Wire-Transfer?

[Anonymous]

I've never quite undrestood this concept. If I decide to purchase my utility bills using a CC, does this count as the same thing as a wire-transfer?

I remember being told that using a CC to payoff fees such as property-tax was a big no-no as there was often some hidden 3% fee many organizations would add in there somewhere.

[IOBA]

A wire transfer is done in the bank.  If you are sending the money, you will fill out a form and pay a fee to send it to someone else, at another bank.  You would have to have their bank account information as well.   There is usually a bank fee for the receiver as well.

Western Union is cheaper and doesn't require the bank to be the middle man.

If you pay your utility bills via cc it is usually free.   I have some of my utilities direct bill/pay to my cc, like cell phone.

There are places, such as the property tax office, that will charge you a "fee" for using a cc to pay your taxes.   If you can afford to pay cash for your taxes, it is cheaper (no cc fee).