Can you pay a credit card with another credit card?

Written byEmily Tye

Updated:Apr 17, 2026

No, credit card providers do not typically accept another credit card as a payment method. To pay your bill, you need to use your own funds - usually by direct debit, bank transfer, or debit card.

That said, there are ways to move credit card debt from one card to another: a balance transfer and a cash advance. They work differently and have very different costs, so it is worth understanding both before deciding which, if either, is right for you.

Can I move my balance to another credit card instead?

Yes. A balance transfer lets you move outstanding debt from one credit card to a new balance transfer credit card, which usually has a 0% introductory interest rate.

During the 0% introductory period, no interest builds on the transferred amount, so every payment you make reduces the actual debt. Once the introductory period ends, any remaining balance moves to the purchase interest rate, so it is worth planning to clear the balance before that point.

In most cases, you cannot transfer a balance between two cards from the same provider, and the restriction often extends to cards within the same banking group.

For a full breakdown of how balance transfers work, including fees (typically 2% to 4% of the amount transferred) and risks, see our guide to what is a balance transfer.

Can I use a cash advance to pay off another credit card?

Technically, you can. You can use one credit card to withdraw cash at an ATM, deposit that cash into your bank account, and then use it to pay another card's bill. In practice, this is an expensive route.

Cash advances carry higher interest rates than standard credit card purchases, and interest starts building from the moment you take out the cash rather than at the end of a billing period. Most cards also charge an additional fee on top of that, so it really isn't a recommended route to paying off your credit card.

For a full breakdown of what cash advances cost, see our guide on withdrawing cash from a credit card.

Will this affect my credit score?

It depends on the method.

A cash advance can leave a negative mark on your credit report. Both Experian and Equifax note that this can lower your credit score and may affect a lender's decision when you apply for credit, particularly if you have made several cash advances in a short period.

Applying for a balance transfer card involves a hard credit search, which can cause a short-term dip in your score. However, if managed well, moving debt to a new balance transfer card can have an overall positive impact. This is because you can pay down your debt and lower your credit utilisation ratio (the proportion of your total available credit you are using). Keeping your credit utilisation below 25% is generally viewed positively by lenders.

For a more detailed look at how moving credit card debt affects your credit score, see our guide on how balance transfers affect your credit score.

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This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please speak to a qualified financial adviser before making financial decisions.