Can you buy lottery tickets with a credit card?
Quick insights
- Some states restrict the use of credit cards as a payment option when buying a lottery ticket.
- Even if the purchase is allowed, purchasing a lottery ticket with a credit card may be treated as a cash advance on your card, which might result in different payment terms, higher interest rates and fees.
- Cash and debit cards are more common ways to pay for lottery tickets.
Not everyone is permitted to play the lottery. There may be age restrictions when purchasing a lottery ticket (for example, some states require purchasers to be 18 years old or older). There may also be restrictions on how you can pay for your lottery ticket. Depending on where you live and where you’re buying a lottery ticket, you may not be able to use a credit card to purchase a ticket.
Is it possible to purchase lottery tickets using a credit card?
Most states and lottery operators have specific rules regarding the payment methods allowed for purchasing lottery tickets. In many states, using a credit card for lottery ticket purchases is restricted or even prohibited due to legal and regulatory reasons. Even if you live in a state that does allow it, individual retailers may still prohibit buying lottery tickets with a credit card.
If you’re buying a lottery ticket online, credit card use will depend on the site. Some states have official lottery websites or apps that allow credit card use under strict conditions.
Debit cards and cash are more common and widely accepted ways to pay for lottery tickets.
Should I buy lottery tickets with a credit card?
While it may be possible to use a credit card at some lottery retailers, there may be additional issues to consider before choosing to use a card for this purchase.
Many credit card issuers treat purchasing lottery tickets as a cash advance. Cash advances with a credit card are typically subject to fees. In addition, the interest rate on a cash advance is usually higher than that of a card’s standard APR and interest may start accruing immediately. So, if you’re using your card to buy lottery tickets, check your card’s terms and conditions first.
Do you earn credit card rewards from purchasing lottery tickets?
In general, credit card cash advances will not earn rewards. This means that even if you’re able to purchase a lottery ticket with your credit card, you may not be able to earn points.
In summary
Buying a lottery ticket with a credit card may be possible, but it could result in unexpected fees. Additionally, several states do not allow purchasing lottery tickets with a credit card.
In states that do allow it, individual retailers still may not allow credit card purchases for lottery tickets. And for those that do, buying lottery tickets may be treated as a credit card cash advance, which might be subject to fees and higher than average interest rates. Even if you can buy a lottery ticket with a credit card, there may be reasons to consider different payment methods.
