How to pay your Discover Card bill online
You can pay your Discover Card bill through the Discover website or mobile app using your bank account or debit card. Log into your Discover account, select "Make a Payment," enter the amount you want to pay, choose your payment method, and confirm. The payment posts to your account the same day if you pay before the cutoff time (usually 8 p.m. ET on business days); payments after that time or on weekends post the next business day.
You will need your Discover Card number and your bank routing and account number if you are paying from a checking or savings account. If you use a debit card, have that card number and expiration date ready. Discover does not charge a fee for online payments made through their website or app.
The Discover mobile app also lets you set up one-time payments or recurring automatic payments. Automatic payments can be scheduled for your full balance, minimum payment, or a fixed amount you choose, on a date you select each month.
Key Takeaways
- Online payments through Discover's website or app post the same business day if submitted before 8 p.m. ET, and there is no fee.
- You can pay from a bank account, debit card, or set up automatic monthly payments for your full balance, minimum, or a custom amount.
- Phone payments to Discover's automated system are available 24/7 at the number on the back of your card.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach Discover, so send them early if your due date is approaching.
- In-person payments at MoneyGram locations are available for a fee and post within one business day.
Paying by phone or automated system
Call the number on the back of your Discover Card to reach the automated payment line, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will need your card number and the bank account or debit card you want to charge. The system will confirm the amount and payment date before processing.
If you prefer to speak with a representative, you can also call Discover customer service during business hours (usually 8 a.m. to midnight ET, seven days a week) and ask to make a payment. A representative can walk you through the process and answer questions about your account.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order payable to Discover Card and include your account number on the payment. Mail it to the address shown on your billing statement—this address is different from the Discover corporate office and is used only for payments.
Mail payments typically take 7 to 10 business days to post to your account. If your due date is within two weeks, mail is not a reliable option; use online, phone, or in-person payment instead. Discover recommends mailing payments at least 15 days before your due date to avoid late fees.
Paying in person at MoneyGram locations
You can pay your Discover Card bill at any MoneyGram location using cash or a debit card. Tell the MoneyGram agent you want to pay a credit card bill, provide your Discover Card number, and the amount. MoneyGram charges a fee for this service (the amount varies by location, typically $3 to $10), which is added to your payment.
In-person payments post to your Discover account within one business day. This option is useful if you do not have online access or a bank account, but the fee makes it more expensive than other methods.
Setting up automatic payments
Log into your Discover account online or in the app, go to "Manage Automatic Payments," and select the date each month when you want the payment to occur. You can choose to pay your full statement balance, your minimum payment, or a fixed dollar amount. Discover will charge your bank account or debit card on that date each month automatically.
Automatic payments reduce the risk of missing a due date and incurring late fees. You can change or cancel an automatic payment at any time through your account settings. If you set up automatic payment for your full balance, your payment will adjust each month based on your spending.
Understanding payment timing and due dates
Your Discover Card billing cycle is typically 25 to 28 days long. Your due date appears on your billing statement and is usually 21 to 25 days after the close of your billing cycle. A payment is considered on time if it posts to your account by 5 p.m. ET on the due date.
Payments made online or by phone before 8 p.m. ET on a business day post the same day. Payments made after 8 p.m. ET or on weekends and holidays post the next business day. If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, Discover extends the due date to the next business day.
Late fees explore if your payment does not post by the due date. The fee amount depends on your account and is shown on your billing statement. Paying at least your minimum payment by the due date also protects your credit score from the damage of a late payment report.
What to do if you cannot pay by your due date
Contact Discover customer service as soon as you know you will miss your due date. Discover may be able to work with you on a payment plan or defer a payment, though this depends on your account history and the reason for the hardship. Calling before the due date is better than calling after, because it shows you are taking the situation seriously.
If you have already missed a payment, you can still call to discuss options. Discover may report a late payment to credit bureaus if it is 30 or more days past due, which will harm your credit score. Bringing the account current as soon as possible limits the damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to pay my Discover Card online?
No. Discover does not charge a fee for payments made through their website, mobile app, or automated phone line. MoneyGram in-person payments do carry a fee, typically $3 to $10 depending on location.
How long does it take for a payment to show up on my account?
Online and phone payments post the same business day if submitted before 8 p.m. ET. Payments after 8 p.m. ET or on weekends post the next business day. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days. MoneyGram payments post within one business day.
Can I pay my Discover Card with a credit card?
No. Discover only accepts payments from bank accounts, debit cards, or cash (at MoneyGram). Paying a credit card with another credit card is not permitted and would be treated as a cash advance with higher interest rates and fees.
What happens if I pay more than my balance?
The extra amount becomes a credit on your account. You can use it toward future purchases, or you can request a refund by calling Discover customer service. Discover will mail a refund check or credit it back to your original payment method.
Can I change my automatic payment date?
Yes. Log into your account, go to "Manage Automatic Payments," and select a new date. The change takes effect on your next scheduled payment. You can also cancel automatic payments at any time through the same menu.