The main ways to pay your credit card bill
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 issuer has physical locations. Most people pay online because it is fastest and you can see the payment post within one to three business days. Phone and mail payments take longer — mail can take five to seven business days to arrive and clear — so use those only if online is not an option for you.
The amount you owe appears on your monthly statement, which your card issuer sends by mail or email on a set date each month. You can also log into your account any time to see your current balance. Your statement shows the minimum payment due (usually 1 to 3 percent of what you owe) and the date by which you must pay to avoid a late fee.
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 must pay at least the minimum amount by the due date shown on your statement to avoid late fees and damage to your credit score.
- Paying the full statement balance each month means you pay no interest; paying only the minimum means interest charges accrue on the remaining balance.
- Set up automatic payments if you want the same amount to pay on the same day each month, though you should still check your account regularly to catch billing errors.
- Mail and phone payments take five to seven business days to clear, so plan ahead if you use those methods.
Paying online through your card issuer's website or app
Log into your credit card account on your issuer's website or open their mobile app. Look for a link or button labeled "Make a Payment," "Pay Now," or "Pay Bill" — the exact wording varies by card issuer. Click it and you will see your current balance and the minimum payment due.
Enter the amount you want to pay. You can pay the full balance, the minimum, or any amount in between. Then select your payment method: most issuers let you pay from a checking or savings account (you will need your routing number and account number), and some accept debit cards. Review the details, confirm the payment, and you will see a confirmation number. The payment usually posts within one to three business days.
Keep the confirmation number for your records. If the payment does not appear in your account within three business days, contact your card issuer's customer service line — the number is on the back of your card or on your statement.
Paying by phone
Call the customer service number on the back of your credit card or on your statement. A representative will ask you to verify your identity by providing your card number, Social Security number, or other personal information. Tell them you want to make a payment.
The representative will ask how much you want to pay and what account you want to pay from. You will need to provide your checking or savings account number and routing number, or a debit card number. The representative will read back the details and give you a confirmation number. Phone payments typically take five to seven business days to post.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order for the amount you want to pay. Do not send cash through the mail. On the check, write your credit card account number in the memo line so the issuer knows which account to credit.
Mail your payment to the address shown on your statement under "Payment Address" or "Send Payment To." This address is different from the mailing address for customer service inquiries, so use the exact address on your statement. Mail payments take five to seven business days to arrive and clear, so send your payment at least a week before your due date if you want to avoid a late fee.
Keep a copy of your check or a photo of it for your records. If your payment does not post within ten business days, contact your card issuer.
Setting up automatic payments
Most card issuers let you set up automatic payments so the same amount withdraws from your bank account on the same day each month. Log into your account online or through the app, find the "Automatic Payments" or "Recurring Payments" section, and enter your bank account details and the amount you want to pay each month.
You can choose to pay the full statement balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed dollar amount. If you choose a fixed amount, make sure it is at least the minimum payment shown on your statement, or you will still be charged a late fee. Automatic payments post on the date you choose, usually within one to three business days.
Even if you set up automatic payments, check your account regularly to make sure the payment goes through and to catch any billing errors. If you dispute a charge, you may want to hold off on automatic payments until the dispute is resolved.
Understanding the difference between minimum payment and full balance
The minimum payment is the smallest amount your card issuer requires you to pay by the due date. It is usually 1 to 3 percent of your total balance. If you pay only the minimum, you will be charged interest on the remaining balance at your card's interest rate (called the annual percentage rate, or APR). Interest accrues daily and is added to your balance each month, so your debt grows if you only pay the minimum.
Paying the full statement balance means you pay everything you owe for that month. If you pay the full balance by the due date, you pay no interest. This is the cheapest way to use a credit card. If you cannot pay the full balance, pay as much as you can above the minimum to reduce the interest you owe.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment does not arrive by the due date, your card issuer will charge a late fee. Late fees vary by issuer but typically range from $25 to $40 for a first late payment. If you are late again within six months, the fee may be higher.
A late payment also damages your credit score and stays on your credit report for seven years. If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, your card issuer may increase your interest rate. If you miss a payment by 60 days or more, the issuer may close your account or send your debt to a collection agency.
If you miss a payment, contact your card issuer as soon as possible. Some issuers will waive a single late fee if you have a good payment history and call to ask. Bringing your account current stops additional late fees from accruing, though the damage to your credit score from the missed payment itself cannot be undone when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my credit card bill with another credit card?
Most card issuers do not accept credit card payments directly. However, you can use a balance transfer or cash advance to move money to your bank account, then pay from there. These options usually come with fees and higher interest rates, so they are not recommended unless you have no other way to pay.
What if I pay more than I owe?
If you overpay, the extra amount becomes a credit on your account. You can use that credit toward future purchases, or you can request a refund from your card issuer. Refunds typically take five to seven business days to reach your bank account.
Is there a fee to pay my credit card bill?
Most card issuers do not charge a fee for paying your bill online, by phone, or by mail. Some issuers charge a small fee if you pay by phone with a representative, so ask before you confirm the payment. Paying by check or automatic transfer is always free.
How long does it take for a payment to show up?
Online and automatic payments usually post within one to three business days. Phone and mail payments take five to seven business days. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days, so a payment made on Friday may not post until Tuesday or Wednesday.
What if I want to pay early?
You can pay your credit card bill any time before the due date. Paying early reduces the interest you owe and lowers your credit utilization ratio (the amount you owe compared to your credit limit), which can improve your credit score. There is no penalty for paying early.