Can you pay off a payday loan with a credit card?
Jackson Reed
Updated on January 20, 2026
Using a credit card to pay off a Payday loan is not always the best idea, but it’s better than not paying the debt at all. Interest rates on credit cards are high but usually lower than those charged on a Payday loan. Most credit card account holders can take some cash out, but there is usually a fee for it.
Why might a loan from a bank be better than putting a large balance on your credit card?
The lower your ratio, the better. A personal loan adds variety to your credit mix, which is one of the factors used to determine your credit scores. And if you use a personal loan to pay off credit card debt, you’ll reduce your credit utilization ratio.
Do cash advances on credit cards hurt your credit?
A cash advance doesn’t directly affect your credit score, and your credit history won’t indicate you borrowed one. The cash advance balance will, however, be added to your credit card debt, which can hurt your credit score if it pushes your credit utilization ratio too high.
What happens when you pay off a car loan with a credit card?
When paying off a car loan with a credit card, you are essentially conducting a balance transfer — moving debt from one place to another to take advantage of a lower interest rate. When you use your credit card to pay off your car loan, you are closing the loan account and taking on the balance as credit card debt instead.
If you have a credit card and are dealing with high-interest debt from a no credit check loan like a payday loan or title loans, then transferring that debt to your card will almost certainly save you money. But with traditional loans, it may not work out as well. When paying down debt, you need a plan.
Which is the best way to pay off credit card debt?
For a couple reasons, targeting paying down your credit card debt is usually your best bet. Typically, that will accomplish two things: it will pay down debt with higher interest rates and it can improve your credit score.
What happens if you pay off a credit card late?
If your income is volatile and there’s a chance you might be late with a credit card payment in the time it takes to pay off the loan, then your credit score could drop. And if that happens, your APR could increase, causing you to pay more in interest over time. Is it better to have a personal loan or credit card debt?