Can earnest money be paid with a credit card?

Usually not. Most escrow and title companies want guaranteed funds, such as a wire, cashier's check or bank transfer, and do not take credit cards for earnest money. A few companies or payment platforms may accept a card, but even then it tends to be a poor choice.

If you are getting a mortgage, the lender checks where the deposit came from. A card charge is borrowed money, which can raise questions in underwriting and adds debt to your file. Card issuers may also treat the payment as a cash advance, with fees and interest that start right away.

The simpler path is to pay from a checking or savings account and keep the receipt. A personal check, a wire or an electronic bank transfer are the usual options. The guide on how to pay earnest money walks through each one, including how to avoid wire fraud.