Big Lots payment methods and where to send money
Big Lots accepts payment through their website, by phone, by mail, or in-store depending on what you owe. If you have a Big Lots credit card, you can pay online at www.biglots.com/pay, by calling their customer service line, or by mailing a check to the address on your statement. If you made a purchase using a layaway plan or special financing offer, the payment method depends on which program you used — some route through Big Lots directly, others through a third-party lender.
The fastest way to pay is online through your account, which processes immediately and shows up in your balance right away. Phone payment takes the same day if you call before the cutoff time (usually 8 p.m. Eastern). Mail takes 7 to 10 business days from when Big Lots receives it, so if you're close to a due date, mail is risky.
In-store payment is an option at any Big Lots location if you have a Big Lots credit card — you can make a payment at the register, though this does not count as a purchase and you won't earn rewards on it.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through www.biglots.com/pay is the fastest method and processes the same day you submit it.
- Phone payments also post the same day if you call before the evening cutoff, but mail takes 7 to 10 business days.
- Your payment due date and minimum payment appear on your monthly statement or in your online account.
- Late payments trigger interest charges and may hurt your credit score, so paying by the due date matters even if you can't pay the full balance.
- If you have a Big Lots credit card, you can set up automatic payments to avoid missing a due date.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees
Automatic payments pull money from your bank account on a date you choose each month, so you don't have to remember to pay. You can set this up through your Big Lots account online or by calling customer service. You choose the amount — you can pay the minimum, a fixed dollar amount, or the full balance each month.
Automatic payments are useful if you carry a balance and want to make sure interest and late fees don't pile up. Even a small automatic payment on time is better for your credit than a large payment that arrives late. You can change or cancel the automatic payment anytime through your account, and Big Lots will send you a confirmation when the payment processes.
Understanding your Big Lots statement and due dates
Your statement shows the amount you owe, the minimum payment due, and the date by which you need to pay. The minimum is usually 1 to 3 percent of your balance, but paying only the minimum means you'll pay interest on the rest. The due date is typically 21 to 25 days after your statement closes, and Big Lots considers a payment late if it arrives after that date.
Interest starts accruing on any balance you don't pay off in full, and the interest rate depends on your creditworthiness and current Big Lots offers. Your statement will show the interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) that applies to your account. If you're carrying a balance, the interest charges appear on your next statement.
What happens if you miss a payment or pay late
A payment is late if it arrives after the due date shown on your statement. Big Lots typically charges a late fee (usually $25 to $40, depending on your account terms) and reports the late payment to credit bureaus after 30 days. A single late payment can lower your credit score by 50 to 100 points, and the damage gets worse the longer the account stays unpaid.
If you miss a payment, contact Big Lots as soon as you realize it. Calling customer service to explain the situation and make a payment right away is better than waiting — some companies will waive a single late fee if you pay within a few days and have a clean history. After 60 days unpaid, Big Lots may freeze your account and stop allowing new purchases. After 180 days, the account may be sent to a collection agency.
Paying off a Big Lots credit card balance faster
If you want to pay down your balance faster than the minimum requires, you can make extra payments anytime without penalty. There's no prepayment fee on Big Lots credit cards, so paying more than the minimum doesn't cost you anything extra — it just reduces the interest you'll owe. The sooner you pay off the balance, the less interest accrues.
One strategy is to pay twice a month instead of once. If your due date is the 20th, you could make a payment on the 5th and another on the 20th. This reduces the average balance the bank charges interest on, which saves money over time. Another approach is to put any extra money (tax refunds, bonuses, or savings) toward the balance whenever you can.
Disputing charges and handling billing errors
If you see a charge on your Big Lots statement that you don't recognize or believe is wrong, contact Big Lots customer service within 60 days of the statement date. Explain what the charge is and why you think it's incorrect. Big Lots will investigate and either correct the error or explain why the charge is valid.
While the dispute is being investigated, you still owe the rest of your balance on time. The disputed amount doesn't have to be paid until Big Lots finishes looking into it, but interest may still accrue on it depending on your account terms. Keep records of any communication with Big Lots about the dispute, including dates, names of representatives, and what was discussed.
Paying through a third-party lender or financing plan
Some Big Lots purchases are financed through third-party lenders like Affirm, Klarna, or Synchrony rather than the Big Lots credit card. These have their own payment schedules and due dates, separate from your Big Lots card. You'll receive a separate statement or payment instructions from the lender, not from Big Lots.
Payment methods for third-party financing vary by lender. Most allow online payment through their website or app, and some allow automatic payments. If you're unsure which lender financed your purchase, check your receipt or look for a statement in your email — it will have the lender's name and payment instructions. Paying late to a third-party lender also damages your credit and may trigger late fees, so treat these payments with the same priority as your Big Lots card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Big Lots bill with a different credit card?
Yes, you can pay your Big Lots credit card bill with another credit card through their website or by phone. However, this usually triggers a cash advance fee (typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount), so it's more expensive than paying from a bank account. It's generally better to pay from a checking or savings account if you can.
What if I can't pay my full balance by the due date?
Pay at least the minimum by the due date to avoid a late fee and credit damage. You'll owe interest on the remaining balance, but paying on time is better than paying late. If you're struggling with the balance, contact Big Lots to discuss options — some companies offer hardship programs or payment plans for customers in financial difficulty.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up in my account?
Online payments typically post within 24 hours, though Big Lots usually confirms the payment immediately after you submit it. If you're paying close to your due date, don't wait for the payment to post — submit it a day or two early to make sure it arrives on time.
Will paying off my Big Lots card early hurt my credit score?
No. Paying off a balance early doesn't hurt your credit. It actually helps by lowering your credit utilization (the percentage of available credit you're using), which is good for your score. The only downside is that you won't earn rewards on the money you pay, but the credit benefit outweighs that.
What should I do if Big Lots says I owe money I don't think I owe?
Contact Big Lots customer service and explain the situation. Ask them to show you the charge and when it posted. If you still disagree, request a formal dispute and provide any documentation you have (receipts, emails, proof of return). Big Lots has to investigate within 30 days and respond in writing with their findings.