The main ways to pay your credit card
You can pay your credit card through your bank's website or app, by phone, by mail, or in person at a branch. Most people pay online because it is fastest and you can set it up in minutes. The card issuer — the bank that gave you the card — handles the payment no matter which method you choose.
Your payment goes to your card issuer's payment processing center, not to individual merchants. This means one payment covers all the purchases you made with that card, no matter where you shopped. The payment reduces your balance and counts toward your monthly minimum due.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through your card issuer's website or app is the fastest method and lets you pay any amount, any day.
- You can set up automatic payments so a fixed amount or your full balance pays on the same day each month.
- Payments by mail take 5 to 7 business days to reach your issuer, so mail early if you have a important date.
- Paying at least your minimum due by the due date shown on your statement keeps your account in good standing.
- Late payments trigger fees and can raise your interest rate, even if you pay just one day after the due date.
Paying online through your card issuer's website or app
Log into your account on the card issuer's website or open their mobile app. Look for a link or button labeled "Make a Payment," "Pay Now," or "Pay Your Bill." Enter the amount you want to pay and the date you want it to process. Most issuers let you pay when ready or schedule a payment for a future date.
You will need to choose a payment method: a bank account (checking or savings), a debit card, or sometimes another credit card. Paying from a bank account is free. Paying with a debit card or another credit card may charge a fee — the issuer will tell you the fee amount before you confirm the payment.
Online payments usually process the same day if you pay before a set cutoff time (often 5 p.m. Eastern), or the next business day if you pay after. Weekend and holiday payments typically process the next business day. You will see the payment reflected in your account within 24 hours.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments remove the need to remember your due date. Log into your account and find the "Automatic Payments" or "Recurring Payments" section. Choose how much to pay each month: a fixed dollar amount, your minimum due, or your full statement balance. Pick the day of the month you want the payment to come out.
Most issuers let you set up automatic payments from a bank account for free. You can change or cancel the automatic payment at any time through your account. If your balance changes, the automatic payment amount stays the same unless you adjust it — so if you set it to pay $200 and your balance drops to $150, the payment will still be $200 and you will overpay.
Automatic payments are useful if you want to avoid late fees, but you still need to check your statement each month to make sure the payment went through and your balance is correct.
Paying by phone
Call the customer service number on the back of your credit card. A representative will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay. They will also ask for the bank account or debit card you want to pay from. Payments by phone are usually free when you pay from a bank account.
Phone payments process the same day or the next business day, depending on what time you call and your issuer's cutoff. Keep a record of the confirmation number the representative gives you. Phone payments are slower than online payments and require you to speak with someone, so most people use this method only if they cannot access the website or app.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order for the amount you owe. Write your account number on the check. Put the check in an envelope with the payment coupon from your statement (if your issuer sends one) or write your account number clearly on the envelope. Mail it to the address shown on your statement or bill.
Mail payments take 5 to 7 business days to arrive and be processed. Your issuer may not record the payment until several days after it arrives. If your due date is coming up, mail your payment at least 10 days early to make sure it arrives on time. Late payments trigger a late fee and can raise your interest rate, even if the payment was delayed by the mail.
Keep a copy of the check or a photo of it for your records. Do not mail cash.
Paying in person at a branch
Some card issuers let you pay in person at their bank branches. Call the branch or check the issuer's website to confirm they accept in-person payments and what hours they are open. Bring your card or account number and the cash or check you want to pay with.
In-person payments usually process the same day. This method is useful if you prefer to hand over payment directly or if you do not have a bank account to link for online payment. Not all issuers offer in-person payment, and some branches may not accept it, so confirm before you go.
Understanding your due date and minimum payment
Your due date is printed on your statement and is usually 21 to 25 days after your statement closing date. Your minimum payment is the smallest amount you must pay to keep your account in good standing. The minimum is usually 1 to 3 percent of your balance, or a fixed dollar amount like $25, whichever is higher.
Paying only the minimum keeps you from being late, but you will pay interest on the remaining balance. Paying your full statement balance by the due date means you owe no interest. Paying more than the minimum but less than the full balance reduces interest but you will still owe some.
If you pay after the due date, even by one day, your issuer will charge a late fee (typically $25 to $40 for a first offense) and may raise your interest rate. A late payment also shows up on your credit report and can lower your credit score.
What to do if you cannot pay by the due date
Contact your card issuer as soon as you know you will miss the due date. Explain your situation and ask if they can waive the late fee or work out a payment plan. Some issuers will waive a single late fee if you have a good payment history, but they cannot erase the late payment from your credit report once it is reported.
Paying even a small amount before the due date is better than paying nothing. A partial payment still counts as a payment and may reduce the late fee. If you cannot pay the full amount, ask your issuer what options they offer, such as a lower payment plan or a temporary interest rate reduction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a credit card payment to show up in my account?
Online and phone payments usually show up within 24 hours. Mail payments take 5 to 7 business days to arrive and may take another 1 to 2 days to be recorded in your account. If you pay in person at a branch, the payment typically shows up the same day.
Can I pay my credit card with another credit card?
Some issuers allow it, but most charge a fee of 2 to 3 percent of the payment amount. Paying one credit card with another credit card usually costs more than paying from a bank account and does not reduce your total debt — it just moves it around.
What happens if I pay more than I owe?
The extra amount becomes a credit on your account. You can use it toward future purchases, request a refund check, or let it sit. Some issuers charge a small fee to refund a credit balance, so check your issuer's policy before you request one.
Do I have to pay my full balance, or can I pay just the minimum?
You only have to pay the minimum to stay current on your account. However, you will owe interest on the remaining balance. Paying your full statement balance by the due date means you owe no interest and is the cheapest option if you can afford it.
What if I set up automatic payments but my balance changes?
Your automatic payment amount stays the same unless you change it. If your balance drops below your automatic payment amount, you will overpay and create a credit on your account. Check your statement each month to make sure the automatic payment matches what you want to pay.