Transfer from card to account is one of the possibilities offered by a credit card. It allows you to easily top up your selected bank account with funds from the granted credit limit. However, it is worth remembering that this usually involves additional costs.
What is a card to account transfer?
A transfer from a credit card to a bank account is an operation that may prove useful in many situations. It allows you to use the funds from the granted credit limit not only for non-cash payments, but also to top up any account - your own or that of another person or company. Thanks to this solution, the cardholder gains additional flexibility in managing his or her finances. A credit card transfer can be a good way to cover unexpected expenses when there are insufficient funds in your personal account.
How to make a transfer from a credit card to an account?
The process of ordering a transfer from a card to an account is very simple and works similarly to a regular bank transfer. The most convenient way to do this is through the online banking system, logging in to your profile using the data received with the card:
after logging in, select the "Transfer" or "Order a transaction" option and then indicate your credit card as the source of the transferred funds;
then simply complete the standard form by entering the recipient's details (name and surname or company name and bank account number), the transfer amount and its title;
the last step is to authorize the transaction. Depending on the bank, this may be done using a one-time SMS code, a code from a code card or by confirming the operation in the mobile application;
After positive authorization, the transfer order will be forwarded for execution.
Types of transfers made from a credit card
You can make virtually any type of transfer available from a given bank from your credit card account. Most often they will be:
domestic transfers – both internal (to an account in the same bank) and external (to another bank in Poland). These can be regular and immediate (express) transfers;
foreign transfers - enabling the transfer of funds from the card to an account maintained by a bank abroad, in any currency supported by the bank;
transfers to offices - allowing you to pay taxes, ZUS contributions or other liabilities to public institutions directly from the credit limit.
Some banks also offer the option of ordering a transfer from a credit card through a consultant on the hotline or directly at the branch. However, it is worth remembering that such a service may involve higher costs than ordering an online transfer yourself.
How much does a credit card transfer cost?
The main issue to pay attention to when making transfers from a card to an account are additional fees and commissions charged by banks. Their amount varies, but usually ranges from 2% to even 5-7% of the transaction amount. There is often a minimum fee, e.g. PLN 5 or 10. For example, with a transfer of PLN 1,000 and a 5% commission, the total transaction cost will be PLN 50. This fee is added to the transfer amount and increases the outstanding balance on the credit card. It is worth checking the table of fees and commissions carefully to be aware of the actual costs of such an operation.
Some banks apply preferential conditions for own transfers, i.e. to the cardholder's personal account in the same bank. In such a case, the commission may be lower and sometimes even waived. There are also credit card offers with free transfers, but they usually apply only to selected, most expensive product variants (e.g. gold or platinum cards).
Credit card transfer – cash or cashless transaction?
An important issue when making transfers from a credit card is the way the bank treats such a transaction. Most institutions consider such transfers to be cash transactions (just like ATM withdrawals), which has certain consequences.
Cash transactions are not subject to an interest-free period, which usually ranges from 50 to 60 days - ultimately, it depends on the bank, so it is also worth verifying this issue with your bank. This means that interest on the transfer amount is calculated from the date of its execution, and not only from the date of required repayment as in the case of non-cash transactions.
Additionally, cash transactions are usually not included in the pool of transactions rewarded by loyalty programs associated with credit cards. Therefore, you cannot count on points for transfers from a card to an account. It is worth keeping this in mind and treating transfers from a card to an account as an emergency solution, not a way to regularly top up your funds. Otherwise, the costs of servicing card debt may increase quickly and significantly.
When is it worth making a transfer from a credit card?
Despite the additional costs, credit card transfers can be useful in certain situations:
most often it will be the need to quickly top up the account in the event of unforeseen expenses that cannot be covered by funds in the personal account;
a card transfer may also be a good solution when you need to urgently pay for a service or invoice and it is not possible to do it by card. Ordering a transfer will help you avoid the consequences of late payment, and the cost of the commission may be lower than any penalty interest;
It is also worth remembering that a credit card transfer gives you additional time to repay the amount used. Thanks to this, you can gain up to more than 30 days to collect the necessary funds without charging interest, as long as the debt is repaid within the deadline indicated on the card statement.
Transfers from card to account are a useful function that provides greater flexibility in managing your home budget. However, due to the costs involved, it is worth using it carefully and thoughtfully. In everyday use of the card, it is better to opt for cashless transactions covered by the so-called grace period (interest-free period), and treat the card transfer as a back-up option for unforeseen situations.