Where and how to pay your Big Lots card
You can pay your Big Lots credit card bill online through the Comenity Bank portal, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Big Lots store. The online portal is the fastest route — you log in at the Comenity website or through the Big Lots mobile app, enter your payment amount, and the money typically posts within one business day. If you prefer to call, the customer service number is on the back of your card.
Paying in person at a Big Lots location is also an option, though not every store has a payment kiosk. Call ahead to confirm your store accepts in-person payments before you go. Mailing a check takes seven to ten business days, so use that method only if you have time before your due date.
No matter which method you choose, make sure you know your due date — it appears on your statement and in your online account. Paying after the due date triggers a late fee and can damage your credit score, even if you pay just one day late.
Key Takeaways
- The Comenity Bank website and Big Lots mobile app let you pay online in minutes, and the payment usually posts the next business day.
- You can call the number on the back of your card to make a payment by phone without creating an online account.
- Paying after your due date costs you a late fee and can lower your credit score, so set a reminder a few days before the date.
- If you struggle to pay the full balance, contact Comenity customer service to ask about a hardship program or payment plan.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates
The easiest way to never miss a payment is to set up automatic payments through your online account. Log into Comenity, go to the payment settings, and choose whether you want to pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed amount each month. You can schedule the payment to go out a few days before your due date so it clears in time.
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting, but they do require you to have enough money in your bank account on the payment date. If your income is irregular, set the payment for a day you know you will have funds. You can pause or change an automatic payment anytime through your account.
What happens if you miss a payment
A payment that arrives after your due date is considered late. Comenity will charge you a late fee — the amount depends on your card terms, but it typically ranges from $25 to $40 for the first late payment. More importantly, the late payment gets reported to the credit bureaus and stays on your credit report for seven years, which can lower your credit score by 100 points or more.
If you are more than 30 days late, Comenity may freeze your account and stop letting you make new purchases. If you reach 60 or 90 days late, the card issuer may send your account to a collections agency, which means a debt collector will contact you to recover the money.
If you miss a payment, contact Comenity as soon as you realize it. Some cardholders can get a late fee waived if they call before the account is sent to collections, especially if it is their first late payment. The sooner you call, the better your chances.
Understanding your statement and due date
Your Big Lots card statement shows the transactions you made during the billing cycle, the balance you owe, the minimum payment due, and the due date. The due date is always the same day each month — for example, the 15th or the 25th. Your statement arrives about 21 days before the due date, which gives you time to review charges and make a payment.
The minimum payment is the smallest amount Comenity will accept to keep your account in good standing. Paying only the minimum means you will carry a balance and pay interest on it, which costs you far more over time than paying the full amount. If you can afford it, always pay the full statement balance to avoid interest charges.
How to lower your balance if you cannot pay in full
If you have a large balance and cannot pay it all at once, contact Comenity to ask about a hardship program or payment plan. Some cardholders can negotiate a lower interest rate or a fixed monthly payment for a set period. These programs are not automatic — you have to call and ask, and approval depends on your account history and income.
Another option is to transfer your balance to a different credit card with a lower interest rate or a 0% introductory period. Balance transfer cards can save you hundreds in interest if you pay down the balance before the promotional rate ends. However, balance transfers usually charge a fee of 3% to 5% of the amount transferred, so do the math before you move the debt.
If you are struggling with debt across multiple cards, a nonprofit credit counselor can help you create a repayment plan. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) offers free or low-cost counseling by phone or in person. A counselor can also help you understand whether a debt management plan makes sense for your situation.
Paying off your card faster
The fastest way to pay off your Big Lots card is to pay more than the minimum each month. Even an extra $25 or $50 per payment cuts months off your payoff timeline and saves you hundreds in interest. Use an online calculator to see how much faster you will pay off the balance if you increase your payment.
Another strategy is to make two payments per month instead of one. This cuts the amount of interest that accrues between payments and keeps your balance lower. Some people pay a small amount right after they make a purchase, then pay the rest before the due date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Big Lots card without creating an online account?
Yes. Call the customer service number on the back of your card to make a payment by phone. You will need your card number and bank account information. You can also mail a check to the address on your statement, though it takes longer to process.
What if I pay online but the payment does not show up?
Online payments usually post within one business day. If more than two business days have passed and you do not see the payment in your account, log back in to confirm the payment was submitted. If it was, contact Comenity customer service with your confirmation number. If the payment was not submitted, try again or call to pay by phone instead.
Does paying my Big Lots card early help my credit score?
Paying early does not hurt your score, but it does not help it either. Your credit score is based on whether you pay on time, how much of your credit limit you use, and your payment history over time. Paying early does lower your credit utilization, which can give a small boost to your score.
What is the difference between the due date and the statement date?
The statement date is when your billing cycle ends and your statement is generated. The due date is when your payment must arrive to avoid a late fee — it is usually 21 to 25 days after the statement date. You can make a payment anytime, but it only counts toward your current bill if it arrives by the due date.
Can I change my due date?
Yes. Log into your Comenity account and look for the option to change your due date. You can usually move it to any day of the month. Changing your due date can help you align your payment with when you get paid, which makes it easier to pay on time.