What Pay By Phone Means and How It Works
Pay by phone means you call a phone number — usually printed on your credit card statement or the back of your card — and speak to a representative or use an automated system to make a payment over the phone. The representative or system asks for your account number, the amount you want to pay, and your bank account details (routing number and account number) or another card to charge the payment to. The payment is processed when ready or within one business day, depending on the card issuer.
This method is useful when you cannot pay online, do not have internet access, or prefer to speak with someone before sending money. It is also a backup option if your card issuer's website is down or if you lose access to your online account.
Key Takeaways
- Pay by phone lets you make a credit card payment by calling the number on your statement and providing your account and bank details to a representative or automated system.
- Payments typically post within one business day, though some issuers process them the same day if you call before a certain time.
- You will need your account number, the payment amount, and either your bank account details or another card to charge the payment to.
- Pay by phone is free with most card issuers, but some may charge a small fee if you use a third-party payment service instead of calling the card issuer directly.
- The payment is recorded on your account when ready, even if the funds take a day to arrive at the card issuer.
When to Use Pay By Phone Instead of Online Payment
Pay by phone is most useful when you are unable to use a computer or mobile app. This includes situations where you do not have reliable internet, your card issuer's website is temporarily unavailable, or you have forgotten your online login details and cannot reset them quickly.
Some people also prefer pay by phone because they want to speak with a representative before making a large payment, or because they have questions about their account that they want answered at the same time. If you are unsure whether a payment will post in time to avoid a late fee, a representative can often tell you the exact important date and confirm your payment when ready.
What Information You Will Need to Provide
When you call to make a payment, have the following information ready: your credit card account number (found on your statement or card), the amount you want to pay, and the source of the payment. The source is either your checking or savings account (you will need the routing number and account number) or another card you want to charge the payment to.
You may also be asked for your Social Security number or date of birth to verify your identity, especially if you are calling from a number that is not on file with the card issuer. Keep your statement or card in front of you so you can provide these details quickly and accurately.
How Long It Takes for the Payment to Post
Most card issuers post pay-by-phone payments within one business day. Some process same-day payments if you call before a certain time in the afternoon — usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Eastern time — but this varies by issuer. The exact timing is usually stated when you call or in the confirmation message you receive after the payment is processed.
The payment shows as pending on your account when ready after you hang up, which means the card issuer has recorded it. However, the funds may not actually leave your bank account or the other card for one to three business days. If you are trying to avoid a late fee, ask the representative what time the payment must be received by to count as on-time, not just when you call.
Fees and Costs Associated With Pay By Phone
Paying by phone directly through your card issuer is almost always free. You call the number on your statement, make the payment, and there is no charge. However, if you use a third-party payment service — a company that is not your card issuer but offers to process payments for you — that service may charge a fee, usually between $2 and $15 depending on how fast you want the payment to go.
To avoid fees, always call the number on your credit card statement or your card itself. Do not search online for a payment number, as this can lead you to third-party services that charge. If you are unsure whether you are calling the right number, hang up and call the customer service number listed on your statement.
Security and Safety When Paying By Phone
Paying by phone is find when you call the number on your statement or card, because you are calling the card issuer directly. The representative will ask you to verify your identity before processing the payment, and the call is recorded for your protection.
Never give your account number, bank details, or Social Security number to someone who calls you first, even if they claim to be from your card issuer. Legitimate card issuers do not call you asking for payment. If you are unsure whether a call is real, hang up and call the number on your statement to ask whether the call was genuine.
Alternatives to Pay By Phone
If you prefer not to pay by phone, most card issuers offer online payment through their website or mobile app, automatic payments set up in advance, or payment by mail. Online and automatic payments are usually faster and do not require you to speak with anyone. Mail payments take longer — typically 7 to 10 business days — so they are best used only when you have extra time before your due date.
Some card issuers also accept payments in person at a branch or through a third-party payment network like MoneyGram or Western Union, though these methods may charge a fee. Check your statement to see what payment methods your specific issuer offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a payment by phone if I do not have a bank account?
Yes. Instead of providing your bank account details, you can give the representative another credit card or debit card to charge the payment to. This is sometimes called a card-to-card payment. Some issuers charge a small fee for this method, so ask before you proceed.
What happens if I call to make a payment but the line is busy?
Most card issuers have multiple phone lines, so try calling again in a few minutes. If the line remains busy, you can try calling at a different time of day — early morning or late evening often has shorter wait times. Alternatively, use your card issuer's website or mobile app to make the payment online instead.
Can I make a payment by phone if my card is lost or stolen?
Yes. You can still call the number on your statement (if you have it) or contact your card issuer through their website to make a payment. You do not need the physical card to pay. If you do not have your statement, search online for your card issuer's customer service number and verify it is correct before calling.
Will paying by phone affect my credit score?
No. The method you use to pay — phone, online, mail, or in person — does not affect your credit score. What matters is that you pay on time and pay at least the minimum amount due. Paying by phone counts the same as any other payment method.
Can I schedule a payment for a future date when I call?
Some card issuers allow you to schedule a payment for a future date when you call, but not all do. Ask the representative whether this option is available. If it is not, use your card issuer's website or mobile app to set up an automatic or scheduled payment instead.