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How to Pay Your Bank of America Credit Card Over the Phone

Call Bank of America's automated payment line to pay your credit card by phone

You can pay your Bank of America credit card balance over the phone by calling their automated payment system at 1-800-642-6061. The system accepts payments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will need your card number, checking or savings account information, and the amount you want to pay ready before you call.

If you prefer to speak with a representative instead of using the automated system, you can call the customer service number on the back of your card during business hours. A representative can process your payment and answer questions about your account at the same time.

Payments made by phone are usually posted to your account within one business day. If you are paying close to your due date, confirm the exact cutoff time with the representative, since payments received after a certain time may post the next day.

Key Takeaways

  • The automated payment line is 1-800-642-6061 and operates around the clock, while the customer service line on your card back is available during business hours only.
  • You need your card number, bank account details, and the payment amount before you call either line.
  • Phone payments typically post within one business day, but payments made late in the day may not show up until the next business day.
  • Speaking with a representative lets you ask questions about your account while making your payment, though it takes longer than the automated system.

What information you need to have ready

Gather these details before you pick up the phone. Having everything in front of you makes the call faster and reduces the chance of mistakes.

You will need your Bank of America credit card number. This is the 16-digit number on the front of your card. You will also need the routing number and account number for the bank account you want to pay from — this is usually a checking account, but savings accounts work too. Your bank statement or the bottom left of a check shows both numbers.

Know the exact amount you want to pay. You can pay your full balance, a portion of it, or the minimum payment. The automated system will ask you to confirm the amount before processing, so you have a chance to catch errors.

Using the automated payment system

Call 1-800-642-6061 and follow the voice prompts. The system will ask you to enter your card number using your phone keypad. After you enter it, the system will confirm the last four digits of your card to make sure it has the right account.

Next, you will enter the routing number and account number for the bank account you are paying from. The system will ask you to enter these numbers digit by digit. Take your time and listen carefully to the confirmation — if the system reads back the wrong number, hang up and call again rather than proceeding with incorrect information.

When prompted, enter the amount you want to pay. The system will repeat it back to you. If the amount is wrong, you can usually press a key to go back and re-enter it. Once you confirm, the system will give you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot — you may need it if you have questions about the payment later.

Paying through a customer service representative

Call the number on the back of your credit card during business hours to reach a representative. Tell them you want to make a payment. They will ask for your card number and verify your identity by asking for information like your date of birth or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Once verified, give the representative the routing number and account number for the bank account you are paying from, and tell them the amount you want to pay. They will repeat the information back to you before processing. Ask them for a confirmation number and note the date and time of the call.

This route takes longer than the automated system, but it is useful if you have questions about your balance, your due date, or your account. You can also ask the representative about late fees or interest charges while you are on the call.

When your payment will show up on your account

Bank of America typically posts phone payments within one business day. A payment you make on a Monday morning will usually show up by Tuesday. Payments made on Friday afternoon or over the weekend may not post until Monday.

If your due date is coming up and you are cutting it close, ask the representative or check your account online to see the exact time cutoff for same-day posting. Some banks have a cutoff in the early afternoon, meaning a payment made after that time posts the next day even though you called before the due date.

If you do not see your payment posted within two business days, log into your Bank of America account online or call customer service to confirm it went through. Have your confirmation number ready.

What to do if you cannot reach the payment line

If the automated line is busy or you get a disconnection, try again in a few minutes. The line is available 24/7, so you can call at any time. If you keep getting a busy signal, try calling the customer service number on the back of your card instead — a representative can process your payment manually.

You can also pay your Bank of America credit card online through their website or mobile app if the phone lines are not working. Log in to your account, go to the payments section, and follow the prompts to make a one-time payment. Online payments work the same way as phone payments and post within one business day.

If you are having technical problems with both the phone line and the online system, visit a Bank of America branch in person to make your payment. Bring your card and the account information for the bank account you are paying from.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up automatic payments by phone?

The automated phone line processes one-time payments only. To set up recurring automatic payments, you will need to log into your Bank of America account online or call a customer service representative and ask them to set up autopay. Autopay can deduct your minimum payment, a fixed amount, or your full balance each month on the date you choose.

Is there a fee to pay by phone?

Bank of America does not charge a fee for paying your credit card by phone. The payment is free whether you use the automated system or speak with a representative. You only pay interest if you carry a balance past your due date.

What if I pay after my due date?

If your payment posts after your due date, you may be charged a late fee and interest on the unpaid balance. The late fee amount depends on your card terms. If you know you will miss your due date, call as soon as possible — a representative may be able to discuss options with you, though they cannot remove a fee that has already been charged.

Can I pay someone else's Bank of America credit card by phone?

No, you can only pay a card if your name is on the account. If you need to pay someone else's bill, they can authorize you to do so by calling Bank of America and adding you as an authorized user or setting up a payment arrangement. The cardholder must make that change themselves.

What happens if I enter the wrong bank account number?

If you enter an incorrect routing or account number, the payment will likely be rejected and returned to Bank of America. You will not lose money, but the payment will not go through. Call back and make the payment again with the correct account information. Check your bank statement to confirm the incorrect payment was not processed.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.