Bank of America credit card payments go to a single address, but the method you choose — online, by phone, by mail, or in person — determines when the payment posts and what fees explore.
Bank of America (BOA) accepts payments through multiple channels, each with different processing times and requirements. The fastest route is usually online through your BOA account or the mobile app, where payments post the same business day if submitted before the cutoff time. Phone payments and in-person payments at a BOA branch also process quickly. Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to reach the processing center and post to your account.
The key difference between methods is not the destination but the timing: BOA's payment important date is typically 5 p.m. Eastern Time on your due date, and payments submitted after that time may be recorded as late even if they arrive the same day. Understanding which method works for your situation — and which one to use when you are close to your due date — keeps you from paying late fees or interest charges.
Key Takeaways
- Online payments through your BOA account or the mobile app post the same business day if submitted before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on your due date.
- Phone payments to BOA's automated system or a representative also process same-day, but you must call before the important date.
- In-person payments at a BOA branch post when ready, making this the fastest option if you are paying on your due date.
- Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days, so mail payments at least two weeks before your due date to avoid late fees.
- BOA does not charge a fee for standard payments made through any of these methods, but third-party payment services may charge their own fees.
Online payments through your BOA account or app
Log into your BOA account at bankofamerica.com or open the mobile app, navigate to your credit card, and select "Make a Payment" or "Pay Now". You can pay from a BOA checking or savings account linked to your profile, or from an external bank account you have already registered. Enter the payment amount, select the date you want the payment to post, and confirm.
Payments submitted before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day post the same day. If you submit after 5 p.m. or on a weekend or holiday, the payment posts the next business day. BOA does not charge a fee for online payments from a linked account. If you pay from an external account, BOA also does not charge, but your own bank may charge a fee for the outgoing transfer.
The mobile app works the same way as the website and is useful if you need to pay while away from a computer. Both allow you to set up recurring payments, which automatically deduct a fixed amount on the same date each month — a common way to avoid missing a due date.
Phone payments to BOA
Call BOA's automated payment line at 1-800-435-7000 (the number is on your statement). You will need your card number, PIN or the last four digits of your Social Security number, and the account you want to pay from. The automated system walks you through selecting a payment amount and date. Payments submitted before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day post the same day.
If you prefer to speak to a representative, you can reach BOA's customer service line at the same number and ask to make a payment. A representative can answer questions about your account or payment options, but the process takes longer than the automated system. BOA does not charge a fee for phone payments.
In-person payments at a BOA branch
Walk into any Bank of America branch with your card or account number and the payment amount in cash or check. A teller will process the payment when ready and provide a receipt. This is the fastest method if you are paying on your due date, because the payment posts right away rather than waiting for end-of-day processing.
In-person payments are most useful if you do not have online access, prefer to pay in cash, or need a receipt for your records. BOA does not charge a fee for in-person payments. Find your nearest branch at bankofamerica.com/locator or by calling 1-800-435-7000.
Mailed check payments
Write a check payable to Bank of America, include your account number on the check, and mail it to the address on your statement. Most BOA statements list a specific payment processing address separate from the main corporate office. Use that address to may support your check reaches the payment center quickly.
Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post. If your due date is fewer than 10 business days away, mailing a check risks a late payment. Mail payments at least two weeks before your due date to give the check time to arrive and process. BOA does not charge a fee for mailed payments, but you pay for postage and the check itself.
What happens if you miss the due date
A payment is late if it posts after 5 p.m. Eastern Time on your due date. BOA charges a late fee (the amount depends on your card terms, typically $25 to $40 for the first late payment) and reports the late payment to credit bureaus if it is 30 days or more past due. Late payments also trigger a higher interest rate on your card, sometimes called a penalty APR.
If you realize you will miss your due date, contact BOA before the important date to ask about a one-time courtesy waiver of the late fee. BOA sometimes grants waivers for customers with good payment history, though it is not may provide. Paying as soon as you realize the mistake limits the damage: a payment that is a few days late costs less in interest than one that is weeks late.
Automatic payments and payment scheduling
BOA allows you to set up automatic payments through your online account or app. You can choose to pay a fixed amount (such as your minimum payment or a set dollar amount) on the same date each month, or you can set up autopay to pay your full statement balance. Autopay removes the risk of forgetting your due date, though you should monitor your account to make sure the payment amount is correct each month.
You can also schedule one-time payments for a future date without setting up recurring autopay. This is useful if you want to pay on a specific date but do not want automatic payments every month. Both options are free through BOA's online system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does my payment need to arrive to post on time?
Payments submitted online, by phone, or in person must be received before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on your due date. Mailed checks must arrive at BOA's payment processing center by your due date, which means mailing at least 10 business days in advance. The due date is listed on your statement and in your online account.
Can I pay my BOA credit card from another bank's account?
Yes. Register your external bank account in your BOA profile, then select it as the payment source when you make a payment online or by phone. BOA does not charge a fee, but your own bank may charge a fee for the outgoing transfer. Check with your bank before setting up the first payment.
What if I pay more than I owe?
BOA credits the overpayment to your account as a negative balance, which reduces your next statement balance. You can also request a refund of the overpayment by calling BOA customer service. Overpayments do not earn interest.
Do I have to pay the full balance, or can I pay just the minimum?
You can pay any amount between the minimum payment and your full balance. The minimum is listed on your statement. Paying only the minimum leaves a balance that accrues interest at your card's APR, so paying more than the minimum saves money over time.
Can I set up a payment for a future date if my due date is coming up?
Yes. You can schedule a payment for any date up to several months in the future through your online account or app. If your due date is soon, schedule the payment for before that date to avoid a late fee. Same-day and next-day payment options are also available for urgent situations.