How to pay your Capital One credit card
Capital One offers four main ways to pay your bill: online through their website or mobile app, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payments from your bank account. The fastest route is online or through the app, where payments post the same day if you pay before the cutoff time (usually 8 p.m. Eastern). Phone payments take the same day if you call before 8 p.m. Eastern on a business day. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach Capital One's processing center, so plan ahead if you're close to your due date.
You'll need your account number and either a debit card, bank account, or checking account information to make a payment. Capital One doesn't charge a fee for any of these payment methods, though your bank may charge a fee if you use a debit card or credit card to pay from an external account.
Key Takeaways
- Online and mobile app payments post the same day if submitted before 8 p.m. Eastern, making them the fastest option.
- Automatic payments from your bank account prevent missed due dates and require you to set them up once through your Capital One account.
- Phone payments at 1-800-955-9060 process the same business day but require you to call during business hours.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to avoid late fees.
- Capital One charges no fee for any payment method, though your bank may charge a fee for certain payment types.
Paying online or through the Capital One mobile app
Log into your Capital One account at capitalone.com or open the Capital One mobile app on your phone. Select "Make a Payment" or the payment option in your account menu. Enter the amount you want to pay and choose your payment method: debit card, bank account, or checking account. Review the payment details and confirm.
Payments submitted before 8 p.m. Eastern on a business day post to your account the same day. If you submit after 8 p.m. or on a weekend or holiday, the payment posts the next business day. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready after submitting, and Capital One will send you a receipt by email.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments are the most reliable way to avoid missing a due date. In your Capital One account, go to "Manage Automatic Payments" or "Autopay Settings." Choose whether you want to pay your full statement balance, a fixed amount, or your minimum payment each month. Select the bank account you want the payment to come from and the date each month you want the payment to process.
Capital One will deduct the payment from your bank account on the date you choose. If that date falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment processes on the next business day. You can change or stop automatic payments at any time through your account, and you'll receive a confirmation email each time a payment is processed.
Paying by phone
Call Capital One's automated payment line at 1-800-955-9060. Have your account number and debit card or bank account information ready. Follow the prompts to enter your payment amount and confirm the payment method. The system will give you a confirmation number at the end of the call.
Payments submitted before 8 p.m. Eastern on a business day post the same day. Capital One's phone line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but payments submitted after 8 p.m. Eastern or on weekends and holidays post on the next business day. If you need to speak with a representative instead of using the automated system, call during business hours and ask to be transferred.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order payable to Capital One. Include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your statement or on the Capital One website — the mailing address may differ depending on which Capital One card you have. Send your payment at least 10 to 14 days before your due date to account for mail delivery time.
Capital One's processing center receives mail payments and posts them 7 to 10 business days after arrival. If your payment arrives after your due date, you may be charged a late fee even though you mailed it on time. For this reason, mail is the least reliable option if you're close to your due date.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment doesn't post by your due date, Capital One charges a late fee. The amount depends on your card terms, but it's typically $25 to $35 for the first late payment and up to $35 for subsequent late payments within six months. A late payment also appears on your credit report and may increase your interest rate.
If you miss a payment, contact Capital One as soon as possible. Explain the situation and ask whether they can waive the late fee. Some cardholders have success requesting a one-time waiver, especially if they have a good payment history. Even if the fee isn't waived, paying when ready stops additional late fees from accumulating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Capital One card with another credit card?
No, Capital One doesn't accept credit card payments. You can pay with a debit card, bank account, or checking account. Paying a credit card with another credit card typically incurs a cash advance fee and higher interest rate anyway, so it's not a good financial move.
What time does Capital One stop accepting online payments each day?
Capital One stops accepting online and app payments at 8 p.m. Eastern time on business days. Payments submitted after that time post the next business day. On weekends and holidays, all payments post on the next business day regardless of when you submit them.
Is there a fee for paying my Capital One card online?
Capital One charges no fee for online, app, phone, or automatic payments. Your bank may charge a fee if you use a debit card or credit card to pay from an external account, so check with your bank about their policies.
How do I know if my payment posted?
Log into your Capital One account online or through the app and check your account balance and recent transactions. You'll also receive a confirmation email after each payment is processed. If you paid by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days before checking.
Can I change my automatic payment amount or date?
Yes, you can change or stop automatic payments anytime through your Capital One account under "Manage Automatic Payments." Changes take effect on your next scheduled payment date. If you need to change a payment that's already scheduled for tomorrow, contact Capital One by phone to make sure the change goes through in time.