Can You Pay a Credit Card with Another Credit Card?

‘Can you use a credit card to pay another credit card?’ is a fair question to ask.
In our guide, thimbl provides the answer to this question and explores alternatives that could be suitable for you.

Can I make a credit card payment with another credit card?

Typically, you cannot use one credit card to pay another. There are exceptions, as we’ll talk about in more detail in the next section, but these methods can be costly.

You might be interested in exploring alternatives to paying off one credit card with another, such as a balance transfer credit card. We’ll share some key information about balance transfer credit cards further down the page.

Paying a credit card with a credit card: is it possible?

• A cash advance
  Can I use a cash advance to pay off another credit card? The short answer to this question is yes, you could use a cash advance to pay off another credit card, but that doesn’t mean you should.
  It’s crucial to understand how a cash advance works and how it could affect your credit score.
  A cash advance is when you use your credit card to withdraw cash. If you were hoping to pay off a credit card with another credit card, you’d use the withdrawn cash to pay that card.

WARNING: a cash advance could harm your credit score. Lenders may view a cash advance as a sign of poor money management. Your credit card provider may charge a cash advance fee. Please think very carefully and research alternative options that could be available before you consider a cash advance.

• A balance transfer credit card
  A balance transfer credit card allows you to move the balance of one or more existing credit cards onto a new credit card with a lower interest rate. Many balance transfer credit cards come with a promotional period of low or no interest.
  A balance transfer credit card could help you save money on the interest you’re paying, while combining multiple credit card balances into one account could make it easier to stay on top of your finances.

Can I move my balance to another credit card? How do balance transfer credit cards work?

Here’s an example of how a balance transfer credit card could typically work. Please note that this example is for illustrative purposes only.

• You have 3 active credit cards: credit card A, credit card B, and credit card C.

• You’re approved for a balance transfer credit card with a credit limit of £1,000 and an Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 39.9% and a promotional 0% interest rate on balance transfer for 6 months from the date your account is opened.
• You transfer the balances of credit cards A, B and C onto the balance transfer credit card.
• You’re charged a balance transfer fee of 3% of each transferred balance. This equates to a total cost of £24. This means that, including fees, your total transferable balance will be £824, which is within your £1,000 credit limit.
• You will not be charged interest for 6 months.

Balance transfer credit cards: things to be aware of

• Once the promotional interest period ends, any balance left on your credit card and new purchases made will be charged interest at your standard rate.


• You could be charged an initial balance transfer fee, which could either be a set fee or a percentage of the balance you’re transferring. Make sure the fee is less than the amount you could save by making the transfer.


• Generally, you can’t transfer a balance through credit cards issued by the same provider.

The thimbl Balance Transfer Credit Card

The thimbl Balance Transfer Credit Card offers a 6-month interest-free period.
You can check your eligibility for a thimbl credit card if you:

• Are between the ages of 18 and 70;
• Are a UK resident with at least 1 year's UK address history;
• Have a monthly net income of at least £800;
• Have an active credit account that has been open for a minimum of 12 months; and
• Do not already hold a Zable credit card.

thimbl is a credit broker. The thimbl credit card is powered by Zable, a trading name of Lendable Ltd. Lendable Ltd is unable to consider applications from anyone who has declared bankruptcy or is in an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA).

5 reasons to choose the thimbl Balance Transfer Credit Card

1. All credit scores welcome to check their eligibility for the thimbl Balance Transfer Credit Card.


2. Check your eligibility in just 90 seconds with no impact on your credit score.*


3. If approved for the thimbl Balance Transfer Credit Card, you’ll get a personalised starting credit limit between £500 and £2,000.


4. You could access the virtual thimbl credit card on the same day as your application is accepted.**


5. As of May 2026, we’ve said ‘yes’ to over 200,000 customers – and counting!

The thimbl Balance Transfer Credit Card: things to think about before you apply

• If you’re approved for a thimbl Balance Transfer Credit Card, you cannot transfer a balance from an existing credit card issued by Zable or Lendable Ltd.
• The minimum amount of money you’re able to transfer is £50.
• You can transfer up to 97% of your available balance.
• You’ll be charged a transfer fee of either £3 or 3% of the transferred balance, whichever is higher.
• Once the 6-month interest-free promotional period ends, any balance leftover or new purchases made will be subject to interest at your standard rate.

What to do if you can’t make your credit card repayments?

If you’re struggling to make your credit card repayments, please reach out to your provider sooner rather than later. They will talk you through any options that could be available to help reduce some of the financial pressure you’re facing.

Can I get free money advice in the UK?

Yes, you can. Free, confidential financial advice is available through the following charities and organisations: StepChange, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice, and National Debtline.

*Zable is a trading name of Lendable Ltd. If you choose to make a full application, a creditworthiness assessment will be carried out by Zable. This will consist of a hard search and a further check powered by Open Banking. A hard search will remain on your credit file for up to 12 months, and multiple hard searches within a short period of time could hurt your credit score. Any credit obtained upon successful application will be provided by Lendable Ltd.

**Use of the virtual thimbl credit card will be subject to an additional fraud check carried out via an Open Banking check.