The main ways to pay your credit card
You can pay your credit card bill online through your card issuer's website or app, by phone, by mail, or in person at a branch if your bank has physical locations. Most people pay online because it is fastest and you can see the payment post within one to three business days. The method you choose depends on what your bank offers and how quickly you need the payment recorded.
Your card issuer — the bank or financial company that issued your card — sets up the payment system. You will need your account number and routing information if you are paying by bank transfer, or you can use a debit card to pay. Some issuers also let you set up automatic payments so the bill comes out on the same day each month.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through your card issuer's website or app is the fastest method and usually posts within one to three business days.
- You can pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or any amount in between, but paying only the minimum means you will owe interest on the remaining balance.
- Automatic payments can be set to pay a fixed amount or your full balance each month, and you can change or cancel them anytime.
- Mail and phone payments take longer to process, so plan ahead if you use these methods to avoid late fees.
- Late payments trigger fees and can damage your credit score, so mark your due date on a calendar or set a phone reminder.
Paying online through your card issuer's website or app
Log into your account on your 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." You will be asked to enter the amount you want to pay and choose a payment method — usually a bank account or debit card.
If you are paying from a bank account, you will need your routing number and account number. Your bank's website or a check will show you both. If you are paying with a debit card, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV. The payment usually posts within one to three business days, though some banks offer same-day posting for an extra fee.
Before you confirm the payment, check that the amount and date are correct. Once you submit, you should receive a confirmation number. Save this or take a screenshot — you will need it if there is ever a dispute about whether the payment went through.
Setting up automatic payments
Most card issuers let you set up automatic payments so you do not have to remember to pay each month. Go to the payment section of your account and look for "Automatic Payments," "Recurring Payments," or "Autopay." You will choose a payment date (usually between the 1st and the 28th of the month) and decide what amount to pay each time.
You can set autopay to pay your full balance, your minimum payment, or a fixed dollar amount. Paying the full balance is the safest option because it means you will never carry a balance and will not owe interest. If you choose a fixed amount, make sure it is at least the minimum payment, or you will be charged a late fee.
You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account settings. If you cancel, you will need to go back to manual payments, so set a reminder on your phone or calendar so you do not miss a due date.
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. You will then provide your bank account information or debit card details over the phone.
Phone payments usually take three to five business days to post, so call well before your due date if you are close to being late. Ask the representative for a confirmation number and write it down. If the payment does not show up in your account within the timeframe they give you, you can reference this number when you call back.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order payable to your card issuer. Include your account number on the check itself (not just in the memo line). Mail it to the address listed on your statement or on the issuer's website — never mail a payment to a customer service address, as it may not reach the payments department in time.
Mail payments take seven to ten business days or longer to arrive and be processed. If your due date is coming up, mail is the slowest option and carries the highest risk of a late fee. Use mail only if you do not have online access or a bank account to pay from.
Understanding minimum payments and full balance payments
Your statement shows a minimum payment — the smallest amount you must pay to avoid a late fee. Paying only the minimum means the rest of your balance carries over to the next month and you owe interest on it. The interest rate is your card's APR (annual percentage rate), which varies by card and by your creditworthiness.
Paying your full balance means you owe nothing the next month and you do not owe any interest. If you can afford it, paying in full is always the better choice financially. If you cannot pay the full balance, pay as much as you can above the minimum to reduce the interest you owe.
Your statement will show you how much interest you will owe if you only make the minimum payment. Some statements also show how long it will take to pay off your balance if you only pay the minimum — this number is often shocking and can motivate you to pay more.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment does not arrive by the due date, you will be charged a late fee. The amount varies by card issuer but is usually between $25 and $40 for the first late payment. If you are late again within six months, the fee may be higher.
A late payment also damages your credit score. Payment history makes up 35 percent of your credit score, so even one late payment can lower your score by several points. The damage is worst in the first six months after the late payment and gradually fades over time, but it stays on your credit report for seven years.
If you realize you will be late, call your card issuer when ready. Some will waive the fee if you have a good payment history and it is your first late payment. Even if they will not waive it, calling shows good faith and may help if you need to negotiate later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a credit card payment to post?
Online payments usually post within one to three business days. Phone and mail payments take three to ten business days depending on the method. Some card issuers offer same-day posting for an extra fee, but this is not standard. Check your issuer's website for their specific timeline.
Can I pay my credit card with another credit card?
Most card issuers do not let you pay with another credit card directly. If you use a third-party payment service to do this, you will be charged a cash advance fee and interest will start accruing when ready. It is almost always better to pay from a bank account or debit card.
What if I pay more than I owe?
If you overpay, the extra amount becomes a credit on your account. You can use this credit toward future purchases, or you can request a refund. Some issuers will refund overpayments automatically after a certain period, so check your account settings or call to ask.
Do I have to pay on the exact due date?
No, you can pay anytime before the due date. Paying early does not hurt you and can help if you are worried about a payment being delayed. Just make sure the payment posts before midnight on the due date to avoid a late fee.
Can I set up autopay for just one payment?
No, autopay is a recurring monthly payment. If you want to make a one-time payment, use the regular payment option instead. You can always cancel autopay after one month if you change your mind, but you will need to switch back to manual payments after that.