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Can You Pay a Car Payment at Capital One with a Credit Card?
July 1, 2025
Quick Answer
Capital One does not directly accept credit cards for auto loan payments.
Should You Pay A Car Payment At Capital One With A Credit Card?
Let's weigh the pros and cons of using a credit card for your car payment.
Potential Benefits
- Earn credit card rewards like points, miles, or cash back on your payment.
- Provides a short-term solution if you're temporarily low on cash to avoid a late payment.
- Offers the convenience of consolidating payments onto one card statement.
Potential Drawbacks
- A third-party processing fee may be charged, potentially negating any rewards earned.
- Carrying a balance on your credit card will likely incur high interest charges.
- You are converting secured auto loan debt into higher-interest, unsecured credit card debt.
How to Pay A Car Payment At Capital One With A Credit Card
Paying your Capital One auto loan with a credit card can be a strategic way to earn rewards. Here’s a general guide on how to approach the process effectively.
- Confirm Capital One’s Policy: Lenders often don't accept credit cards for loan payments directly to avoid processing fees and debt-shuffling. Verify Capital One's current payment options for auto loans.
- Select the Right Credit Card: To make it worthwhile, use a card that offers significant rewards or a 0% introductory APR. You can use Kudos' Explore Cards tool to find a card that fits your strategy.
- Use a Third-Party Service: If direct payments aren't an option, consider a bill pay service. These platforms charge your credit card and then send a payment to Capital One, usually for a fee.
- Weigh the Costs vs. Benefits: Carefully calculate if the credit card rewards you earn will outweigh the processing fees charged by the third-party service. This step is crucial to ensure you come out ahead.
Impact On Your Credit Score
Using a credit card for your Capital One auto loan can have several effects on your credit score. Here are a few key factors to consider before you decide to pay this way.
- Credit Utilization. A large car payment can spike your credit utilization ratio, a key factor in your credit score. A higher ratio can signal risk to lenders and may temporarily lower your score.
- Increased Debt. If you don't pay the credit card balance in full, you'll accrue interest, potentially at a high rate. This increases your overall debt load and can make managing your finances more difficult.
- Payment History. Making your car payment on time is positive for your credit. However, failing to pay the new credit card balance on time will result in a negative mark on your report.
Alternative Ways To Pay A Car Payment At Capital One
Pay by Phone or Mail
For those who prefer offline methods, Capital One allows car payments by phone. You can contact their customer service to initiate a payment directly from your checking or savings account. Another option is to mail a personal check or money order. Be sure to send it several days before your due date to the correct payment processing center to ensure it posts on time and you avoid any potential late fees.
Utilize Automatic Payments
To streamline your monthly obligation, consider enrolling in AutoPay. This feature can be configured through your online account settings to automatically withdraw your payment from a linked bank account each month. You can select the payment date that works best for you, providing a convenient way to ensure your payments are always on time without manual intervention. This method avoids the need for credit cards and simplifies the entire process.
Choose the Right Card to Pay A Car Payment At Capital One
While you typically can't pay an auto loan directly with a credit card without incurring hefty fees, you can use the right card for your everyday spending to earn rewards that offset your car payment costs. Finding the ideal card is simple with the Kudos Explore Tool, which sifts through nearly 3,000 options to find your perfect, unbiased match based on your personal preferences. You can find your next card and start making your money work for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there fees for paying a Capital One auto loan with a credit card?
Capital One doesn't charge a fee, but your credit card issuer might process the payment as a cash advance.
Does paying my car loan with a credit card impact my credit score?
It can increase your credit utilization ratio, potentially lowering your score, but consistent on-time payments are a positive factor.
What are other ways to pay my Capital One auto loan?
You can pay online with a bank account, by phone, through the mail, or at a Capital One branch.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
