What Fortiva is and how to send them a payment
Fortiva is a credit card issuer that specializes in cards for people rebuilding credit or with limited credit history. When you have a Fortiva card, you send your monthly payment to Fortiva, not to a store or another company. Fortiva processes the payment, credits your account, and reports your on-time payment to the credit bureaus.
Fortiva is owned by Enova International and operates under several brand names depending on the card product. The payment process is the same regardless of which Fortiva card you hold — the methods available and the address or account number you use depend on which payment route you choose.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay Fortiva online through their website, by phone, by mail, or through automatic monthly transfers from your bank account.
- Online and phone payments usually post within one business day; mailed checks take seven to ten business days.
- Setting up automatic payments ensures you never miss a due date and helps build your credit history.
- Late payments to Fortiva are reported to credit bureaus and can lower your credit score, so knowing your due date matters.
- Fortiva's customer service number is on your statement or card; calling them directly is the fastest way to confirm your account details before paying.
Paying Fortiva online or by phone
The fastest way to pay is through Fortiva's online portal or by phone. To pay online, log into your account on Fortiva's website using your card number and PIN or password. Once logged in, you can enter the amount you want to pay and choose your payment date. The payment posts to your account within one business day.
To pay by phone, call the customer service number on the back of your card or on your monthly statement. A representative will verify your identity, confirm your account balance, and process your payment over the phone. Phone payments also post within one business day. Both methods charge no fee.
Setting up automatic payments from your bank
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting your due date. You can set this up through your bank's bill pay service or through Fortiva's website. If you use your bank's bill pay, you authorize your bank to send a check-like payment to Fortiva on a date you choose each month. If you set it up through Fortiva's website, you provide your bank account number and authorize Fortiva to pull the payment directly from your account.
Automatic payments typically post within one to three business days, depending on the method. Many people set their automatic payment for two or three days after payday to may support the money is in their account. You can change or cancel an automatic payment anytime, though you should do so at least a few days before the scheduled payment date.
Paying by mail
If you prefer to mail a check or money order, write your account number on the back of the check and mail it to the address shown on your statement. Do not send cash through the mail. Mailed payments take seven to ten business days to post, so mail your payment at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee.
Include a copy of your statement or write your account number clearly so Fortiva can match the payment to your account. If you do not include your account number, Fortiva may not know which account to credit, and your payment could be delayed.
Understanding your due date and late payments
Your due date appears on your monthly statement and is usually the same day each month. Fortiva considers a payment late if it arrives after 11:59 p.m. on your due date. A late payment triggers a late fee (the amount varies by state and card product) and is reported to the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
One late payment can lower your credit score by 50 to 100 points or more, depending on your current score. The damage is worst in the first 30 days after the late date, but the late payment stays on your credit report for seven years. If you miss a payment, contact Fortiva as soon as possible to discuss your options; some issuers will waive a single late fee if you have a clean payment history.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
If you know you cannot make your payment by the due date, call Fortiva before the date passes. Explain your situation and ask whether they offer a hardship program, a payment plan, or a temporary due date extension. Some card issuers will work with you if you reach out proactively rather than waiting until after you miss the payment.
Do not ignore the bill. A missed payment will be reported to the credit bureaus, but paying even a partial amount shows good faith and limits the damage. If you are struggling with multiple debts, a nonprofit credit counselor can help you prioritize payments and explore options. You can find a counselor through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) or by calling 211 from any phone.
Confirming your payment went through
After you make a payment, check your account online or call customer service to confirm it posted. Online and phone payments post within one business day; automatic bank transfers and mailed payments take longer. Your statement will show the payment once it has been processed.
Keep a record of every payment you make — note the date, amount, and method. If you pay by check or money order, keep a copy of the front and back. If you pay online or by phone, take a screenshot of the confirmation page or note the confirmation number. This record protects you if there is ever a dispute about whether you paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay Fortiva with a debit card or another credit card?
Fortiva's website and phone line accept payments only from a bank account, check, or money order. You cannot pay with another credit card. If you try to use a debit card, the system will treat it as a bank account transfer.
What happens if I pay more than the minimum?
Paying more than the minimum reduces your balance faster and saves you interest. The extra amount is credited to your account when ready. You can pay any amount up to your full balance at any time without penalty.
Is there a fee to pay Fortiva?
No. Fortiva does not charge a fee for online, phone, automatic, or mailed payments. Some banks charge a fee for bill pay services, but that fee comes from your bank, not from Fortiva.
How do I know if my payment was late?
Your statement will show the payment date and whether it was on time. If a late fee appears on your next statement, the payment was considered late. You can also call Fortiva to ask whether a specific payment was posted on time.
Can I change my due date?
Many card issuers allow you to request a different due date. Call Fortiva's customer service number on your statement to ask. They may be able to move your due date to align with your payday or another date that works better for your budget.