Moving money from your credit card to bank account isn’t always a walk in the park, and those fees can hit you where it hurts. But I’ve found some solid workarounds—some obvious, some a bit crafty—that get it done. From leaning on your bank’s customer service to using apps like CRED or Amazon Pay (my go-to, honestly), plus a sneaky trick I stumbled on, there’s plenty to explore. Let’s get into it.
Straight to the Point: Call Your Bank
The simplest move is ringing up your credit card provider and asking them to shift some funds. Most banks can sort this over the phone or through their app. Check your balance, tell them where it’s going, and you’re set. In the app, look for “Add Money” or “Transfer to Bank,” then pick “Credit Card.”
Downside? The fees. SBI’s at 2% or ₹199 (whichever’s steeper), and HDFC might nab up to 4%. Not my favorite surprise.
Amazon Pay: My Reliable Pick
Personally, I stick with Amazon Pay since I’ve got the Amazon Pay ICICI credit card, and it’s been smooth sailing. Here’s how it rolls: link the card to your Amazon Pay wallet, load it up with cash from the card, then send it to your bank account. No transfer fees, and I snag 2% cashback on what I add. It’s been a lifesaver for me—free moves and a little reward on top. If you’ve got that card, it’s a no-brainer.
CRED: Fast, but Pricey
CRED’s another option I’ve tried. You sign up, link your card, and use their “RentPay” feature. It’s meant for rent, but some folks—including me once—sent it to a landlord (or themselves) to get cash into a bank account. It’s quick, but CRED takes 1.5% to 3%, depending on your card. Plus, with the RBI cracking down on rent-via-credit-card tricks, I wouldn’t bank on this lasting long.
Third-Party Apps: Handy, Not Cheap
Apps like PayTM, Mobikwik, or Bajaj Finserv can move funds too, but they’ve got their hands out. PayTM’s at 2.65%, Mobikwik’s 3%, Bajaj’s 2%. I’ve dabbled here, but unless there’s a promo, the fees kill it. The RBI’s tightening up on these too, so they’re iffy long-term.
Side Hustles: Rent or Investments
For a detour, I’ve looked at rent apps like RedGiraffe—pay with a card, fees apply—or even NPS contributions, though the RBI’s nixed that lately. Not my usual go-to, but they’ve crossed my radar.
The Hidden Gem: Digital Rupee Trick
Here’s a wild one I found—shifting money for free with CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency). Get your bank’s Digital Rupee wallet app—it’s like UPI with a twist. Link a RuPay credit card through a UPI app, load the wallet, then send it to your bank account, no cost. The government’s all in on this, so it feels safe. I haven’t tried it yet, but it’s tempting—free’s hard to beat, though who knows how long it’ll stick around.
What’s Your Move?
For me, Amazon Pay’s the champ—works fine every time, no fees, and that cashback’s a perk. CRED’s handy in a pinch but costs too much for regular use. The CBDC trick’s free if you’re up for the setup. I’d say Amazon Pay or the digital currency route are tops—easy and wallet-friendly. Got questions or want more credit card tips? Hit up CardReview.in or drop me a line below!