Barclays offers four main ways to pay your credit card bill: online through their website or mobile app, by phone, by post, or by setting up an automatic payment from your bank account.
The fastest and most common method is online payment through Barclays' website or the Barclays Mobile Banking app. You log in with your card details, enter the amount you want to pay, and the money moves from your bank account to your card within one business day. Phone payment takes about the same time — you call the number on the back of your card and speak to someone who processes the payment over the phone.
If you prefer to pay by post, you send a cheque to the address printed on your statement, but this method takes longer because the cheque has to arrive, be processed, and clear. Automatic payments (also called standing orders or direct debits) let you set a fixed amount to leave your account on a date you choose each month, which removes the risk of missing a payment important date.
Key Takeaways
- Online and mobile app payments are processed within one business day and require only your login details and the amount you want to pay.
- Phone payments work the same way as online payments but involve speaking to a Barclays representative who enters your details for you.
- Automatic payments from your bank account happen on a date you set each month and help you avoid late payment fees.
- Cheque payments by post take longer to clear and should only be used if other methods are not available to you.
- Your minimum payment and full balance due are shown on your statement; paying only the minimum leaves you with interest charges on the remaining balance.
Paying online through the Barclays website or app
Log into your Barclays account on barclays.co.uk or open the Barclays Mobile Banking app on your phone. Navigate to your credit card account and select "Make a payment" or "Pay now". Enter the amount you want to pay — you can pay any amount between your minimum payment and your full balance. Review the payment details and confirm.
The payment is processed when ready, but the money typically leaves your bank account and reaches your Barclays card within one business day. If you pay after 11:59 p.m., it may take until the next business day to process. Barclays does not charge a fee for online payments, and you can pay as many times as you want during your billing cycle.
Paying by phone
Call the number on the back of your Barclays credit card. A representative will ask you to confirm your identity using your card number, date of birth, or other security details. Tell them the amount you want to pay and the bank account you want it taken from. They will process the payment over the phone and give you a reference number.
Phone payments are free and processed the same way as online payments — the money leaves your account within one business day. This method is useful if you are not comfortable using the website or app, or if you have questions about your account that you want to ask while you pay.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments take money from your bank account on a date you choose each month. You can set this up through your Barclays online account by going to "Manage payments" or "Payment settings" and selecting "Set up a standing order" or "Recurring payment". You choose the amount (minimum payment, full balance, or a fixed amount) and the date it should leave your account each month.
Automatic payments are free and remove the risk of forgetting to pay. However, you must make sure your bank account has enough money on the payment date, or the payment may fail and you could be charged a fee by your bank. If your balance changes month to month, you may want to set the automatic payment to your minimum payment and pay any extra amount manually when you can.
Paying by post with a cheque
Write a cheque to "Barclays" and include your card number on the back. Send it to the address shown on your statement under "Payment address" or "Send your payment to". Do not send cash by post.
Cheque payments take longer than other methods because the cheque has to arrive by post, be opened and processed, and then clear through the banking system — this can take 5 to 10 working days. Your payment date is counted from when Barclays receives the cheque, not when you post it. Only use this method if you cannot pay online, by phone, or by automatic payment.
Understanding payment important date and late fees
Your statement shows a "payment due date" — this is the last day you can pay your minimum payment without being charged a late fee. If you pay after this date, Barclays will charge a late payment fee (the amount varies depending on your card terms). Late payments also damage your credit score and may increase your interest rate.
Your statement also shows your "full balance due" — this is the total amount you owe. If you pay only the minimum, the remaining balance will be charged interest at your card's annual percentage rate (APR). To avoid interest charges, pay your full balance by the due date each month.
If you know you will miss a payment important date, contact Barclays before the due date to discuss your options. They may be able to extend your important date or set up a payment plan, depending on your circumstances.
What to do if your payment fails
If an automatic payment fails because your bank account does not have enough money, Barclays will usually try again a few days later. If it fails a second time, you will be charged a late fee and your credit score may be affected. Check your bank account balance before your automatic payment date to make sure there is enough money.
If a payment you made online or by phone does not appear in your account within two business days, contact Barclays customer service. They can trace the payment and tell you where it is. Keep your payment reference number so you can provide it to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Barclays credit card from another bank's account?
Yes. When you make a payment online or by phone, you can choose which bank account the money comes from. You will need to provide your account number and sort code. The payment still takes one business day to process.
What is the difference between my minimum payment and my full balance?
Your minimum payment is the smallest amount Barclays will accept without charging you a late fee. Your full balance is everything you owe. If you pay only the minimum, interest charges explore to the rest. Paying your full balance each month avoids interest.
Can I set up an automatic payment for a different amount each month?
No. Automatic payments are for a fixed amount on a fixed date. If your balance changes, you can set the automatic payment to your minimum and pay extra manually when you want, or you can cancel the automatic payment and pay manually each month.
How do I know if my payment went through?
Log into your Barclays account online or in the app and check your recent transactions. You should see the payment listed within one business day. You will also receive a confirmation email or text message, depending on your notification settings.
What happens if I pay more than my full balance?
If you pay more than you owe, the extra amount becomes a credit on your account. You can use this credit toward future purchases, or you can contact Barclays to request a refund to your bank account.