 TITLE: Can I Buy a Car With a Credit Card? CONTENT: Can I Use My Credit Card for the Down Payment?\n----------------------------------------------\nA vehicle is a major purchase, and putting money down not only reduces how much you owe but also drops your monthly payment—and could even qualify you for a lower interest rate.\nDepending on the dealer, you may be able to use your credit card for some or all of the down payment. Dealers may limit how much you can put down with a card because they're charged merchant fees on the transaction and might want to limit their costs.\nIf you want to use your card to earn rewards on the transaction, ask the dealer before your visit so you know what to expect.\nIf you're purchasing a car from a private party, though, don't expect to be able to use your card for the down payment. This is because you'll be working directly with a bank or credit union instead of going through a dealership, and financial institutions are less likely to allow such a transaction.\nOne thing to keep in mind is that just because you can put money down with your credit card doesn't mean you should. In general, it's best to use your card only if you have a rewards credit card and can afford to pay off the down payment when you get your bill.\nYou may also consider using a credit card with an introductory 0% APR promotion to make your down payment. But if you don't have a clear plan to pay off the balance during the promotional period or if your financial situation changes, you may end up paying much more in interest than if you hadn't used the card. END