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 issuer has physical locations. Most people pay online because it is fastest and you can set it up in minutes. The card issuer — the bank or company that issued your card — handles the payment, not the credit card network (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover).
Each payment method has different timing. Online and phone payments usually post within one business day. Mail takes five to ten business days depending on postal delays and processing time. In-person payments at a branch post the same day or next business day. If you have a due date coming up, online is the safest choice because you control exactly when the payment leaves your account.
You can also set up automatic payments so your card issuer withdraws money from your bank account on a date you choose each month. This prevents missed payments, though you need to make sure your bank account has enough money on that date or you will face overdraft fees.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through your card issuer's website or app is the fastest method and usually posts within one business day.
- Mail payments take five to ten business days, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to avoid late fees.
- Automatic payments prevent missed due dates but require you to monitor your bank account balance on the payment date each month.
- Your card issuer's customer service number is on your statement or bill, and they can walk you through payment options by phone.
Setting up online payment
Log into your credit card account on your issuer's website or open their mobile app. Look for a button or menu option labeled "Make a Payment," "Pay Now," or "Pay Bill." Enter the amount you want to pay — you can pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or any amount in between. Then select the date you want the payment to post. Most issuers let you choose any date up to your due date.
You will need to provide a bank account to withdraw from (checking or savings) or authorize a debit card. The issuer will ask for your routing number and account number if you use a bank account, or your debit card number if you use a card. Save this payment method so you do not have to enter it every time. After you confirm, you will see a confirmation number — write it down or take a screenshot in case you need to reference it later.
Automatic payments and how they work
Automatic payments are set up the same way as a one-time online payment, but you tell your issuer to repeat it every month. You choose the date (usually between the 1st and 28th of each month) and the amount. Most people set it to the full statement balance so they pay off the card completely each month and avoid interest charges.
The risk is that if your bank account does not have enough money on the payment date, your bank will either decline the payment or charge you an overdraft fee. Some issuers will retry the payment a few days later, but that is not may provide. Check your bank balance a few days before your automatic payment date to make sure the money is there. You can also change or cancel an automatic payment anytime through your account settings.
Paying by phone or mail
To pay by phone, call the customer service number on the back of your credit card or on your statement. A representative will ask for your account number, the amount you want to pay, and the bank account or debit card you want to pay from. Phone payments usually post within one business day, the same as online. Write down the confirmation number they give you.
To pay by mail, write a check or money order for the amount you owe. Include your account number on the check (usually on the back or memo line). Mail it to the address listed on your statement under "Payment Address" — this is different from the mailing address for questions, so use the right one. Mail payments are slower because they have to travel through the postal system and then be processed by the issuer's payment center. Send your payment at least two weeks before your due date to be safe.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment does not arrive by the due date, your issuer will charge a late fee (usually $25 to $40 for the first late payment, more for repeat lates). Your interest rate may also go up, sometimes significantly. After 30 days late, the missed payment appears on your credit report and can lower your credit score. After 60 days late, the damage to your score is worse. After 180 days late, the issuer may close your account and send it to a collection agency.
If you miss a payment by a day or two, call your issuer right away. Some will waive the late fee if you have a good payment history and it is your first miss. If you know you cannot pay by the due date, contact your issuer before the date arrives — they may be able to extend your due date or work out a payment plan. Waiting until after you are late makes it much harder to negotiate.
Understanding minimum payments and statement balance
Your statement shows two amounts: the minimum payment and the statement balance. The minimum payment is the smallest amount you must pay to avoid a late fee — usually 1 to 3 percent of what you owe. The statement balance is everything you charged during the billing period. If you only pay the minimum, you will be charged interest on the rest of the balance next month.
To avoid interest, pay the full statement balance by the due date. 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 will owe. If you carry a balance month to month, the interest charges add up quickly — a $1,000 balance at 20 percent interest costs about $200 per year if you only make minimum payments.
Payment timing and due dates
Your due date is the last day your payment can arrive without triggering a late fee. The due date is usually 21 to 25 days after your statement closes. Your statement shows both the closing date and the due date. If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, your issuer must give you until the next business day.
Payments posted online or by phone usually arrive within one business day, so you can pay up until the day before your due date and still be on time. Mail payments take much longer — the postal service, the issuer's mail room, and their processing center all add days. If you are paying by mail, send it at least two weeks early. If you are cutting it close, use online or phone payment instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my credit card with another credit card?
No, most issuers do not allow credit card to credit card payments. Some third-party services offer this, but they charge a fee (usually 2 to 3 percent) and treat it as a cash advance, which means you pay interest immediately. It is almost always cheaper to pay from a bank account or use a debit card.
What if I pay more than I owe?
The extra amount becomes a credit on your account. You can use it toward future purchases, or you can request a refund. Some issuers refund overpayments automatically after a certain period; others require you to ask. Check your account or call customer service to see your current credit balance.
Do I have to pay the full balance every month?
No, you can pay any amount between the minimum and the full balance. However, you will be charged interest on whatever balance remains. Paying the full balance is the cheapest option because you avoid interest entirely. If you cannot pay the full balance, paying more than the minimum reduces how much interest you owe.
Is it safe to pay my credit card online?
Yes, paying through your issuer's official website or app is secure because the connection is encrypted and you are dealing directly with the bank. Never pay through a link in an email or text message — those are often phishing scams. Always go to the issuer's website or app directly by typing the address yourself or searching for it.
What if my payment was rejected?
A payment is usually rejected because your bank account does not have enough money, the account number is wrong, or the account is closed. Your issuer will send you a notice explaining why. Contact your bank to fix the problem, then try paying again. If you are close to your due date, call your issuer's customer service to ask if they can delay reporting the late payment while you resubmit.