Out of State Movers Preferred Form Of Payments
- American National Movers
- Apr 15, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 12
There is a lot of confusion around the safest and most appropriate way to pay a long distance moving company. If you’re reading this because you want to pay movers with a credit card, but they are requesting cash or certified funds instead, this is not uncommon. As long as your movers provide you with a receipt of payment via the Bill Of Lading, paying them in cash or by certified check is legal and does not mean you’re being scammed.
This page explains why many long distance movers avoid credit cards, the safest ways to pay movers when they ask for payment, and how to protect yourself when paying cash or certified funds.
Why Most Long Distance Movers Say No To Credit Cards.
Many long distance moving companies avoid accepting credit cards for payment due to the high risk of chargebacks. Moving services are considered high risks by banks, and disputed charges can be difficult for a mover on a busy schedule to recover.
Chargebacks cost movers time, legal fees, and processing penalties. As a result, many long distance movers prefer certified funds or electronic payments for loading and unloading payments.
Why Customers File Disputes & Charge Backs Against Movers
After hiring movers, consumers may feel tempted to dispute their credit card transaction for these main reasons:
Billing Disputes
If an estimate increases on loading day, some customers contact their bank, claiming they have been misled or scammed, or that fraud has occurred. While price increases are frustrating, they are legal if your volume, inventory, services, or access conditions have changed. Disputing a charge after agreeing to proceed with the move puts the mover at a loss.
Damaged Furniture
Some customers file chargebacks after noticing damage. However, damage claims are not a billing dispute — they must be handled through the mover's valuation or insurance process, not through a bank.
Buyers Remorse
Long distance moving is expensive. In some cases, customers dispute charges simply to recover money, even when services were performed correctly. While this happens less often, it’s another reason movers avoid credit cards for payment.
Do You Have To Pay Movers Before They Unload?
Yes. Under FMCSA regulations, interstate movers are legally allowed to request payment before unloading your household goods. This protects the mover from non-payment after services are completed.
While this can feel uncomfortable for some customers, it is a standard industry practice—and not a red flag—especially when you’re working with a licensed and insured long-distance moving company.
Do You Have to Pay Movers Upfront?
Movers may ask for a partial upfront payment, but it’s important to understand what is normal and what is not.
Deposit Payments
• Many long distance moving companies require a deposit to reserve your move, but it typically should not exceed 35% of your total estimated cost.
• Deposits should be paid by credit or debit card, not cash or Zelle.
• Be cautious if a mover requests a deposit via cash, Zelle, or Venmo before the move begins. You have no fraud protection with cash payments and wire transfers.
Loading-Day Payments
• After your household goods are loaded, it is common for movers to request 50–70% of the remaining balance.
• If you make a payment at this stage, have the mover clearly note the amount paid on the Bill of Lading before signing.
• Always request and keep a copy of the signed paperwork for your records.
Very Important
Any time you make a payment—whether a deposit or loading-day payment—you should receive written documentation showing the amount paid and the remaining balance. Never hand over money without a receipt or a signed Bill of Lading reflecting that payment.
Is It Normal To Pay Movers Cash Or Certified Funds?
For loading and unloading payments, it is common for movers to ask you to pay in cash or by certified funds. Because of the high operational expenses of transporting furniture across state lines, long distance moving companies prefer cash or certified funds to avoid chargebacks with their customers.
When Paying Cash Or Certified Funds, Do This
Make sure the Payment Is recorded on the Bill of Lading.
Never pay cash without a written receipt or Bill of lading reflecting that you made payment.
Confirm the amount owed before unloading begins.
Expert Tip
Certified checks, cashier's checks, or traceable electronic payments are safer than paying your movers in cash.
Bottom Line
Each moving company has a different set of rules and guidelines regarding the form of payments they accept. Paying in cash is not abnormal as long as you pay it to an honest and reputable mover. But there are better ways to pay, such as Zelle, certified checks, money orders, or Venmo. If you're uncomfortable with your long distance movers payment policy, don't hesitate to cancel services on loading day and contact another company.
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