The main ways to pay your credit card
You can pay your credit card through your bank's online portal, by phone, by mail, or in person at a branch. Most cards also let you set up automatic payments so the bill comes out of your checking account on a date you choose. The fastest method is usually your card issuer's website or mobile app — the payment posts within one business day. Phone and mail payments take longer: phone payments may post the same day if you call before the cutoff time (usually early afternoon), and mailed checks can take 7 to 10 days to reach the issuer and clear.
You can also pay at an ATM if your card issuer owns the ATM network, though this is less common. Some card issuers accept payments through third-party payment platforms like PayPal or Venmo, but these add an extra step and may charge a fee. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment to post and whether you want to automate it.
Key Takeaways
- Online and mobile app payments are the fastest and most direct — they post within one business day and cost nothing.
- Automatic payments remove the risk of missing a due date, but you must have enough money in your checking account on the payment date.
- Phone payments can post the same day if you call before your issuer's cutoff time, usually in the early afternoon.
- Mailed checks take 7 to 10 days to clear, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee.
- Some third-party payment apps charge fees, so check your card issuer's website first for free payment options.
Paying online or through your card's mobile app
Log into your card issuer's website or open their mobile app and look for a "Make a Payment" or "Pay Now" button — it is usually on the account dashboard or in the main menu. Enter the amount you want to pay and the date you want it to post. You will need to confirm the payment method (the checking account or savings account the money will come from) and review the details before you submit.
Online payments post within one business day and cost nothing. If you pay on a Friday evening, the payment will post on Monday. If you need the payment to post the same day, call your issuer instead — some accept same-day payments by phone if you call before their cutoff time, which is usually 2 p.m. Eastern time, but varies by issuer.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments deduct money from your bank account on a date you set, so you never miss a due date. Log into your card issuer's website, find the "Automatic Payments" or "Recurring Payments" section, and choose the amount and date. You can set it to pay the full statement balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed dollar amount you choose.
Before you set up automatic payments, make sure your checking account has enough money on the payment date. If the payment bounces, your bank will charge an overdraft fee and your card issuer may report the missed payment to credit bureaus. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your card issuer's website, so set a reminder to review them every few months.
Paying by phone
Call the customer service number on the back of your card. A representative will ask for your account number, the amount you want to pay, and the bank account you want the payment to come from. They will confirm the payment date and give you a confirmation number — write it down.
Phone payments can post the same day if you call before your issuer's cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. Eastern time on a business day. Payments made after the cutoff or on weekends and holidays will post the next business day. Phone payments are free, but they take longer than online payments because you have to wait for a representative.
Paying by mail
Write a check to your card issuer and mail it to the address on your statement or bill. Include your account number on the check memo line so the payment is credited to the right account. Mail the check at least two weeks before your due date — the post office can take 3 to 5 days to deliver it, and your issuer can take another 5 to 7 days to process it and post it to your account.
If you are cutting it close to the due date, do not mail a check. Use online payment or call instead. Mailed payments that arrive after the due date will be marked late even if you mailed them on time, and you will be charged a late fee and interest.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment does not post by the due date, your card issuer will charge a late fee (usually $25 to $40 for the first late payment) and may raise your interest rate. The missed payment will also show up on your credit report and can lower your credit score. If you are more than 30 days late, the issuer may freeze your account and stop letting you make new charges.
If you realize you will miss a due date, call your card issuer right away. Some issuers will waive a late fee if you have a good payment history and call before the due date. The sooner you pay, the less interest you will owe. If you are having trouble making payments, ask about hardship programs — some issuers offer lower interest rates or payment plans for customers in financial difficulty.
Understanding minimum payments vs. full balance
Your statement shows both a minimum payment and the full balance you owe. The minimum payment is the smallest amount you can pay without triggering a late fee — usually 1 to 3 percent of your balance. If you pay only the minimum, you will owe interest on the remaining balance, and it will take years to pay off the card.
Paying the full statement balance means you owe no interest on that month's charges. If you cannot pay the full balance, pay as much as you can above the minimum — every dollar above the minimum reduces the interest you owe and gets you out of debt faster. If you are carrying a balance, check your card's interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) on your statement or online account — this tells you how much interest you are paying each month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my credit card with another credit card?
Most card issuers do not accept credit card payments directly. If you try to pay with another card through a payment processor like PayPal or Venmo, the processor will charge a fee (usually 2 to 3 percent) and may treat it as a cash advance, which carries a higher interest rate. Pay from a checking or savings account instead.
What if I pay more than I owe?
If you overpay, the extra money becomes a credit on your account. You can use it toward future purchases, or you can request a refund. Some issuers will refund overpayments automatically after 60 days, but it is faster to call and ask for a refund check or transfer to your bank account.
Does paying early help my credit score?
Paying before the due date does not boost your credit score, but paying on time every month does. What matters most is that your payment posts by the due date. Paying early does not hurt, and it reduces the interest you owe if you are carrying a balance.
How do I know if my payment posted?
Log into your online account or check your statement. The payment should show under "Recent Transactions" or "Payment History" within one business day of submitting it online, or within one business day of calling. If you mailed a check, it may take 7 to 10 days to appear. If a payment does not post within the expected time, call customer service to confirm it was received.
Can I set up automatic payments for a specific dollar amount?
Yes. Most card issuers let you choose to pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed amount you set. 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 the amount anytime through your online account.