There are several ways you can send money online with a credit or debit card, but you’ll need to keep an eye on the fees. It’s often cheaper to use a bank transfer or an online money transfer service. But if you have to, picking the right company to send money using your credit card can save you on excess fees.
Can I send money online with my credit or debit card?
Yes, you can send money online using a credit or debit card but it’s not the most common method. Typically, people use a bank transfer or a money transfer platform like Wise. These methods are often cheaper than sending money via a credit card. However, if you need to, it is still possible to transfer money online through a card.
You’re often able to pay for a money transfer with your credit or debit card. But compare costs among providers to make sure you’re getting the biggest bang for your buck.
How do I send money internationally using my credit card?
You have several ways to use your credit card when paying for an international money transfer, including:
Your bank. Use your credit card to transfer money overseas from your bank account either online, over the phone or by visiting a branch. But with one caveat: Your credit card provider will likely consider your transfer a cash advance, resulting in both a higher rate of interest and a cash advance fee.
Money transfer specialist. Specialist transfer companies like Western Union, MoneyGram, WorldRemit, Ria Money Transfers and more allow you to send money online with your credit card. These providers allow you to pay for online transfers using your credit card, and a few also allow for in-person transfers with your card.
PayPal. Link your credit card to your PayPal account to make an overseas transfer. Fees are 2.9% of your transaction amount and $0.30 per transaction.
Who is most likely to be researching sending money overseas with credit card?
Finder data suggests that men aged 35-44 are most likely to be researching this topic.
Response
Male (%)
Female (%)
65+
3.81%
3.81%
55-64
6.57%
3.81%
45-54
10.55%
3.98%
35-44
15.22%
10.73%
25-34
15.22%
9.86%
18-24
9.52%
6.92%
Source: Finder sample of 578 visitors using demographics data from Google Analytics
How do I send money internationally using my debit card?
Even if you don’t have a credit card, you may be in luck: many money transfer providers accept debit cards. If you decide to use a debit card, be sure to understand any processing fees you’ll pay.
Here are a few options for international transfers using your debit card:
OFX. Exclusively through finder.com, you can get $0 transfer fees on OFX. As a bonus, the platform offers excellent exchange rates.
Wise. Through Wise, you can pay no debit card fees for transfers to select countries. Watch out for percentage-based transfer fees, but rest easy knowing you’ll get the mid-market rate on all currency trades.
Want to make domestic money transfers with a debit card?
A debit card is a great option for domestic money transfers. If you pick the right transfer provider, a debit card will let you send money online quickly and for free. Consider these apps:
Google Wallet.Google Wallet offers free transfers with a debit card. When your recipient receives the transfer, the money is automatically forwarded to the bank account linked to their debit card.
Cash App. With CashApp, it’s free to load money with a debit card. It’s also free to send and receive money. On the downside, your recipient will have to wait a few days for the money to transfer from CashApp to their bank account. However, they can pay a 1% fee to withdraw the money immediately.
Venmo.Venmo doesn’t offer instant withdrawals, but you can use it to send free transfers via debit card.
What are the fees to send money online with a credit card?
You have many options when it comes to sending money with your credit card, as companies are often willing to accept payment by plastic if you’re willing to pay for the convenience. Here are the fees charged by popular options for sending $1,000 to Mexico with your credit card when we checked in 2020.
Sending $1,000 to Mexico via
Percent fee
Flat fee
Total credit card fees
WorldRemit
0.00%
$0.00
$0.00
Xoom
0.00%
$3.99
$3.99
MoneyGram
0.00%
$13.99
$13.99
Ria
0.00%
$24.00
$24.00
Western Union
0.00%
$29.99
$29.99
Remitly
3.00%
$0.00
$30.00
PayPal
2.90%
$5.30
$34.30
Wise
4.63%
$1.41
$47.71
While WorldRemit charges the lowest in credit card fees compared to the other popular sending options we checked, these fees aren’t the whole story.
When should I transfer money abroad with a credit card?
You could find yourself in a situation where sending a money transfer from your credit or debit card is a good idea. Here are just a few:
You want credit card rewards
If you have a rewards credit card, you may earn travel miles or cash back after you fund your transfer. However, this works best when you use a service like MoneyGram or Western Union — not your bank. Transferring through your bank could saddle you with higher interest rates and fees, erasing any rewards you might earn.
You need your card in a pinch
Credit and debit card transfers could be useful in an emergency. For example, you may need to send an urgent transfer to a loved one who’s mugged overseas and has no cash. In this case, it may be most effective to send a card-based transfer via Western Union or MoneyGram.
The fees work in your favor
Before you initiate your transfer, check on fees for both credit and debit cards. If there’s any difference, you’re likely to find a lower fee for debit card transfers.
You don’t have a bank account
Using a bank account is the standard funding source for money transfers. However, you may not have your bank account details handy. In that case, it may be more convenient to use your credit or debit card.
If you don’t have a credit card, bank account or debit card, consider picking up a prepaid debit card. You can purchase one at a local store — such as a supermarket or Target — and use it to fund your transfer.
Why should I avoid sending money online with a credit card?
Compared with using your bank account, it could be more convenient to transfer money with your credit or debit card. However, keep these potential pitfalls in mind.
Your credit card transaction could be treated as a cash advance
When you pay for a transfer with your credit card, the transaction is often treated as a cash advance by your card provider. This typically attracts a cash advance fee and a higher rate of interest than an ordinary card payment. The interest may also apply from the day you make the transfer — without an interest grace period.
Look out for credit and debit card fees
Using your bank account is typically the cheapest option. When you use your credit or debit card, your provider is likely to charge you a higher transfer fee.
Bottom line
You can transfer money overseas with a credit or debit card, but it’s typically your more expensive option. It’s almost always cheaper to fund your transfer with your bank account. No matter how you’ll ultimately pay, compare multiple transfer providers before parting with your money.
Frequently asked questions
Can I send money overseas using a prepaid card?
That depends on your chosen provider — some services do offer international debit cards that allow you to transfer prepaid amounts abroad.
Can I transfer money from my credit card to Paypal?
Yes, however, this can be a pricey transfer. PayPal allows you to make credit card payments at a cost ranging from 3.9% – 7.4% of your total transaction value.
Can I use a credit card to transfer money with Western Union?
Western Union does accept credit card payments through providers like Visa and Mastercard. Although they tend to charge high fees to use this method.
Does WorldRemit accept credit cards?
WorldRemit accepts debit and credit cards issued by Visa and Mastercard. However, you may be subject to additional fees from your credit card issuer since the transaction counts as a cash transfer.
Can I pay off a credit card with an international bank account?
Typically, no. Few international bank accounts come with a corresponding credit card. It’s even more difficult to use your international bank account to pay off a credit card from a different provider. If you’re interested in using a card alongside an international bank account, consider multicurrency debit cards like the one offered by Wise.
Whether products shown are available to you is subject to individual provider sole approval and discretion in accordance with the eligibility criteria and T&Cs on the provider website.
Tim Falk is a freelance writer for Finder. Over the course of his 15-year writing career, he has reported on a wide range of personal finance topics. Whether you're investing in stocks and ETFs, comparing savings accounts or choosing a credit card, Tim wants to make it easier for you to understand. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors.
How do you know if your international money transfer made it safely? Learn how to track or cancel, and find out what your rights are when it comes to sending money.
From bank transfers to specialist money transfer companies, there are several options available when you need to transfer money overseas from your bank account.
If you’re looking for a secure way to send money overseas, an international bank draft could be for you — but if speed is important, consider using a money transfer service instead.
Thanks for leaving a question on Finder. We have a comprehensive guide and comparison in sending money to Australia.
Depending on the method you need to send or receive money in Australia, you have the convenience of many options — cash, bank deposit, or peer-to-peer apps.
If you don’t need cash right away (such as through a service like Western Union or MoneyGram), there are online services available that can get your transfer to its destination in 1-5 days, with no fees and great exchange rates.
Yes, you can send money to the US using a credit card issued by your bank account either online, over the phone or by visiting a branch. Kindly note that your credit card provider will likely consider your transfer a cash advance, resulting in both a higher rate of interest and a cash advance fee.
Here are other ways to send money using a credit card:
Western Union and MoneyGram.
Specialist transfer companies like Western Union and MoneyGram allow you to pay for transfers to hundreds of thousands of locations around the world using your credit card. Both companies allow you to pay for online transfers using your credit card, and MoneyGram also allows for in-person transfers with your card.
PayPal. Link your credit card to your PayPal account to make an overseas transfer. Fees are 2.9% of your transaction amount and $0.30 per transaction.
The information you need would depend on the mode of payment you use. You may ask this from your recipient along with his/her bank account information.
Hello. I am from India. I want to send money to Tajikistan using my bank debit card ( Indian bank ) to the tajikstan bank card ( card issue by tajiki bank ) can I do ? If yes please assist me. Thanks.
Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
Yes, this is possible provided that your bank allows such transaction. You would need the bank account details of the recipient. For a more detailed instruction, it would be helpful to directly get in touch with your bank.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Do citibank have ability to transfer money to payonner account Which has agreements and gives MasterCard cards to workers at Royal Caribbean International?
Yes, Payoneer allows you to transfer funds from any of your bank accounts. Please note that you have to link your bank accounts to your Payoneer account before you can transfer funds.
Regarding the agreement you wish to have, it would be best to speak with Citibank directly and inquire if such arrangements are possible.
To transfer money overseas using a credit card, you can log on to your account online through your bank’s website and do the transfer or through transfer companies. The tips above can give you an idea of how to do the transfer online using a credit card.
You may also want to check another list of money transfer companies that can help you with the transfer.
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how can we send money to a bank account in australia
Hi Mudhita,
Thanks for leaving a question on Finder. We have a comprehensive guide and comparison in sending money to Australia.
Depending on the method you need to send or receive money in Australia, you have the convenience of many options — cash, bank deposit, or peer-to-peer apps.
If you don’t need cash right away (such as through a service like Western Union or MoneyGram), there are online services available that can get your transfer to its destination in 1-5 days, with no fees and great exchange rates.
Cheers,
Joel
I want to send money (fee)through credit card to USA …(Institute )
How can i send?
What institute information i need?
Hi Munawer!
Thanks for leaving a question on our page.
Yes, you can send money to the US using a credit card issued by your bank account either online, over the phone or by visiting a branch. Kindly note that your credit card provider will likely consider your transfer a cash advance, resulting in both a higher rate of interest and a cash advance fee.
Here are other ways to send money using a credit card:
Western Union and MoneyGram.
Specialist transfer companies like Western Union and MoneyGram allow you to pay for transfers to hundreds of thousands of locations around the world using your credit card. Both companies allow you to pay for online transfers using your credit card, and MoneyGram also allows for in-person transfers with your card.
PayPal. Link your credit card to your PayPal account to make an overseas transfer. Fees are 2.9% of your transaction amount and $0.30 per transaction.
The information you need would depend on the mode of payment you use. You may ask this from your recipient along with his/her bank account information.
Hope this helps!
Nikki
Hello. I am from India. I want to send money to Tajikistan using my bank debit card ( Indian bank ) to the tajikstan bank card ( card issue by tajiki bank ) can I do ? If yes please assist me. Thanks.
Hi Chadha,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
Yes, this is possible provided that your bank allows such transaction. You would need the bank account details of the recipient. For a more detailed instruction, it would be helpful to directly get in touch with your bank.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
Do citibank have ability to transfer money to payonner account Which has agreements and gives MasterCard cards to workers at Royal Caribbean International?
Hi Bilel,
Thanks for your inquiry
Yes, Payoneer allows you to transfer funds from any of your bank accounts. Please note that you have to link your bank accounts to your Payoneer account before you can transfer funds.
Regarding the agreement you wish to have, it would be best to speak with Citibank directly and inquire if such arrangements are possible.
Hope this information helps
Cheers,
Arnold
How do I transfer money to Nigerian through credit card?
Hello Candyce,
Thank you for your comment.
To transfer money overseas using a credit card, you can log on to your account online through your bank’s website and do the transfer or through transfer companies. The tips above can give you an idea of how to do the transfer online using a credit card.
You may also want to check another list of money transfer companies that can help you with the transfer.
Regards,
Jhezelyn