Can I use a credit card to send money internationally? [Pros & Cons]

In today’s fast-paced world, people want quick, convenient, and reliable ways to move money across borders. Families depend on remittances, travelers need emergency funds, and businesses often face last-minute payments abroad.

With credit cards already being a go-to tool for shopping and bill payments, it’s natural to wonder: can you send money from a credit card just as easily as buying something online? At first, it might seem like the answer is yes. After all, if a credit card works at millions of merchants worldwide, why not use it to transfer money?

However, the reality is more complicated. While credit cards can be used for this purpose, they come with both benefits and some significant drawbacks you should understand before making the choice.

This article will help you explore how to send money using a credit card, the pros and cons, costs you need to watch out for, and alternatives like BOSS Money that can save you cash. By the end, you’ll know exactly when a credit card makes sense – and when it doesn’t.

What does it mean to send money with a credit card?

Typically, when you transfer money abroad, the funds come from your bank account, debit card, or cash. But sending money with a credit card is different – you essentially borrow money from your card provider and redirect it through a transfer service.

Here are the three methods you can use:

Transfer via a Money Transfer Service:
The most common way to send money online with a credit card is by using a money transfer service such as BOSS Money, Western Union, or Wise. You enter your credit card details, the service charges your card to fund the transfer, and the recipient gets their money via bank deposit, mobile wallet, or cash pickup. It’s a convenient option because it works almost instantly; however, you’ll usually pay a higher fee compared to using a debit card or bank account.

Credit Card Cash Advance:
Some people withdraw cash from their credit card at an ATM (a “cash advance”) and then deposit it to send money abroad. This method is costly because cash advances often carry fees plus interest rates that can exceed annually. It’s usually the least recommended method.

Bank Transfer from Credit Card to Another Account:
In some cases, you can use your credit card to send money directly to another bank account through your bank. However, many banks don’t allow this, and even when they do, fees and interest charges are usually high.

Think of using a credit card for transfers like using a taxi instead of a bus. The taxi gets you there faster, but it costs a lot more.

Can you send money internationally with a credit card?

Wondering, can I use a credit card to send money internationally? The short answer is yes – you can.

However, the process isn’t always as simple as swiping your card at a store. In many cases, your credit card company will not send money directly to someone’s bank account overseas.

Instead, you’ll need to use a third-party money transfer provider such as BOSS Money, Wise, Western Union, or MoneyGram. These companies act as a bridge, charging your credit card and then delivering the money to your recipient through their global networks.

Here are a few factors to keep in mind:

Coverage:
Luckily, credit cards are widely accepted by international transfer services. Many providers let you send funds to over 100 different countries, reaching banks, mobile wallets, and cash pickup points. Whether your family lives in South Asia, Africa, or Latin America, chances are you’ll find a service that accepts your credit card as a funding source.

Restrictions:
Some countries block credit card transfers due to local banking laws or anti-fraud rules. Many providers may even place limits on the amount you can send per day or per transaction. Before starting, it’s best to check both your provider’s rules and your credit card issuer’s policies.

Fees and Exchange Rates:
This is where the catch often comes in. Using a credit card typically incurs higher costs than using a debit card or a bank account. For example, if you send $500 abroad, you may end up paying an extra $15–30 in fees. On top of that, your card issuer may treat the transaction as a “cash advance,” which could add even more costs.

So, while you can send money abroad with a credit card, it’s not always the cheapest or smartest route, especially for regular transfers.

Pros of using a credit card for international money transfers

Credit cards can offer numerous real advantages when sending money abroad. In certain situations, the benefits can outweigh the costs.

That said, here are the four cogent reasons why people choose this method:

Speed and convenience

One major reason people choose to send money using a credit card is speed. When you fund a transfer with a card, it is usually processed instantly online. There’s no need to wait for bank business hours, write checks, or stand in long lines at a branch.

For families who depend on quick remittances, this is a major advantage. In fact, a World Bank study¹ found that speed and convenience are the reasons they prefer digital transfers.

Using a credit card fits perfectly with this need for fast action.

Widely accepted by transfer platforms

Another plus is flexibility. From BOSS Money to Wise, most international transfer platforms accept credit cards as a payment method.

This means you don’t have to worry if your bank account is low on funds – you can still make the transfer. Having your credit card as a backup option ensures you never get stuck when you need to send money quickly.

Useful in emergencies

Emergencies don’t wait for payday. If a family member abroad suddenly needs money for hospital bills or urgent travel expenses, a credit card allows you to act immediately.

Think of it like having a fire extinguisher: you may not use it often, but when you need it, you’re grateful it’s there.

Rewards and points

Some credit cards allow you to earn rewards, cash back, or airline miles² when used for purchases made with transfers. While not all cards include this perk, for those that do, it’s like turning an expense into an opportunity.

You don’t just send money – you also earn something back.

Cons of sending money with a credit card

While credit cards can be fast and convenient for international transfers, there are some potential drawbacks you should know before choosing this method.

Higher fees

One of the biggest downsides is the cost. Transfer services often charge an extra fee when you use a credit card instead of a bank account or debit card. Moreover, your card issuer may apply a cash advance fee, which adds even more to the total.

For example, if you send $1,000 abroad, you could easily pay $50 or more in fees – money that could have gone to your recipient.

High interest rates

Credit cards are essentially borrowed money. If you don’t pay your balance in full, interest charges start adding up. Many cards charge 24.74% APR³ on unpaid balances.

That means if you transferred $1,000 and only made minimum payments, you could end up paying hundreds of dollars in interest over time. What looks like a quick solution today could become a long-term financial burden.

Lower transfer limits

Another drawback is the limit on how much you can send. Some providers cap the amount when you transfer money using a credit card.

In contrast, bank transfers can allow much higher amounts, which is important for people sending larger remittances or business payments.

Not always accepted

Not every provider accepts credit cards. Certain banks or countries block them completely to reduce fraud and money-laundering risks. Even within services that allow them, credit cards may not be available for every destination or payout option.

How to send money abroad using a credit card [Step by Step]

Ready to make an international money transfer using a credit card, but don’t know how?Fret not! Listed below are the steps you can use to send money internationally with a credit card:

Download the BOSS Money App: Get it on your smartphone, open it, and set up a free account using your phone number. The process takes less than 15 seconds.
Choose the Recipient’s Location and Amount: Select where you want to send money and how much. The app will instantly show you the exchange rate.
Pick a Delivery Method: Depending on the destination, you can choose home delivery, bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile wallet, or direct-to-debit.
Enter the Recipient’s Details: Add the name and contact information of the person receiving the money. If they’re already in your contacts, simply select them. Once you send money to someone, repeating the transaction later is faster.
Add Your Credit Card as Payment Method: Enter your credit card details securely into the app.
Click Send: Once your payment is approved, your money begins its journey to the recipient. Depending on the delivery method, funds can arrive instantly or within hours.

With this method, you can transfer money using a credit card in only a few taps.

BOSS Money: a smarter way to send money with a credit card

While many services enable you to fund transfers with a credit card, BOSS Money stands out for its affordability and flexibility.

Here are a few reasons why BOSS Money is a smart option compared to many other providers:

Low Fees: Unlike many competitors, BOSS Money offers competitive pricing even for credit card payments.
Better Exchange Rates: They provide stronger rates compared to traditional banks.
Multiple Payout Options: Recipients can choose cash pickup, bank deposits, mobile wallets, or even home delivery.
Ideal for Expats and Immigrants: If you regularly send money abroad, BOSS Money helps you save more compared to traditional methods.

Conclusion

There you have it! Now you know the answer to the query: Can you send money using a credit card internationally?

Of course, you can send money abroad with a credit card; however, it’s rarely the cheapest method. While it’s fast, convenient, and useful in emergencies, the high fees and interest rates make it best as a short-term solution – and not a regular habit.

If you need to send money overseas quickly, a credit card can bridge the gap. But for regular, low-cost transfers, a smarter choice is using services like BOSS Money, which provide lower fees, better rates, and flexible delivery options.

That way, you can save money and still keep the speed and convenience you need.

Sources: all third party information obtained from applicable website as of August 30, 2025

https://fastpayments.worldbank.org/sites/default/files/2023-10/Future%20of%20Fast%20Payments_Final.pdf
https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/credit-cards/transferable-credit-card-points-best-rewards-to-earn
https://www.investopedia.com/articles/01/061301.asp

This article is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to address every aspect of the matters discussed herein. The information in this article is not intended as specific personal advice. The information in this article does not constitute legal, tax, regulatory or other professional advice from IDT Payment Services, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “IDT”), and should not be taken or used as such by any individual. IDT makes no representation, warranty or guaranty, whether express or implied, that the content in this article is current, accurate, or complete. You should obtain professional or other substantive advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the information in this article.

Can I use a credit card to send money internationally?