Transferring Debt to Another Person: Is it even possible?

Turner Norton

New member
So I’ve been trying to help my brother get out from under a mountain of credit card debt and I was wondering if transferring debt to another person is even a thing you can do. I’ve got solid credit, low utilization and no real debt myself and I’ve been thinking about taking out a balance transfer card to help him breathe a little.

He’s maxed out most of his cards and can’t qualify for anything new. I figured if I could transfer some of that debt to a 0% card in my name, we could knock out chunks without drowning in interest.

But I’m not sure if card issuers actually let you transfer someone else’s debt to your account. Would they even allow that or is there a workaround where I can pay off his card with mine somehow? Just trying to make sure we don’t accidentally make things worse.
 
Technically, credit card companies do not let you transfer someone else’s debt directly. Balance transfers are meant for your own cards. But some people do workaround stuff like using a balance transfer check to pay off someone else’s card. Risky though, since the debt becomes yours.
 
Been in your shoes. Helped my sister by taking out a personal loan in my name. It worked, but we agreed on a repayment plan. Honestly, if your brother flakes, YOU are the one stuck. Make sure you’re 100% sure you’re cool with that possibility.
 
Balance transfer cards usually require the account being paid off to be under your name. One hack i’ve seen: take out a 0% APR card, get a balance transfer check, and use that to pay off the other card. But not all cards offer checks anymore.
 
Let me stop you before you become default big bro. You're amazing for wanting to help, but just know: if he screws up again, you’ll end up resenting him. Set terms. Put stuff in writing. Families break over money, man.
 
Look into credit card convenience checks. Some issuers give you these and they can be written to anyone. You could write it to your bro’s credit card company. BUT confirm it still qualifies for the 0% period and not as a cash advance!
 
Honestly you’re just shifting risk. If he couldn’t manage the original cards, what makes you think he’ll manage the repayment to you? Been there. Still waiting on “I’ll pay you back Friday” from 2021.
 
If your card allows balance transfer checks you might be able to write one to pay off his debt. Just watch out: some issuers count those as cash advances with no grace period. Ask first.
 
I did this for my ex. Thought I was being smart. He bailed. I paid off $3k that wasn’t even mine. Moral of the story: don’t make your financial health his life jacket unless he’s already swimming.
 
I’ve seen people just do a full-on bank transfer, pay off the relative’s card, and then treat it like a family loan. Might not help your credit score, but it gets the job done without calling the issuer.
 
Let’s say you transfer $5k to your card. What’s your exit plan if he loses his job or ghosts? If this is charity, cool. But if it’s a loan, protect yourself. Draw up terms and maybe a promissory note.
 
Bro I love this energy, but are you sure he’s done swiping? Paying off someone’s credit card is like refilling an empty beer glass......they’re just gonna drink again if they haven’t fixed the habit.
 
Check out the card’s terms. Some balance transfer offers let you pay off other lenders even if they’re not in your name but most do NOT. Gotta read the fine print on this one.
 
If your brother doesn’t change his behavior, all you’re doing is bailing him out. Help him budget, sure. Offer to MATCH payments if he sticks to a plan. Don’t just become his financial sponge.
 
Could be a teachable moment, honestly. Tell him you’re willing to help if he cuts his cards and sets up auto-pay with you involved. Otherwise, it’s enabling. Learned this the hard way with my cousin.
 
Empathy is noble, but financial boundaries matter. A credit score is a delicate flower. Don’t stomp on yours just to water someone else’s weeds.
 
It’s not officially allowed by most banks, but that doesn’t mean people don’t do it. You’re just accepting ALL risk. Can your brother realistically pay you monthly? That’s the only question that matters.
 
You could also try applying for a 0% APR personal loan instead. That way it’s cash in hand and you control how it’s applied. Balance transfers can be weird if the issuer blocks non-matching names.
 
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