can't access any balance transfer card if you don’t have a credit score of 670 and above. 

And applying for a balance transfer card can negatively affect your credit score due to hard inquiry. 

My point? Don’t apply for a balance transfer card unless you exhaust all other options. 

Pros of Balance Transfer Cards

• Balance transfer credit cards have an introductory 0% APR which can help you pay your debt faster and save more money. 

• It allows you to move multiple debts onto a single credit card for a single monthly payment. 

• It decreases your credit utilization rate in the long run. 

Cons of Balance Transfer Cards 

• Most credit cards will charge you a fee for transferring a balance to their card.

• The new card may plunge you into more debt if you aren't disciplined. 

• If you cannot pay the transferred debt in full before the 0% introductory period elapses, you will have to pay the outstanding debt at a higher interest rate. 

• You aren’t eligible for a balance transfer card without a credit score of 670 and above.

But if you Finally Decide to Use a Balance Transfer, Consider the Followings Before Taking Action

#1 Is there a Balance Transfer Fee? 

Almost every balance transfer credit card charges a transfer fee these days. So, before you request a balance transfer card, you should inquire about the charges. 

Usually, the transfer fee is around 3% to 5% of the amount you transfer. For instance, if you are transferring $13000, you will pay a transfer fee of about $390 to $650. Your balance transfer fee depends on the credit card you are using. 

#2 How Long Does the 0% period Last?

Regardless of how juicy a balance transfer card’s offer seems, if the 0% period is short, don’t go for it.  

If you can’t pay the transferred debt before the 0% period ends, you can’t make the best out of your balance transfer.  

So, choosing a transfer card with a 0% introductory APR period that lasts from 12 to 21 months is better. Otherwise, your balance will start accruing interest once the initial period ends. 

#3 What Is your Credit Score?

One secret about balance transfer nobody will tell you is that it could temporarily hurt your credit score.  

How? Anytime you apply for a new card, it will trigger a hard inquiry into your credit report. And whenever a credit card company requests this report, it hurts your credit score temporarily.  

Try to do extensive research before applying for a balance transfer card. This will help you avoid rejection and the need for multiple applications. 

#4 What's Your New Credit Limit?

Here’s an area most people get wrong when trying to pay a credit card with a credit card. You can't make large balance transfers if you choose a credit card with lower credit limits. When in this situation, you may end up paying off two balances. And the essence of the balance transfer may become counterproductive. 

#5 You Can't Pay Off a Card With Another Card From the Same Bank 

Generally, No bank will allow you to pay off a card with another card from the same bank. Perhaps, it's because banks generate revenue whenever you pay interest and other charges. So, you have to transfer the balance from your existing card to a new card with a 0% APR offer from a different bank. 

An Alternative to A Balance Transfer Card 

The cons of a balance transfer card outweigh its benefits. But a good alternative you can explore is a personal loan. 

A personal loan may be a great option because it offers a relatively lower interest rate than a credit card. And this will help you save more in interest in the long run. 

It is also another good way to consolidate your debt. You can quickly pay off your debt in full. And the beauty of it is that you have only one monthly payment. 

Let’s get something clear… 

Using a personal loan to pay off your credit card debt in full doesn’t instantly make you debt free. But when you consolidate your debt into one loan, you will have only one monthly payment. 

With this approach, you can carefully plan your finances, pay off your debt, and be financially stable. 

If you think you can’t get a personal loan because of your low credit score or payment history, I recommend you use CreditYelp.

CreditYelp is a client-centered online loan broker that helps you get tailor-made loans to ease your current financial situation. We help our clients find, compare, and evaluate different loan options and help them make a choice based on their financial reality. 

Steps to Get a Personal Loan Through CreditYelp

It’s easy to secure a personal loan through CreditYelp. All you have to do is to follow these steps:

Pros of CreditYelp 

Here are some of the reasons why you should consider using CreditYelp:

• CreditYelp helps you get a loan even though you have a bad credit score or low income.

• CreditYelp has partnered with over 10 reputable and legit lenders who have NMLS license numbers.

• You can get a loan of up to $35,000.

• You get a competitive interest rate on a loan.

• With CreditYelp you can enjoy a higher loan approval rate. 

• You get the requested loan amount as soon as the next business day.

• Faster loan process due to the excellent relationship with our partner lenders. 

Method 2 - Use a Cash Advance to Pay a Credit Card

What is a Cash Advance?

It refers to the withdrawal of cash against your credit card limit.

A cash advance is considered the most expensive option to pay a credit card. 

The cash advance method features a fee and a high APR rate. That is why you should only use this method to pay a credit card during emergencies or when it becomes indispensable. 

It’s easy to access a cash advance, but it can quickly plunge you into a debt-fueled lifestyle. 

How Do Cash Advances Work?

As I mentioned earlier, it’s easy to access a cash advance. It allows you to withdraw anywhere from $100 to 30% of your credit limit. 

But whatever cash you request (alongside the cash advance fee) will be deducted from your available credit. 

Here are the three ways you can complete a cash advance

• At an ATM: You can complete a cash advance at an ATM point. But you will need your PIN. However, if you don’t have a card PIN, you can request it through your card issuer online. 

• At your Bank: You can go to your bank and request a cash advance. They won’t ask for your credit card pin. All you need is proper identification. 

• Over the Phone: It’s also possible to request a cash advance over the phone. Just call your card issuer and give them the account you want the money sent to. 

Pros of Cash Advance 

•  You get fast access to cash when you need it. 

• Your credit score is not a primary determining approval factor. 

• No collateral is required. 

• And nobody makes a hard inquiry into your credit report. 

Cons of Cash Advance

• High-interest rate and transaction fee. 

• The repayment period is extremely short. 

• If you don’t have a repayment plan, your new debt can linger on for so long. 

FAQs

#1 Can I Get Points By Paying a Credit Card With Another Credit Card?

Unfortunately no. You can’t earn points by paying a credit card with another credit card. Credit card issuers don’t consider balance transfers and cash advances as qualifying purchases. So, you won’t be eligible for any points when you apply for a balance transfer card or cash advance. 

#2 Do I need a certain Credit Score to Be Eligible for a Balance Transfer?

The short answer is yes. You need a credit score of 670 and above to qualify for a balance transfer. 

Before you get a bank transfer credit card, issuers would look into your credit score. And if your credit score is poor, you are less likely to get approval. 

But there’s a way to round this. Take a close look at your old credit cards for anyone whose APR is relatively low. And if that card offers a balance transfer, you can use it to reduce your interest rate before opening a new line of credit. 

With this approach, card issuers may not check your credit score before granting your balance transfer card request. 

#3 When Should I Pay My Credit Card Balance?

Try to make a minimum monthly payment before the due date. Otherwise, it may negatively impact your credit score. 

And if you have a 0% introductory APR offer, paying off the card balance is essential before the period expires. Or else your interest and balance will keep accruing. 

#4 What Do You Do If You Can’t Pay Your Credit Card Bill?

There are instances when you can’t pay your credit card bill due to unplanned circumstances. It happens to everybody once in a while. When in this situation, contact your credit card issuer immediately. 

Let them know your situation and how it’s affecting your ability to pay your credit card bill. And whenever you are financially relieved, try to pay off your credit card bill. Remember, your payment history is a significant determinant of your credit score. 

#5 What are the Top 3 Balance Transfer Cards?

If you decide to get a balance transfer card as a way to pay off your credit card bills, CreditYelp advisor puts together a list of the top 3 balance transfer cards:

US Bank Visa Platinum Card

It gives you an annual $0 fee with a 0% introductory APR on purchases. 

The promotional free interest period is 18 months, after which you will pay a flexible APR of 17.49 - 27.49 percent. 

But you will pay a balance transfer fee of 3% to 5%, depending on the best terms. 

Citi Double Cash Card 

It offers an annual $0 with a 0% introductory APR on purchases for 18 months. 

After the initial introductory APR, you get a standard flexible APR of 16.99% to 26.99% depending on your credit history. 

You will also have to pay a transfer fee of 3% to 5% for every transfer you complete within the first four months of opening an account with them. 

Citi Diamond Preferred Card

The Citi diamond preferred card offer is more comprehensive. Like every other card, it doesn’t charge an annual fee. 

And you will enjoy 0 interest APR for 21 months on eligible balance transfers from the date of the first transfer.

You will also enjoy 0 percent APR for 12 months on purchases from the date you open the account. 

After the introductory APR period, you get an APR of 15.99% to 26.74%, depending on your credit history. 

But you will have to pay a balance transfer fee of 3% to 5% of whatever amount you transfer to the new credit card.