Pay your Barclays card online, by phone, or by post
You can pay your Barclays credit card balance through your online account, by calling Barclays directly, by setting up an automatic payment, or by mailing a cheque. The fastest method is online through your Barclays portal or mobile app — the payment posts the same day if you send it before the cut-off time, usually 5 p.m. on working days. If you prefer not to use the internet, phone payments and postal payments both work, though they take longer to process.
Your payment goes toward your current balance, any arrears, and interest charges. Barclays does not let you choose which part of your balance a payment covers — the money is applied automatically. If you have missed payments, your next payment will cover the arrears first, then current charges.
Key Takeaways
- Online payments through your Barclays account or app reach your card the same working day if sent before 5 p.m., making this the fastest option.
- You can set up a standing order or automatic payment so money leaves your bank account on the same date each month without you having to log in.
- Phone payments to Barclays take one to two working days to post, and you will need your card number and a debit card or bank account to pay.
- Cheque payments by post take five to seven working days and require you to write your card number on the back of the cheque.
- Your minimum payment amount appears on your statement; paying only the minimum means you will pay interest on the remaining balance.
Paying online through your Barclays account
Log into your Barclays online banking portal or open the Barclays mobile app. Select your credit card account from the list of accounts shown. Look for a "Make a payment" or "Pay now" button — the exact wording varies depending on whether you are using the app or the website.
Enter the amount you want to pay. You can pay any amount from your minimum payment up to your full balance. Barclays will show you the current balance, the minimum payment due, and the date your payment is due. Choose the date you want the payment to leave your bank account — if you choose today and it is before 5 p.m. on a working day, the money reaches your credit card the same day. If you choose a future date, the payment will post on that date.
Review the payment details and confirm. Barclays will send you a confirmation number by email or through your app. Keep this number in case you need to check on the payment later. You can see the payment status in your account when ready after you confirm it.
Setting up automatic payments so you never miss a due date
An automatic payment, also called a standing order, takes money from your bank account on the same date each month and sends it to Barclays. This means you do not have to remember to pay or log in each time. You can set this up through your Barclays account or through your own bank's online portal.
To set up automatic payments through Barclays, log into your account and look for "Manage payments" or "Standing orders" in the settings menu. Choose whether you want to pay a fixed amount each month (such as your minimum payment) or your full balance. If you choose a fixed amount, you will still need to check your statement each month to make sure the payment covers what you owe, especially if your balance changes. If you choose to pay your full balance automatically, Barclays will take whatever your balance is on the payment date.
You can also set up a standing order through your own bank. You will need Barclays' sort code and account number, which appear on your statement or in your online account under "Payment details" or "Bank transfer information". Your bank will ask you to confirm the amount and the date each month. Once it is set up, the payment happens automatically — you can cancel or change it anytime through your bank.
Paying by phone
Call Barclays on the number on the back of your credit card. A representative will ask for your card number, date of birth, and security details to confirm your identity. Have your debit card or bank account details ready — you will need to give one of these to make the payment.
Tell the representative how much you want to pay. They will confirm the amount, the date the payment will post, and give you a reference number. Phone payments usually take one to two working days to reach your account. If you are calling because you have missed a payment or fallen behind, the representative may discuss payment options with you, but they cannot force you into a plan — any arrangement must be agreed by you.
Barclays' phone lines are open during standard business hours. If you call outside these hours, you may reach an automated system that can take payments, though you will not speak to a person. The automated system works the same way — it asks for your card number and the amount, then confirms the payment.
Paying by post with a cheque
Write a cheque for the amount you want to pay. On the back of the cheque, write your Barclays credit card number in the space provided. Do not write it on the front. Include a covering letter with your name, card number, and the amount you are paying if you want to be extra clear, though the card number on the back is what Barclays needs.
Send the cheque to the address shown on your statement under "Send payments to" or "Payment address". Different Barclays accounts may have different payment addresses, so check your most recent statement to make sure you are sending it to the right place. Cheques take five to seven working days to clear once Barclays receives them, so allow extra time if your payment is due soon.
Keep a record of the cheque number and the date you posted it. If the payment does not appear in your account after ten working days, contact Barclays with these details so they can trace it.
What happens if you pay late or miss a payment
If your payment is not received by the due date shown on your statement, Barclays will charge a late payment fee. The amount varies depending on your card terms, but it is typically between £12 and £25. You will also start paying interest on the amount you owe if you have not already, and the late payment will show on your credit report.
If you know you cannot pay by the due date, contact Barclays before the date arrives. Explain your situation — if you have had a temporary problem with money, they may be able to move your due date, freeze interest temporarily, or discuss a payment plan. Barclays cannot remove a late fee that has already been charged, but they may waive it if this is your first late payment and you have a good history with them.
If you have fallen behind on multiple payments, your account may be passed to a debt collection team within Barclays or to an external debt collector. At this point, you should still contact Barclays to discuss what you can pay — ignoring the debt will not make it go away and will damage your credit report further.
Paying off your balance faster to reduce interest
Credit card interest is calculated daily on your balance. The longer you carry a balance, the more interest you pay. If you pay only your minimum payment each month, most of that money goes toward interest rather than reducing what you owe, especially if your balance is high.
To reduce interest, pay more than your minimum payment whenever you can. Even an extra £10 or £20 per month makes a difference over time. You can make multiple payments in a single month — there is no limit to how many times you can pay. Some people pay weekly or whenever they have spare money rather than waiting until the due date.
If you have a large balance and want to clear it faster, ask Barclays whether they offer a balance transfer card or a lower interest rate. These are not may provide, and they depend on your credit history, but it is worth asking. You can also look at whether moving your balance to a different card with a lower rate would save you money, though this will show on your credit report as a new process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Barclays credit card with a debit card?
Yes. When you pay online, you can use any debit card — it does not have to be a Barclays debit card. When you pay by phone, you will need to provide your debit card details or your bank account details. You cannot pay a credit card with another credit card through Barclays' standard payment methods.
What time does an online payment post if I send it after 5 p.m.?
If you send a payment after 5 p.m. on a working day, it will post the next working day instead of the same day. If you send it on a weekend or bank holiday, it will post on the next working day after that. Check your statement or your online account to see the exact posting date before you confirm the payment.
Do I have to pay my full balance, or can I pay part of it?
You can pay any amount from your minimum payment up to your full balance. Paying only the minimum means you will pay interest on the rest. There is no penalty for paying more than the minimum or for paying your full balance early.
What if I set up an automatic payment but my balance changes?
If you set up an automatic payment for a fixed amount, that amount will be taken each month regardless of whether your balance is higher or lower. If your balance is higher than your payment, you will still owe the difference plus interest. If your balance is lower, the extra money will be held as a credit on your account. To avoid this, set up an automatic payment for your full balance instead, so Barclays takes whatever you owe each month.
Can I cancel a payment after I have sent it?
If you sent the payment online and it has not yet posted, you may be able to cancel it through your Barclays account, depending on the date you chose. If the payment has already posted, you cannot cancel it, but you can contact Barclays to discuss a refund if there was an error. For cheque payments, you can stop the cheque through your own bank if it has not cleared yet, but you will need to do this quickly.