The simplest way to pay a credit card with PayPal
You can pay a credit card bill through PayPal by linking the card to your PayPal account and then sending money to the card issuer — but PayPal does not process credit card payments directly the way it processes payments to people or businesses. Instead, you use PayPal as the funding source for a transfer to your card company's payment address.
The process takes a few steps: you log into PayPal, find the "Send Money" or "Transfer" section, enter your credit card company's payment address (which you can find on your bill or the company's website), and choose PayPal balance or a linked bank account as your funding source. PayPal then sends the money to that address, and your card company receives and credits it to your account.
This method works because PayPal acts as an intermediary — you are not asking PayPal to pay the card directly, but rather using PayPal to move money to the address where your card company accepts payments.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal does not have a built-in credit card payment feature, so you send money to your card company's payment address using PayPal's "Send Money" tool.
- You will need your credit card company's mailing address or online payment portal address, which appears on your monthly statement.
- The transfer can be funded from your PayPal balance, a linked bank account, or a debit card — not from another credit card.
- Processing time varies: transfers from PayPal balance are often fastest, while bank account transfers may take three to five business days.
- Some credit card companies charge a fee if you pay by third-party transfer, so check your card's terms before sending money.
Finding your credit card company's payment address
Your credit card statement lists a mailing address specifically for payments — this is different from the address where you send disputes or correspondence. Look for a section labeled "Payment Address," "Make a Payment," or "Send Payment To." If you cannot find it on a paper statement, log into your card company's website and look for a "Pay Your Bill" or "Make a Payment" page, which will show the mailing address or give you the option to pay online directly.
Some card companies also list a separate address for third-party payments. If you see language like "payments from third parties" or "payments from other accounts," use that address instead — it ensures the payment reaches the right department and is credited correctly.
Step-by-step: sending money from PayPal to your card company
Log into your PayPal account on a computer or the PayPal app. On the home screen, look for a button labeled "Send Money," "Transfer," or "Pay." Click it and select the option to send money to an address or business (not to a person).
Enter your credit card company's payment address in the recipient field. Type the company name, street address, city, state, and ZIP code exactly as it appears on your statement. In the amount field, enter the dollar amount you want to send. PayPal will show you the funding source — choose your PayPal balance, a linked bank account, or a linked debit card. Do not use a credit card as the funding source, as PayPal will not allow it.
Review the details, including the amount and address, before confirming. PayPal will show you the expected delivery date based on your funding source. Click "Send" or "Confirm," and PayPal will process the transfer. You will receive a confirmation email with a reference number — save this in case you need to track the payment.
How long it takes for the payment to arrive
The timing depends on your funding source. If you send from your PayPal balance, the money usually leaves PayPal within one business day and arrives at your card company within two to three business days after that. If you fund the transfer from a linked bank account, PayPal may hold the transfer for a few days before sending it, and your card company may take another three to five business days to receive and process it.
During this time, the payment is in transit — your card company has not yet received it, so the balance on your account will not change. Once it arrives, the company will credit it to your account, usually within one business day of receipt. If you are paying close to a due date, account for this delay and send the payment earlier than you think you need to.
Fees and what to watch for
PayPal does not charge a fee to send money to a mailing address. However, your credit card company may charge a fee for receiving a payment from a third party — some card issuers treat third-party payments differently than payments made directly through their own website or phone line. Check your card's terms and conditions or call the customer service number on the back of your card to ask whether third-party transfers incur a fee.
If there is a fee, it may be worth paying your bill directly through your card company's website instead, which is usually free. PayPal transfers make sense if you have a PayPal balance you want to use, or if you prefer to keep all your payments in one place, but not if the card company charges extra for the service.
When PayPal transfers do not work for credit card payments
Some credit card companies do not accept payments by mail from third parties — they require payments to come directly from the cardholder's bank account or through their own payment portal. If you send a transfer to an address that does not accept third-party payments, the money may be returned to your PayPal account after several weeks, or it may sit in a holding account at the card company.
Before you send money, contact your card company's customer service line and ask whether they accept payments from PayPal or other third-party services. If they do not, pay through their website or app instead. This takes only a few minutes and avoids the risk of a delayed or rejected payment.
Alternatives if you want to avoid the transfer process
The fastest and most direct way to pay a credit card is through the card company's own website or mobile app — most companies offer free online payment and process it when ready or within one business day. You can also call the customer service number on the back of your card and pay over the phone using a bank account or debit card.
If you want to use PayPal specifically because you have a PayPal balance, you could instead transfer that balance to a linked bank account (which takes one to three business days) and then use that bank account to pay your credit card company directly. This adds a step but avoids the uncertainty of third-party payment acceptance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a credit card directly with a PayPal credit card or PayPal Credit?
No. PayPal does not allow you to use a PayPal-branded credit card or PayPal Credit as a funding source for transfers to other companies. You can only fund transfers from your PayPal balance, a linked bank account, or a linked debit card. If you want to use PayPal Credit, you would need to transfer the balance to your bank account first, which defeats the purpose.
What if my credit card payment gets lost in the mail?
Keep the confirmation number from your PayPal transfer. If the payment does not appear on your credit card statement within two weeks, contact your card company with the reference number and the date you sent it. PayPal can also help you track the transfer. Most card companies will investigate and credit your account if they confirm the payment was sent but never received.
Is it safe to send credit card payments through PayPal?
Yes, PayPal uses encryption and fraud protection for transfers. However, make sure you are sending money to the correct address — if you mistype the address, the payment may go to the wrong place. Double-check the address against your statement before confirming the transfer.
Can I set up automatic credit card payments through PayPal?
PayPal does not offer automatic recurring transfers to mailing addresses. You would need to send each payment manually. If you want automatic payments, use your credit card company's own autopay feature, which you can set up on their website.
What if my credit card company charges a fee for third-party payments?
If the fee is significant, paying directly through the card company's website is usually free and faster. Call the customer service number on your card to confirm the fee amount before you send a PayPal transfer. Some companies charge $5 to $15 for third-party payments, which may not be worth it unless you have a specific reason to use PayPal.