Why Can't I Pay My Car Shipping Company with a Credit Card?

While it seems almost everything can be paid for by credit card these days, the car shipping industry is a bit of an exception, as auto transport companies frequently do not accept credit cards. If the ability to pay via credit card is important to you, make sure to discuss payment options upfront while shopping for car shipping companies.

If you are required to put down a deposit, which is typically the case, most car shipping companies allow you to use a debit or credit card. However, once your vehicle is delivered, you are typically required to pay with cash or a cashier’s check for the balance.

Why is this? There are two main reasons:

1. Margins are tight in the car shipping business and transactions are large. Because of this, most auto transport companies don’t want to pay the 2.5-3.5% transaction fee charged by the credit card companies.
2. Credit card companies can reverse charges if there is a customer complaint. Car shipping companies would rather avoid disputes with credit card companies altogether. Once the car has been delivered, they have very little recourse if the credit card company decides to reverse the charges.

So, if you want to pay with a credit card when shipping your car, make it one of your criteria when looking for an auto transport company and be sure to discuss payment options upfront to avoid any surprises later.

About MoveCars.com

MoveCars.com is a comprehensive online directory of car shipping companies, including enclosed auto transport and international shipping companies. Even before you start looking for a car shipping company, you can find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about car moving, car shipping tips, and a glossary of auto transport terms.