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Sending Money Overseas: Can You Use a Credit Card?

Updated on January 11, 2023 01:11 pm
using a credit card on a laptop to send money

You can send money overseas or within the U.S. using a credit card. The catch is that there are additional fees such as cash advance fees, transfer fees, and an exchange rate markup.

Credit cards have a number of benefits, even though sending money from a bank account or through online money transfer services is less expensive. Furthermore, if you pick the right company, you can end up saving money on the excess charges.

We will walk you through the entire process of sending money abroad with a credit card in this article, as well as the different fees to watch out for and the best alternatives for cheaper international money transfers.

Can You Send Money Using a Credit Card?

Yes, you can fund your money transfer using a credit card. There are two ways you can do this: you can use your regular bank account or choose a transfer provider. We will cover this in detail later in the blog.

When Should You Use a Credit Card for Sending Money?

We know sending money using a credit card is an expensive option. However, there are some circumstances where it might be your only choice, and it does have some benefits. For regular payments, you might wish to avoid it, but you could require it in the instances listed below.

Emergencies

When you need to send money urgently to a family member but are short on cash, credit cards can be useful. This is your fastest alternative, particularly if you're sending money to someone who doesn't have easy access to a bank.

Cash-based transfers made utilizing specialized services, like Remitly, can be quite effective in such circumstances. They can go to the agent's office to pick up the cash.

Reward Points

Earning rewards and cash back by using a credit card is quite beneficial. Credit cards can be used to fund frequent transactions if you are earning rewards or cash back for your expenditures. Check to make sure you will earn points on your purchase, and then compare the cost of the additional fees against the value of the extra rewards.

Ways to Transfer Money from a Credit Card to a Bank Account

There are three ways to transfer money from a credit card to a bank account. The transfer process and fees will vary based on the method you choose. So it's worth checking out which one suits you best before you decide.

1. Getting a Cash Advance

A credit card cash advance can be considered a quick-term loan for your credit card. So there is a cash advance fee to pay and immediate interest charges. This can seem expensive, but it is often a convenient option.

  • A credit card will allow you to get a cash advance in the situations listed below:
  • Withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card if you have an active PIN
  • Visit a branch of the issuing bank and get a cash advance over the counter
  • Write yourself a check if you have a checkbook with your credit card
  • Have your card provider deposit an agreed amount right into your bank account
  • If you use a credit card for making peer-to-peer payments, this can be considered a cash advance and could incur cash advance fees.

Even though it's frequently expensive, this can be convenient. Depending on which card you choose, the terms, conditions, and fees may vary. To prevent unwanted surprises, always verify the financial institution's fees before making the transfer.

2. Use a Money Transfer Specialist

You can send money using a credit card through a number of money transfer specialists. In comparison to your bank, they are often faster, charge lower fees, and offer better exchange rates for international money transfers. Credit cards are accepted as a form of payment by services including Wise, Remitly, Panda Remit, Instarem, and XE.

Here are the steps for sending money with a credit card through an online money transfer provider:

  • Compare online money transfer providers to see the best offers
  • Sign up for an account with your preferred provider, either online or download their transfer app
  • Initiate your transfer by entering the payment amount, currency, and recipient's details
  • Select the credit card as your payment option
  • Confirm the details and press send.

3. Making a Wire Transfer to a Bank Account

Using a credit card, you can wire money to a bank account. Some banks will accept credit cards as a form of payment. Alternatively, you can directly ask the bank branch manager if it is available.

To bank wire transfer from your credit card online, these are the steps to follow:

  • Log into your online banking service
  • Look for the wire transfer option and enter the payment amount and currency
  • Add your recipient’s banking information
  • Choose the option to pay with a credit card
  • Check the fees and exchange rates and confirm.

Note: Credit card payments incur additional costs, making them relatively expensive. It may, however, be less expensive than the conventional bank wire transfer with its hidden fees.  To make sure you are selecting the best transfer deal available, compare your payment options for your preferred provider.

Pros and Cons of Sending Money with a Credit Card

As with all payment methods, credit card has their benefits and drawbacks.

Alternatives to Sending Money with a Credit Card

Sending money using a credit card can be expensive if done frequently. So it is important to know that there are cheaper, more efficient ways to transfer money from abroad or within the US.

Major money transfer service providers including Wise, and Remitly among others accept several types of payments apart from a credit card. You can make fast transfers without the extra expenses or higher exchange rates by picking the best method to make your transfers.

One of the easiest and often the fastest option to send money from a credit card or transfer money from a credit card to a bank account is to use money transfer apps.

Wise

Wise allows customers to send money internationally from 59 countries to more than 80 countries at the real exchange rate. The Wise's money transfer app has a Google Play Store rating of 4.3/5 stars and an App Store rating of 4.6/5 stars.

Fees are cheap and upfront and payments are often instant with 38% of the total transfers completed in less than 20 seconds and 53% of transfers in an hour.

Wise accepts payments using a credit or debit card, bank account, SWIFT, and PISP.

Remitly

Remitly allows users in 21 countries to send money to over 100 countries. Its money transfer app has a Google Play store rating of 4.8/5 stars and an App Store rating of 4.9/5 stars.

Send money with no hidden fees. It offers modes of money transfer.

Express: Funded by a credit or debit card. Money transfers are done immediately.

Economy: Funded by bank account. Money is delivered in 3 to 5 business days.

First-time users can take advantage of promotional exchange rates.

PassTo

PassTo is a money transfer app offering international money transfers to more than 50 countries with real-time exchange rates, faster speed, and no hidden costs.

It has a Google Play store rating of 4.5/5 stars and an App Store rating of 4.4/5 stars.

Almost all money are delivered within minutes or on the same day or the next working day in some situation.

Xe

Xe is a popular currency converter based in Canada that offers money transfer services to over 220 countries in more than 139 currencies.

Xe is a popular option for large bank-to-bank transfers. You can fund your transfers using a bank account, or a credit or debit card. Most transfers are completed in a few minutes or can take up to 1 to 4 business days.

Xe app has a Google Play store rating of 3.5/5 stars and an App Store rating of 4.6/5 stars.

Panda Remit

Panda Remit is a remittance service provider based in Hong Kong that allows money transfers to more than 30 countries. Send money abroad at competitive exchange rates and transparent fees.

They charge zero fees on your first transfer. Most of the money gets delivered within minutes (as fast as 2 minutes). And if you are not satisfied, there is a 100% money-back guarantee.

Panda Remit app has a Google Play store rating of 3.6/5 stars and an App store rating of 4.5/5 stars.

SBIC

State Bank of India-California (SBIC), a subsidiary of the State Bank of India, is a full-service financial institution providing a range of banking products and international services.

Headquartered in Downtown Los Angeles, it is one of the fastest ways to send money to India. The money transfers can be done online, through the SBIC mobile app, or in person at any SBIC branch.

Send money to India at competitive USD to INR exchange rates and at zero cost if you use SBIC mobile app. Transfers are typically completed in a few hours.

Instarem

Instarem is a Singapore-based online remittance service that offers affordable and fast online international money transfers to more than 60 different countries.

Send money at the real exchange rates and transparent fees, much like Wise. The majority of the transfers are done within minutes.

You can get discounts and transfer bonuses for first-time users. You can also get a referral bonus if you refer to friends and family.

Instarem money transfer app has a Google Play store rating of 3.6/5 stars and an App store rating of 4.1/5 stars.

Pangea

Pangea facilitates simple, safe, and cheap international money transfers from the U.S. to 40 countries. However, it is not available in all the U.S. states.

Send money overseas with Pangea at a fixed and transparent fee. Most money transfers are completed in less than 30 seconds or in a day.

First-time users can make use of the discount offer. If you refer a friend or a family member, you can earn cash.

Pangea money transfer app has a Google Play store rating of 4.5/5 stars and an App store rating of 4.8/5 stars.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Send Money Internationally with a Credit Card?

There are quite a few international payment providers which allow credit card payments. As we have listed above, there are quite a few money transfer specialists that offer international transfers paid for with a credit card. The basic steps you’ll need to take to make a transfer include:

  1. Pick your preferred online money transfer provider and register an account online or in the provider’s app
  2. Set up your transfer by entering the payment amount, currency, and recipient’s details
  3. Select the option to pay by credit card – check everything over and confirm when you’re ready

How Long Does it Take to Send Money with a Credit Card?

The payment time with a credit card will be determined by your chosen payment method, transfer amount, currency, and destination country. Compared to other payment methods, credit card payments are almost always instant.

How Much Does it Cost to Send Money Overseas Using a Credit Card?

If you send money internationally using a credit card, you'll need to pay the following fees:

  • Money Transfer Provider's fee (low or waived completely)
  • Exchange rate margin (paid to the provider)
  • Third-party charges to intermediary banks (if transferred via SWIFT and sent to a bank account)
  • Cash advance fees to your credit card issuer (a fixed amount or percentage fee of around 3%-5%)
  • Interest charge to your credit card issuer (accrue immediately once you make a cash advance or make a payment

Since all fees may not apply to all payments, it is better to check out exactly which fees will apply to your transfer to avoid surprises. In most cases, the total fees will depend on the payment details.

Is it Worth Paying the Extra Fees?

If you want to skip the extra fees for using a credit card, there are cheaper ways to send money internationally such as a debit card or ACH transfer. Your overall costs of the transfer will be significantly reduced.

When Should I Use a Credit Card for Sending Money Abroad?

It is better to use a credit card sparingly when it comes to sending money abroad because it can be costly. But it is a convenient option in times of emergencies and earning rewards points from using credit card payments.

What is the Best Way to Transfer Money Internationally?

The best way to transfer money internationally is to compare international money transfer companies and choose the best one that caters to your transfer needs. They offer better pricing, competitive exchange rates, multiple payments, and delivery options, and superior services than the traditional method of transferring money with banks.

Conclusion

Although it can be quick and simple to transfer money using a credit card, most people will prefer to save this option for dire conditions because of the high fees involved.

Additionally, using a credit card to send money internationally through your bank can also mean comparatively high fees, bad exchange rates, and immediate interest charges. As we've seen, there are other cheaper alternatives.

Money Transfer specialists often accept more than one payment method. You can transfer money fast with low fees, and better exchange rates. The easiest and cheapest way to make international payments is to compare different service providers.

To see what the top money transfer providers are offering, be sure to use our online comparison tool to get the best exchange rates, lowest fees, and fastest transfer time today!

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