Robert Sambrick, WalletHub Analyst
@robsam
Yes, you can buy scratch off tickets with a credit card as long as there are no state laws that prohibit this practice and both the merchant selling them and your credit card issuer allows it. But doing so is not a good idea.
While some states allow purchasing lottery tickets with a credit card, these purchases are generally considered cash-equivalent transactions. That means you’d be getting a cash advance for the amount your tickets cost. Cash advances are extremely expensive transactions with high APRs that apply immediately, with no grace period. Plus, each cash advance will also incur exorbitant fees. So even if you can buy scratch off tickets with a credit card, it’s best to avoid it.
What you should know about buying scratch off tickets with a credit card:
- Legality: Buying scratch offs with your credit card may be illegal. While some states allow it, there can be special provisions around which retailers can sell them.
- Merchant and issuer provisions: Some merchants selling tickets might prohibit using credit cards to buy them. Credit card issuers also have a say in whether cards can be used for such purchases.
- Cash advance costs: Any lottery tickets bought with your credit card are typically treated as cash advances and subject to additional costs. Unlike regular interest, cash advance APRs do not benefit from grace periods and accrue immediately. Plus, there are cash advance fees which also make these transactions disadvantageous.
- Debt risk: As with any other form of gambling, buying scratch off tickets with credit is an unnecessary risk, as it could enable you to spend more than you can afford.
- Credit card reward restrictions: If you have a rewards credit card, most issuers will have restrictions around which types of purchases accrue rewards and gambling purchases, including scratch off tickets, are often excluded.

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