Where to send your First Premier payment
First Premier Bank accepts payments by mail, phone, and online through their cardholder portal. The mailing address and phone number appear on your monthly statement and on the back of your card. Online payments go through the First Premier website — you log in with your account number and set up payment from a bank account or debit card.
The fastest route is usually online, because the payment posts the same business day if you submit it before the cutoff time (typically 5 p.m. Eastern). Phone payments also post same-day. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days, so if your due date is close, mail is the riskier choice.
When you make your first payment, have your statement handy. You will need your account number, the amount you want to pay, and either your bank routing and account number (for online or phone) or a check (for mail).
Key Takeaways
- First Premier accepts payments online, by phone, and by mail, with online and phone payments posting the same business day.
- Your minimum payment appears on your statement, but paying more than the minimum reduces interest charges and builds your credit faster.
- Late fees start 15 days after your due date, so setting up automatic payments prevents accidental misses.
- First Premier reports payment history to the three major credit bureaus, so on-time payments directly improve your credit score.
Understanding your minimum payment and interest
Your minimum payment is listed on your statement and is usually 1 to 3 percent of your balance, plus any fees and interest that month. First Premier cards typically carry higher interest rates than mainstream cards — the rate depends on your credit history and the specific card product you have. You can find your current rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) on your statement or in your online account.
If you only pay the minimum, interest accrues on the remaining balance. Paying more than the minimum reduces how much interest you owe and gets you out of debt faster. For example, if your balance is $500 at 25% APR and you pay only the minimum each month, you will pay significantly more in interest than if you pay $100 or $150 per month. Use a credit card calculator to see the difference for your specific balance and rate.
First Premier does not charge a penalty APR for late payments on most cards, but they do charge late fees. A payment 15 or more days late triggers a late fee, and your interest rate may increase if you miss a payment by 60 days or more.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates
The easiest way to stay on track is to set up automatic payments through your First Premier online account. You choose the payment amount (minimum, a fixed dollar amount, or your full balance) and the date each month. The payment comes directly from your bank account on that date.
Most cardholders set automatic payments for the minimum amount, then make extra payments when they can. This approach ensures you never miss a due date, which protects your credit score and avoids late fees. If you set it for the full balance each month, you will carry no balance and pay no interest — but only if you do not add new charges after the payment posts.
You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account, so there is no lock-in. If your income varies month to month, you might set automatic payments for the minimum and then log in on months when you have extra money to pay more.
How First Premier reports your payment history
First Premier reports your account activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — the three major credit bureaus. This means every on-time payment builds your credit score, and every late payment damages it. The impact is largest for recent payments, so staying current now matters more than a missed payment from two years ago.
Your payment history makes up 35 percent of your credit score, the largest single factor. A First Premier card is often used by people rebuilding credit after past problems, so consistent on-time payments over several months can noticeably improve your score. After 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, you may become may be able to access for a card with a lower interest rate or a higher credit limit.
Late payments stay on your credit report for seven years, but their impact fades over time. A single late payment from six months ago hurts less than a late payment from last month. This is why staying current going forward matters more than past mistakes.
Fees to watch for on your First Premier account
First Premier charges an annual fee on most of their cards — typically $35 to $95 per year, depending on the card product. This fee appears on your statement once a year and is part of what you owe. Some First Premier cards have no annual fee, so check your cardholder agreement or statement to confirm what you were issued.
Late fees explore if your payment arrives 15 or more days after the due date. The fee amount varies but is typically $25 to $40. A returned payment fee (if your check bounces or your bank declines the automatic payment) is usually $25 to $35. These fees are added to your balance, so they accrue interest if you do not pay them off.
Over-limit fees no longer exist under federal law, but First Premier may decline a charge that would push you over your credit limit rather than charging a fee. Returned payment fees are the most common surprise, so make sure your bank account has enough funds before an automatic payment is scheduled.
What to do if you miss a payment
If you miss your due date, contact First Premier as soon as you realize it. Call the number on your statement or log into your account. Paying when ready stops additional late fees from accruing and limits the damage to your credit score. A payment that is 30 days late is reported to the credit bureaus; a payment that is 60 days late triggers a higher interest rate on most cards.
If you are struggling to make payments, ask First Premier about hardship programs. Some issuers offer temporary payment reductions or plans for people facing financial difficulty. These programs vary by card product and your situation, so the conversation with their customer service team is the only way to know what is available to you.
Do not ignore a missed payment hoping it will go away. The longer it sits unpaid, the more fees and interest accumulate, and the harder it becomes to recover your credit score. A single missed payment is recoverable; multiple missed payments or an account sent to collections is much harder to rebuild from.
Paying off your balance faster
If you carry a balance, the fastest way to pay it down is to pay more than the minimum whenever possible. Even an extra $25 or $50 per month reduces your interest charges and gets you debt-free faster. Use the payment calculator on First Premier's website to see how different payment amounts change your payoff date.
Some people use the "avalanche" method: pay the minimum on all cards, then put any extra money toward the card with the highest interest rate (usually your First Premier card). Others use the "snowball" method: pay off the smallest balance first for a psychological win, then move to the next card. Both work; the avalanche saves more money, but the snowball feels faster.
If you have other high-interest debt, paying off your First Premier card first often makes sense because First Premier rates are typically higher than most other credit cards. Once that balance is gone, redirect that payment amount to your next debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a First Premier payment to post?
Online and phone payments post the same business day if submitted before the cutoff time, usually 5 p.m. Eastern. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days. If your due date is within a week, use online or phone to avoid late fees.
Can I pay more than my minimum payment?
Yes. You can pay any amount up to your full balance. Paying more than the minimum reduces interest and gets you out of debt faster. There is no penalty for paying early or paying more than required.
What happens if I pay late?
A payment 15 or more days late triggers a late fee (typically $25 to $40). A payment 30 or more days late is reported to credit bureaus and damages your score. A payment 60 or more days late may increase your interest rate. Pay as soon as you realize you are late to stop additional fees.
Do I have to pay the full balance every month?
No. You can pay the minimum, a fixed amount, or your full balance — your choice. Paying only the minimum means you carry a balance and pay interest, but it keeps your payment low. Paying the full balance means no interest charges.
Can I change my payment due date?
Most credit card issuers allow you to request a due date change once per year. Contact First Premier customer service to ask if this option is available for your account and card product.