You can send money online with a credit card through money transfer services, but the process and costs differ depending on who you're sending to and where they live

Credit cards are not the fastest or cheapest way to move money to another person, but several services accept them. The main options are money transfer platforms (like Western Union or MoneyGram), peer-to-peer payment apps (like PayPal or Venmo), and bank transfer services. Each charges different fees, takes different amounts of time, and works better for different situations — sending $50 to a friend across town is not the same transaction as sending $500 to family overseas.

The catch: most services treat credit card transfers as cash advances or purchases, which means you may pay a percentage fee upfront, plus interest starting when ready if your card charges it. Debit cards, bank transfers, and other funding methods usually cost less. Understanding which service fits your situation — and what it will actually cost — matters before you hand over your card number.

Key Takeaways

  • Money transfer services like Western Union and MoneyGram accept credit cards but often charge 3 to 5 percent of the amount sent, plus fees that vary by destination.
  • Peer-to-peer apps like PayPal and Venmo accept credit cards for sending money domestically, though some charge a percentage fee for credit card funding.
  • Credit card transfers may be treated as cash advances, which means interest accrues when ready and separately from your regular purchase APR.
  • International transfers via credit card are more expensive than domestic ones; bank-to-bank transfers or specialized remittance services often cost less for money going overseas.
  • Checking your card's terms before you send reveals whether the transaction counts as a cash advance, a purchase, or a transfer, which determines your actual cost.

Money transfer services that accept credit cards

Western Union and MoneyGram are the two largest networks for sending money in person or online. Both accept credit cards on their websites and apps. You enter the recipient's name, location, and the amount; they receive the money at a pickup location (usually a retail store) or, in some cases, directly to a bank account.

Fees for credit card transfers through these services typically run 3 to 5 percent of the amount sent, plus a flat fee that varies by destination. Sending $100 domestically might cost $5 to $8 total; sending the same amount internationally could cost $10 to $20 or more. The recipient usually pays nothing. The money is usually available within minutes to a few hours if picked up in person, or one to three business days if sent to a bank account.

The trade-off: these services are widely available and fast, but expensive. They work well when speed matters more than cost, or when the recipient does not have a bank account. For routine money transfers between people with bank accounts, peer-to-peer apps or direct bank transfers are usually cheaper.

Peer-to-peer payment apps and credit cards

Apps like PayPal, Venmo, Square Cash, and Google Pay let you send money to another person using your phone. Most accept credit cards as a funding source, though policies vary. PayPal charges a 2.2 percent fee plus $0.30 when you fund a transfer with a credit card; Venmo charges 3 percent for credit card funding. Some apps waive the fee if you use a debit card or bank account instead.

These apps work best for splitting bills, paying friends, or sending money domestically between people who both have the app. The recipient usually receives the money within one to three business days, or when ready if both people use the same app and have linked bank accounts. Amounts are typically capped at $2,000 to $10,000 per transaction, depending on the app and your account history.

The advantage over money transfer services is lower fees and easier setup — most people already have these apps. The disadvantage is that they only work between people with bank accounts or the app itself; you cannot send money to someone who needs to pick it up in person. They also do not work well for international transfers.

How credit card cash advances affect the cost

Before you send money with a credit card, check whether your card issuer treats the transaction as a purchase, a cash advance, or a transfer. This matters because the fees and interest rates are different.

A purchase is charged your regular APR and usually has no upfront fee from the card issuer (though the money transfer service still charges its own fee). A cash advance is charged a higher APR — often 25 to 30 percent — and usually includes an upfront fee of 3 to 5 percent of the amount. Interest on a cash advance starts accruing when ready; you do not get a grace period like you do with purchases. A transfer may be charged a flat fee or a percentage, depending on the card and the service.

Call your card issuer or check your card's terms online before you send. Ask specifically whether a transfer through the service you plan to use counts as a purchase or a cash advance. If it is a cash advance, the total cost may be much higher than you expected, and you may want to use a debit card or bank account instead.

International transfers with a credit card

Sending money overseas with a credit card is possible but expensive. Western Union and MoneyGram both offer international transfers via credit card, with fees ranging from 5 to 15 percent depending on the destination country and amount. PayPal also sends money internationally, with fees of 2.2 percent plus $0.30 for credit card funding, plus an additional currency conversion fee of 2 to 3 percent.

For larger amounts or regular international transfers, a bank-to-bank wire transfer or a specialized remittance service (like Wise, formerly TransferWise, or OFX) is usually cheaper. These services often charge a flat fee plus a currency conversion rate closer to the real market rate, which saves money on large transfers. They do not accept credit cards directly, but you can fund them with a bank account or debit card.

If you must use a credit card for an international transfer, compare the total cost — the service fee, the currency conversion fee, and any cash advance interest — across at least two services before you send. The difference can be significant.

Alternatives to credit card transfers

If you have access to other funding methods, they are usually cheaper. A debit card is treated as a direct bank withdrawal by most services, so you avoid cash advance fees and interest. A bank account (either linked directly or via ACH transfer) is the cheapest option for domestic transfers and often free or very low-cost. A wire transfer through your bank costs $15 to $30 but is fast and works internationally.

If you do not have a bank account, a credit card may be your only option. In that case, compare the total cost across services and choose the one with the lowest combined fee. If you are sending money regularly, opening a basic bank account may save you money over time, even if it requires a minimum deposit or balance.

What to check before you send

Before you complete any transfer, verify three things: the recipient's information (name, location, or account details), the total cost to you (service fee plus any card issuer fees), and how long the money will take to arrive. Most services show you the fee before you confirm, so take a moment to read it.

Also confirm that the recipient can actually receive the money the way you are sending it. If you are using a money transfer service, make sure there is a pickup location near them or that they have a bank account for direct deposit. If you are using a peer-to-peer app, make sure they have the app and a linked account. Sending money to the wrong place or in a form the recipient cannot access is the most common mistake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my credit card charge me interest on a money transfer?

Only if your card issuer treats the transfer as a cash advance. Check your card's terms or call the issuer before you send. If it is a cash advance, interest starts accruing when ready at a rate usually 5 to 10 percentage points higher than your regular APR. If it is a purchase, you only pay interest if you carry a balance past your due date.

Can I send money internationally with a credit card?

Yes, but it is expensive. Western Union, MoneyGram, and PayPal all accept credit cards for international transfers, with fees of 5 to 15 percent depending on the destination. For larger amounts, a bank wire or a remittance service like Wise is usually cheaper, though they do not accept credit cards directly.

What is the difference between a money transfer service and a peer-to-peer app?

Money transfer services like Western Union let you send money to someone who picks it up in person at a retail location; peer-to-peer apps like Venmo send money directly to a bank account or app wallet. Money transfer services work for people without bank accounts; peer-to-peer apps require both people to have accounts or the app.

Is it cheaper to use a debit card instead of a credit card?

Usually yes. Debit cards are treated as direct bank withdrawals, so you avoid cash advance fees and interest. Most money transfer services and peer-to-peer apps charge lower fees for debit card or bank account funding than for credit cards.

How long does it take to send money with a credit card?

Domestic transfers via peer-to-peer apps usually arrive within one to three business days. Money transfer service pickups are faster — often within minutes to a few hours. International transfers take longer, typically three to seven business days, depending on the destination and the service.