Can You Pay Tesla Car Payment With Credit Card?
Can you pay a Tesla car payment with a credit card? The short answer is no—Tesla does not allow monthly car payments to be made with a credit card.
However, there are certain cases where you can use a credit card for Tesla-related payments, such as the initial order fee, charging costs, and accessories. Let’s break it down.
Can You Use a Credit Card to Buy a Tesla?
No, Tesla does not allow full car purchases to be made with a credit card. Instead, buyers must pay via:
- Bank transfer (ACH/wire transfer)
- Loan financing through Tesla or a third-party lender
- Leasing with monthly payments
However, Tesla does accept credit cards for the initial order deposit.
Can You Pay the Tesla Order Fee with a Credit Card?
Yes! Tesla requires a non-refundable deposit to place an order, and you can use a credit card for this payment.
| Tesla Model | Order Fee | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Model 3 | $250 | Credit Card, Debit Card |
| Model Y | $250 | Credit Card, Debit Card |
| Model S | $250 | Credit Card, Debit Card |
| Model X | $250 | Credit Card, Debit Card |
After paying this fee, the remaining balance must be paid through approved methods.
Can You Pay Monthly Tesla Payments with a Credit Card?
No, Tesla’s financing department does not accept credit cards for monthly car loan payments. Instead, you must use:
- Automatic bank withdrawals (ACH)
- Manual bank transfers
- Paper checks (in some cases)
If you want to use a credit card to pay for your Tesla indirectly, you can try:
- Using a credit card to pay your bank, then using the bank to pay Tesla.
- Using a balance transfer from a credit card to a checking account.
- Paying your loan through a third-party payment service (fees may apply).
Can You Pay for Tesla Supercharging with a Credit Card?
Yes! You can link a credit card to your Tesla account to pay for Supercharging.
How to Add a Credit Card for Tesla Charging:
- Open the Tesla app.
- Go to ‘Account’ → ‘Wallet’.
- Tap ‘Add Payment Method’.
- Enter your credit card details.
- Save the card for automatic Supercharger payments.
Your credit card will be charged automatically whenever you use a Tesla Supercharger.
Can You Pay for Tesla Service and Accessories with a Credit Card?
Yes! Tesla allows credit card payments for:
- Service center repairs and maintenance
- Accessories like floor mats and wall chargers
- Software upgrades such as Full Self-Driving (FSD)
You can pay directly through the Tesla app, website, or at a Tesla service center.
Can You Make a Tesla Lease Payment with a Credit Card?
No, Tesla lease payments must be made through ACH or bank transfer. Credit cards are not accepted for lease payments.
How to Earn Credit Card Rewards on Tesla Payments
Since Tesla doesn’t accept credit cards for car payments, here are some ways to still earn rewards:
- Use a credit card for the order deposit (earns cashback or travel points).
- Pay for Supercharging with a rewards credit card.
- Use a credit card for service, parts, and upgrades.
- Use a credit card to pay off a personal loan (some banks allow this).
While you can’t directly pay off your Tesla with a credit card, these workarounds can help you maximize credit card benefits.
FAQs About Paying for a Tesla with a Credit Card
Can I buy a Tesla with a credit card?
No, Tesla does not allow full car purchases with a credit card.
Can I use a credit card for my Tesla order deposit?
Yes, Tesla accepts credit cards for the $250 order deposit.
Can I make my Tesla loan payment with a credit card?
No, Tesla only accepts bank transfers (ACH) or checks for loan payments.
Can I pay for Tesla Supercharging with a credit card?
Yes, you can link a credit card to your Tesla account for automatic Supercharging payments.
Can I pay for Tesla service or accessories with a credit card?
Yes, Tesla accepts credit cards for service, parts, and software upgrades.
Final Verdict: Can You Pay Tesla Car Payments with a Credit Card?
No, Tesla does not allow monthly car payments via credit card.
- You can use a credit card for the order deposit.
- You can pay for Supercharging and accessories with a credit card.
- You cannot use a credit card for financing or lease payments.
If you’re looking to earn rewards, use your credit card for Tesla services, accessories, and the initial order deposit.
Can You Use a Third-Party Payment Service to Pay Tesla with a Credit Card?
Some people attempt to use third-party payment processors like Plastiq to pay their Tesla loan or lease with a credit card. These services allow you to pay bills (like auto loans) with a credit card by charging a processing fee.
Does Plastiq Work for Tesla Payments?
Plastiq and similar services used to allow Tesla payments, but many banks and lenders have since restricted car loan payments from being processed via credit card.
Even if you find a service that works, the transaction fee (typically 2.85% or more) often makes it not worth it unless you’re earning a high-value credit card reward.
Does Tesla Accept PayPal or Other Digital Wallets?
Currently, Tesla does not accept PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay for car payments or deposits.
What Tesla Purchases Can You Make with Digital Wallets?
- Service center payments (at select locations).
- Online purchases of Tesla merchandise and accessories.
If you prefer using PayPal or Apple Pay, you may need to transfer funds to your bank first.
Can You Use a Business Credit Card to Pay for a Tesla?
If you’re buying a Tesla for your business, you might wonder if you can use a business credit card for payments.
Business Purchases Tesla Allows on a Credit Card:
- The initial order deposit ($250).
- Supercharging costs.
- Fleet services and parts.
However, Tesla does not allow business owners to use a credit card for full vehicle payments or loan installments.
Best Credit Cards to Use for Tesla-Related Purchases
If you’re using a credit card for Tesla deposits, charging, or accessories, here are some top cards for rewards:
| Credit Card | Best For | Rewards Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | Supercharging & travel rewards | 2x points on travel & EV charging |
| American Express Platinum | Luxury Tesla accessories | 5x points on Tesla-related travel & purchases |
| Citi Double Cash | Cashback on Tesla service & parts | 2% cashback on all purchases |
| Capital One Venture X | Supercharging & Tesla road trips | 2x miles on Tesla-related expenses |
If you frequently use Superchargers, consider a card that offers bonus points on charging or travel expenses.
Are There Any Tesla Credit Card Offers?
Tesla does not have its own credit card, but some Tesla customers have received targeted offers from banks like:
- 0% APR credit card promotions for Tesla service payments.
- Exclusive Tesla financing deals through certain lenders.
These offers vary and are not publicly available to all Tesla owners.
Can You Use a Credit Card for Tesla Home Charging Installations?
Yes! If you install a Tesla Wall Connector or another home EV charger, you can often pay for it with a credit card.
What Can You Pay for with a Credit Card?
- Tesla Wall Connector (bought from Tesla’s website).
- Installation costs (depends on the electrician).
- Upgrading your home’s electrical panel for Tesla charging.
Check with your electrician to see if they accept credit card payments.
What Happens If You Miss a Tesla Payment?
If you finance or lease a Tesla and miss a payment, Tesla may:
- Charge late fees (varies by contract).
- Restrict access to software updates or vehicle functions.
- Report missed payments to credit bureaus, impacting your credit score.
- Begin repossession proceedings if payments remain unpaid.
If you’re struggling to make Tesla payments, contact Tesla Financing to discuss options.
FAQs About Paying for a Tesla with a Credit Card (Continued)
Can I use a third-party service to pay Tesla with a credit card?
Some third-party payment processors allow it, but most Tesla lenders do not accept credit card payments.
Does Tesla accept PayPal for car payments?
No, Tesla does not accept PayPal for car purchases or loan payments.
Can I use a credit card to buy Tesla accessories?
Yes, Tesla accepts credit cards for online accessories and service payments.
What credit cards earn the best rewards for Tesla purchases?
Chase Sapphire Preferred, Amex Platinum, and Citi Double Cash are great options.
Can I pay for Tesla home charging installations with a credit card?
Yes, you can use a credit card for the Tesla Wall Connector and installation costs.
Final Verdict: Can You Pay Tesla Car Payments with a Credit Card?
While Tesla does not allow car payments via credit card, you can still use credit cards for certain Tesla-related purchases.
- Allowed: Order deposit, Supercharging, accessories, home chargers.
- Not Allowed: Car payments, lease payments, full vehicle purchases.
- Workarounds: Using a third-party service (with fees) or paying your bank first.
If you’re looking to maximize credit card rewards, focus on Tesla-approved purchases like Supercharging and accessories.
