How to pay your Discover It card
You can pay your Discover It card through Discover's website, mobile app, phone, or by mail. The fastest method is online through your Discover account — you can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic payments. Payments made online typically post within one business day. If you prefer to pay by phone, call the number on the back of your card. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach Discover, so send them well before your due date to avoid late fees.
Your payment due date appears on your monthly statement and in your online account. Discover requires a minimum payment each month, but paying your full balance avoids interest charges. You can pay any amount between the minimum and your full balance.
Key Takeaways
- Online and mobile app payments post within one business day, while mail payments take 7 to 10 days.
- You can set up automatic monthly payments so you never miss a due date.
- Paying your full balance each month avoids interest charges on purchases.
- The minimum payment is listed on your statement, but paying only the minimum means you will owe interest.
- Your due date is the same each month and appears on your statement and in your online account.
Paying online through your Discover account
Log into your Discover account at discover.com or through the mobile app. Click "Make a Payment" or the payments section. Enter the amount you want to pay — you can pay the full balance, the minimum, or a custom amount. Choose your payment method: from a bank account (ACH transfer) or from another Discover card. Review the payment details and confirm.
ACH transfers from your bank account are free and post within one business day. If you pay from another card, Discover may charge a fee — the site will show you the fee before you confirm. Payments made before 8 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day typically post the next day.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting your due date. In your Discover account, go to the automatic payments or recurring payments section. Choose the amount: full statement balance, minimum payment, or a fixed dollar amount you set. Select the bank account you want to pay from and the day of the month the payment should process.
Discover will deduct the payment automatically each month on the date you choose. You can change or stop automatic payments anytime in your account settings. If your balance is zero or very low when the payment processes, Discover will not charge you — the payment straightforward will not go through.
Paying by phone
Call the customer service number on the back of your Discover It card. A representative will ask for your account number or the phone number associated with your account, and the amount you want to pay. You will need to provide your bank account information or another payment method. Phone payments are free and typically post within one business day.
Have your statement or account information ready when you call. Customer service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you call after hours, an automated system can process your payment without speaking to a representative.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order payable to Discover. Include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your statement under "Payment Address" — this is different from your billing address. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post, so send your payment at least two weeks before your due date.
Keep a record of the check number and the date you mailed it. If your payment does not post within 10 business days, contact Discover to confirm they received it. Discover does not charge a fee for mail payments, but the slow posting time makes this method risky if your due date is soon.
Understanding your due date and late fees
Your payment due date is printed on your monthly statement and shown in your online account. It is the same date each month — for example, the 15th or the 25th. Discover considers a payment late if it arrives after 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date. A late payment triggers a late fee, usually $25 to $40 depending on your account history, and may raise your interest rate.
If you miss your due date, pay as soon as you can. One late payment will not permanently damage your credit, but multiple late payments will. If you are having trouble making a payment, contact Discover before the due date — they may be able to adjust your due date or discuss other options.
What to do if your payment fails
A payment can fail if your bank account has insufficient funds, if the account information is outdated, or if your bank blocks the transfer. Discover will notify you by email or mail that the payment did not go through. Check your account when ready to see the failed payment status and the reason.
If the failure was due to insufficient funds, deposit money into your bank account and try the payment again. If your bank account information changed, update it in your Discover account before retrying. If your bank blocked the payment, contact your bank to ask why and to authorize Discover as a payee. After you fix the problem, make the payment again as soon as possible to avoid a late fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Discover It card with another credit card?
You can pay with another Discover card through your online account, but Discover will charge a fee — usually 3% of the payment amount. Paying with a non-Discover card is not an option through Discover's website. Paying a credit card with another credit card is generally not recommended because the fee and interest charges usually cost more than the benefit.
What happens if I pay more than my balance?
If you pay more than you owe, Discover will hold the overpayment as a credit on your account. You can use the credit toward your next month's purchases, or you can request a refund. Contact Discover to request a refund if you want the money back to your bank account.
Do I have to pay my full balance to avoid interest?
Yes. Discover charges interest on any balance you carry from month to month. If you pay your full statement balance by the due date, you will not owe interest. If you pay only the minimum or a partial amount, interest will accrue on the remaining balance at your card's interest rate.
Can I change my due date?
Yes. Log into your Discover account and look for the option to change your due date. You can usually move your due date to any day of the month. Changing your due date can help you align your payment with your paycheck or other bills.
What if I want to pay early?
You can pay your bill anytime before the due date through your online account, mobile app, or by phone. Paying early reduces the interest you owe if you carry a balance, and it lowers your credit utilization ratio, which can improve your credit score.