How to Send Money with a Credit Card Abroad Easily

Credit cards give you a quick and easy way to send money to other countries. You can use them to help your family, pay bills in another country, or make an urgent payment if you need to. But these transfers may not always be the cheapest way to send money. It is important to know the costs, the good parts, and what you need to do when you use your credit card for this. Knowing these things will help you make an informed decision.

This guide shows you how to send money to people in other countries with a credit card. It will also talk about how this compares with other ways, such as using a balance transfer credit card. You will read about the fees you may have to pay during the balance transfer period. There is also a set period of time when you will need to pay the money back.

Can You Send Money Internationally with a Credit Card?

Yes. Many international money transfer services and banks let you use a credit card to send money. But not all of them do this. The fees can also be higher than using a bank transfer or a debit card for your money transfer.

Providers that often let you move money using a credit card include:

• Wise (limits and higher fees can apply)
• PayPal
• Western Union
• OFX (this can depend on your region)

Some platforms let you send credit card balances to other countries. But this depends on your credit card provider. You also have to meet the rules for successful applicants before you can do this.

How Credit Card Transfers Work

When you pay with a credit card:

• The provider sees it either as a cash advance or a purchase. This depends on how the setup is done.
• Your credit card company can use a standard variable interest rate, a promotional interest rate, or an interest rate offer on the money.
• The money then gets changed into the right currency for the person getting it. It is sent with the way you pick, like to a bank account, a mobile wallet, or for a cash pickup.

It’s good to know that not every credit card will work everywhere. Some places may say no to some cards. Also, companies can set limits. These limits may depend on the remaining balance you have left or the assumed credit limit on your card.

Step-by-Step: Sending Money Abroad with a Credit Card

1. Choose a Transfer Service
   Pick a company that lets you send money with a credit card. Make sure the provider is FCA-regulated. Watch a short video from them if they have one, so you know how things work. They should also show the annual percentage rate (APR) before you go on.
2. Enter Recipient Details
   Type in the name of the person getting the money. Add what country they are in. Choose how they will get the money—on their bank account, a mobile wallet, or with store cards. Check all details are right to avoid delays.
3. Choose Credit Card as the Payment Method
   Put in your credit card number, expiry date, CVV code, and the billing address of your current account. You need to agree to start the transfer.
4. Review the Fees and Exchange Rate
   Look at:
   • Card processing fee (most often 2.5% to 4%)
   • A balance transfer fee or a cash advance fee
   • Any extra cost on the exchange rate
   • The transfer fee set by the provider
5. Confirm and Send
   Send your payment and wait for the confirmation. Keep note of the time of the transfer. You will also see when the money should arrive (many times by the next working day) and the final amount the person will get after every fee.

Pros and Cons of Using a Credit Card for Transfers

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Typical Fees for Credit Card Transfers

Credit Card vs Debit Card or Bank Transfer

• Debit Card: This card has lower fees. You do not pay any interest. It is good for everyday spending.
• Bank Transfer: This way is best if you want to send a large sum of money. The cost of borrowing is usually lower.
• Credit Card: A credit card gives you speed. It is helpful if you want plenty of time to repay your money when there is a promotional offer.

Which way you send the money depends on a few things. You need to look at how much you want to send. Your understanding of credit cards is also important. You should also think about how fast the person needs to get the money.

How to Avoid Excess Charges

• Always use an eligibility checker before you ask for a new card. This can help you see if you will get the card.
• Try to pay off your outstanding balances as soon as you can. This will bring down how much interest you pay.
• You can set reminders on your mobile banking app or with internet banking to not forget payments.
• If you can, pay more than the minimum payment each time. This will help you pay off your card faster.
• Check your monthly statement often. It is good to know your monthly payment amounts, so you can keep up or get ahead.
• A good credit score is important. It can help you get the best promotional rate offers for money transfer or balance transfer credit cards.

Is It Safe to Use a Credit Card for Money Transfers?

Yes, as long as you:

• Always use regulated services that have encryption to keep your information safe.
• It is best not to use public Wi-Fi when you type in your data.
• Make sure there is fraud protection for card purchases and cash transactions.

Credit cards give you chargeback rights. This is good if you do not get what you paid for, or if things go wrong. Also, try to have command of your credit card balance. If you spend too much, you could get into debt that is hard to pay off.

Correct as of 06 June 2025

FAQs – About Credit Card Transfers

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