The fastest way to pay your Bank of America credit card bill
You can pay your Bank of America credit card bill online through your account, by phone, by mail, or in person at a branch. The online method through your Bank of America account or the BankAmericard website is fastest — the payment posts the same day if you pay before the cutoff time, which is usually 8 p.m. Eastern time on business days. Phone payments also post same-day if you call before that cutoff.
If you do not have a Bank of America account yet, you can still pay online as a guest by visiting the payment page and entering your card number. You will need your 16-digit card number and the amount you want to pay. The payment will post within one business day.
Key Takeaways
- Online payments through your Bank of America account post the same day if submitted before 8 p.m. Eastern time on a business day.
- You can pay from a Bank of America checking account, another bank's account, or a debit card without needing to log in first.
- Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to post, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late payment.
- The minimum payment is shown on your statement, but paying only the minimum means you will owe interest on the remaining balance.
- You can set up automatic payments to your checking account so you never miss a due date.
Paying online through your Bank of America account
Log into your Bank of America account on the website or mobile app. Click on the credit card account you want to pay. You will see a "Make a Payment" button or link — click it and enter the amount. You can pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or any amount in between.
Choose where the money comes from: a Bank of America checking account, a savings account, or an external account at another bank. If you choose an external account, you will need to add it first by providing the routing number and account number. Bank of America will verify the account with two small deposits, which takes one to two business days.
Review the payment details and confirm. The payment posts when ready to your account, though the money may take one to two business days to leave your bank account. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.
Paying as a guest without logging in
Go to bankofamerica.com/creditcards and look for the "Make a Payment" link near the top of the page. You do not need to log in. Enter your 16-digit card number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Then enter the amount you want to pay and choose your payment method.
You can pay from a debit card, a checking account at another bank, or a Bank of America account. If you use a debit card, you will need the card number, expiration date, and CVV. If you use a bank account, you will need the routing number and account number. The payment posts within one business day.
Paying by phone or mail
To pay by phone, call the number on the back of your credit card. A representative will ask for your card number and the amount you want to pay, then confirm the payment method. Payments made before 8 p.m. Eastern time on a business day post the same day. The phone line is open 24 hours a day, but payments submitted after hours or on weekends post the next business day.
To pay by mail, write a check to Bank of America and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your statement under "Payment Address." Do not mail a check to a branch — it will not reach the payment center. Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to post, so send your payment at least two weeks before your due date if you want to avoid a late fee.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments may support you never miss a due date. Log into your Bank of America account, go to your credit card, and look for "Automatic Payments" or "Autopay" in the settings. Choose the amount: the full statement balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed amount you set. Then choose the date each month when the payment should come out — most people choose a few days before the due date to be safe.
You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account. If you set up autopay for the full balance, you will pay no interest. If you set it for the minimum payment or a fixed amount less than the balance, you will owe interest on what remains.
What happens if you miss the due date
If your payment does not post by the due date shown on your statement, Bank of America will charge a late fee. The fee is usually $25 to $35 for the first late payment, and up to $39 for subsequent ones within six months. A late payment also appears on your credit report and can lower your credit score.
If you miss a payment, pay as soon as you can. The damage to your score is worst in the first 30 days after the due date. After 60 days, the late payment is reported to the credit bureaus. If you are having trouble making the payment, call the number on the back of your card and ask about hardship options — Bank of America may be able to lower your interest rate or adjust your payment temporarily.
Understanding your statement and due date
Your statement shows the due date, the minimum payment, and the full balance. The due date is usually 21 to 25 days after the statement closing date. The minimum payment is typically 1 to 3 percent of your balance, plus any fees and interest. Paying only the minimum means the rest of your balance will accrue interest at your card's annual percentage rate (APR).
Your statement also shows the interest rate, any fees, and recent transactions. If you do not recognize a charge, contact Bank of America before you pay — you may be able to dispute it. The sooner you report a problem, the easier it is to resolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it cost money to pay my credit card bill online?
No. Bank of America does not charge a fee for online payments made through your account or as a guest. Phone payments are also free. Mailed checks are free, but you pay for the stamp.
What if I pay late but before the end of the month?
If your payment does not post by the due date, you will be charged a late fee and the late payment will be reported to the credit bureaus. It does not matter if you pay a few days later — the fee applies once the due date passes. Pay as soon as you realize you are late to limit the damage to your credit score.
Can I pay more than the minimum to pay off my balance faster?
Yes. You can pay any amount up to your full balance. Paying more than the minimum reduces the interest you owe and helps you pay off the card faster. If you pay the full statement balance each month, you will owe no interest.
How long does it take for a payment to show up in my account?
Online and phone payments post the same day if submitted before 8 p.m. Eastern time on a business day. Payments submitted after hours or on weekends post the next business day. Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days.
What if I set up automatic payments but want to skip a month?
Log into your Bank of America account and pause or cancel the automatic payment for that month. You can resume it the following month. If you skip a payment, you will still owe interest on your balance, and the payment will be due on your regular due date.