Call Bank of America's automated payment line to pay by phone

Bank of America lets you pay your credit card bill by phone using their automated system. You call their payment line, enter your card number and payment amount, and the payment processes immediately. The phone number is 1-800-435-7000. You do not need to speak to a representative unless something goes wrong with the automated system.

The automated line works 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will need your credit card number, your bank account number (if paying from a checking or savings account), or a debit card number ready before you call. The system accepts payments from most U.S. bank accounts and debit cards.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America's automated phone payment line is 1-800-435-7000 and operates around the clock.
  • You can pay from a checking account, savings account, or debit card without speaking to a representative.
  • Payments made before 8 p.m. Eastern Time typically post to your account the same business day.
  • If you pay from a bank account, Bank of America may charge a fee unless you are enrolled in paperless billing.
  • You can also speak to a representative if you need help, though the automated system handles most payments faster.

What information you need before calling

Have your credit card number in front of you when you call. The system will ask you to enter it using your phone keypad. You will also need the account number where the money will come from — either your checking account, savings account, or debit card number.

If you are paying from a bank account, you will need the routing number and account number. If you are paying with a debit card, you will need the card number and expiration date. The system will also ask for the payment amount you want to send.

When the payment posts to your account

Payments made before 8 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day usually post the same day. Payments made after 8 p.m. or on weekends and holidays post the next business day. Bank of America considers Saturday, Sunday, and federal holidays as non-business days.

If you are cutting it close to a due date, calling before 8 p.m. Eastern Time gives you the best chance of the payment posting before your deadline. If you miss the cutoff, the payment will still post the next business day, but late fees may apply if your due date has already passed.

Fees for paying by phone

Bank of America does not charge a fee to use the automated phone payment line if you are enrolled in paperless billing (also called eStatements). If you receive paper statements in the mail, the bank charges a fee for each phone payment. The fee amount varies and changes over time, so ask the system to confirm the fee before you complete the payment.

You can avoid the fee by switching to paperless statements through your online account or by calling customer service. Once you are enrolled, phone payments become free. This is one reason many cardholders set up automatic payments instead — automatic payments have no fee regardless of your statement type.

Speaking to a representative instead of using the automated system

If the automated system does not work for your situation, you can stay on the line or press a button to speak to a representative. Representatives can help if you need to set up a payment plan, dispute a charge, or have questions about your account that prevent you from paying.

Representatives are available during business hours, which vary by time zone. If you call outside business hours and need to speak to someone, the system will offer to schedule a callback or direct you to use the automated payment line instead.

Other ways to pay your Bank of America credit card

Phone payment is one option, but Bank of America offers several other ways to pay. You can log into your online account and pay directly through their website. You can also use the Bank of America mobile app to pay from your phone. Both methods are free and let you schedule payments in advance.

You can set up automatic payments so your bill pays itself each month on a date you choose. Automatic payments can draw from a checking account, savings account, or debit card. You can also mail a check to the address on your statement, though mailed payments take longer to post.

What to do if your payment does not go through

If the automated system rejects your payment, it will tell you why — usually because the account number was entered incorrectly, the account does not have enough funds, or the account type is not supported. Write down the error message and try again with corrected information.

If the problem continues, call the customer service number on the back of your card and speak to a representative. They can see what went wrong and help you find another way to pay. Do not wait to resolve this if your due date is approaching, because a missed payment will hurt your credit score.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay someone else's Bank of America credit card bill by phone?

No. The automated system only accepts payments from the cardholder or an authorized user on the account. If you are an authorized user, you can call and pay using your own bank account or debit card. If you are not on the account, the cardholder must make the payment themselves or give you permission to access their account online.

What happens if I pay more than I owe?

Bank of America will hold the extra amount as a credit on your account. You can use it toward future purchases, or you can call and request a refund. Refunds typically take five to seven business days to appear in your bank account.

Can I schedule a payment for a future date by phone?

The automated phone line only processes payments immediately. To schedule a payment for a future date, use your online account, the mobile app, or call a representative. Scheduling through the website or app is faster and does not require speaking to anyone.

Is it safe to give my bank account number over the phone?

Yes, when you call Bank of America's official payment line at 1-800-435-7000. This is the bank's secure system. Never give your account number to someone who calls you claiming to be from the bank — always call the number on your statement or card yourself.

What if I call and the system says my payment cannot be processed?

Common reasons include insufficient funds, an incorrect account number, or a frozen account. Stay on the line to speak to a representative, who can tell you exactly why the payment was declined and help you fix it before your due date passes.