Can you pay someone with a credit card?
You can — but it’s not always straightforward. Credit cards are made for paying businesses, not people. So if you want to pay a friend, family member or even a tradesperson, you’ll likely need to go through a third-party service. This guide explains your options, the costs involved, and how to do it safely.
4 min read
In a nutshell
- You can pay someone with a credit card — but not directly – you’ll usually need to go through a money transfer service, digital wallet or specialist credit card to do it.
- It can come with extra fees and higher interest – some services charge a percentage fee or treat it like a cash advance, which could cost more than a standard purchase.
- There are safer and cheaper ways to pay people – for friends, family or local tradespeople, bank transfers are often quicker, cheaper and offer more clarity.
- Never give out your credit card details to someone else – it’s not a safe way to pay and could put you at risk of fraud or theft.
Can you use a credit card to pay a person directly?
Yes, but it’s not always simple. Credit cards are designed for buying goods and services from businesses. Paying an individual – like a friend or your plumber – can be tricky, but there are ways to do it.
Ways to pay someone with your credit card
There are a number of ways you can pay someone using your credit card. These include the following.
Use a money transfer service
Some companies, like Western Union or MoneyGram, let you send money using your credit card. But they often charge high fees and interest rates if you don’t clear the balance straight away.
Use a payment app or digital wallet
Some payment apps and digital wallets can let you link your credit card and send money to someone's bank account or email address. Check whether your chosen app allows credit card funding, as policies vary between providers and regions.
Again, there might be fees for using a credit card instead of a debit card.
Take out a money transfer credit card
A few credit card providers offer ‘money transfer’ cards. These let you move money from your credit card into your bank account, which you can then use to pay anyone you like. These cards often offer a low or 0% interest rate for a set time – but you’ll usually pay a transfer fee of around 2-4%.
Things to check before paying someone with a credit card
- Fees: UK shops can't charge you extra for paying with a credit card, but some payment apps might still charge fees when you send money using your card
- Interest: Cash advances or money transfers can attract higher interest rates than normal purchases.
- Cash advance fees: Some payments to individuals are treated like cash withdrawals, adding extra charges. For example, using apps like PayPal to send money with your credit card might count as a cash advance.
- Payment protection: Buying goods or services with a credit card can give you Section 75 protection, but paying individuals for non-business reasons often doesn’t.
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Can you pay someone by giving them your card details?
No, you should never share your credit card details with someone so they can process a payment themselves. This is risky and could lead to fraud or theft.
When paying someone with a credit card might make sense
Using a credit card can be useful if:
- You’re paying a business or sole trader who accepts card payments.
- You want extra protection when buying goods or services.
- You need to spread the cost over time (but remember to consider the interest).
When it might not be a good idea
It’s usually best to avoid paying individuals with your credit card if:
- You’d pay high fees or interest charges.
- You can’t pay the balance off quickly.
- The person you’re paying asks for your card details directly.
What’s the best way to pay someone safely?
- For small amounts to friends/family: Bank transfers are usually free and instant.
- For businesses or tradespeople: Pay by card if they accept it, or do a bank transfer with a clear payment reference.
- For international payments: Consider using a service like Wise, which can be cheaper than credit card payments abroad.
You can pay someone with a credit card, but it’s not always the best option
You can pay someone using your credit card through money transfer services or apps, but it can cost you more in fees and interest. Always check the costs and think about safer, cheaper options like bank transfers first.
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure content is correct when published. Information on this website doesn't constitute financial advice, and we aren't responsible for the content of any external sites.
