Pay your credit card bill online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a branch

You can pay your credit card balance through your card issuer's website or mobile app, by calling the customer service number on the back of your card, by mailing a check, or by visiting a physical branch if your bank has one. Most people pay online because it takes five minutes and you can schedule payments in advance. The method you choose does not affect your credit — what matters is that you pay on time and in full each month.

Your payment must arrive by the due date printed on your statement. If you pay after that date, you will owe a late fee and your credit score may drop. If you cannot pay the full balance, you can pay the minimum amount due, but you will owe interest on the remaining balance.

Key Takeaways

  • Online and mobile app payments are the fastest method and let you schedule recurring payments so you never miss a due date.
  • Your payment must reach your card issuer by the due date on your statement, not the date you send it.
  • Paying the full statement balance each month avoids interest charges and is the cheapest way to use a credit card.
  • Late payments trigger fees and can lower your credit score, even if you pay just one day after the due date.
  • You can set up automatic payments from your bank account so the card issuer withdraws money on a date you choose each month.

Paying online or through your mobile app

Log into your credit card account on the issuer's website or open their mobile app. Look for a button labeled "Make a Payment" or "Pay Now." Enter the amount you want to pay and the date you want the payment to go through. Review the details and confirm. The payment usually posts to your account within one business day.

Most card issuers let you set up automatic payments so money is withdrawn from your bank account on the same day each month. You can choose to pay the full statement balance, the minimum amount due, or a fixed dollar amount. Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting your due date.

To set up automatic payments, go to the payment settings section of your account and select "Autopay" or "Recurring Payment." You will need to provide your bank account number and routing number. The card issuer will verify the account with two small deposits, usually within two business days.

Paying by phone

Call the customer service number on the back of your credit card. A representative will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay. They will confirm your bank account information or debit card details and process the payment over the phone. Phone payments typically post within one business day.

Phone payments are useful if you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone. However, they take longer than online payments and you cannot schedule them in advance. Some card issuers charge a fee for phone payments, so ask before you provide your information.

Paying by mail

Write a check payable to your credit card company. Include your account number on the check. Place the check and your payment stub (if your statement includes one) in an envelope and mail it to the address listed on your statement. Mail payments take seven to ten business days to arrive and post, so send your check at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee.

Do not send cash through the mail. If your payment gets lost, you will have no proof you sent it and you may owe a late fee. Keep a copy of the check or take a photo of it before you mail it.

Paying in person at a bank branch

If your credit card issuer is a bank with physical locations, you can visit a branch and pay your bill at the teller window. Bring your card or account number and the amount you want to pay. The teller will process the payment when ready and give you a receipt. In-person payments post the same day.

In-person payments are the fastest method if you need your payment to post right away. However, this option only works if your card issuer operates physical branches in your area. Most online-only banks and credit card companies do not have branches.

Understanding payment timing and due dates

Your due date is the last day your payment can arrive at the card issuer without triggering a late fee. The due date appears on your monthly statement. If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the card issuer will extend it to the next business day.

Payment timing depends on your method. Online and phone payments usually post within one business day. In-person payments post the same day. Mail payments take seven to ten business days. If you pay by mail and your check arrives after the due date, you will owe a late fee even though you sent it on time.

Your statement closing date is different from your due date. The closing date is when your billing period ends and your statement is generated. Your due date is typically 21 to 25 days after your closing date. Charges you make after the closing date will appear on your next statement.

Paying more than the minimum to reduce interest

If you carry a balance on your credit card, you owe interest on the unpaid amount. The interest rate is called your Annual Percentage Rate, or APR. The longer you carry a balance, the more interest you pay.

Paying more than the minimum amount due each month reduces your balance faster and saves you money on interest. For example, if you owe $5,000 at 20% APR and pay only the minimum (usually 1 to 3 percent of your balance), it will take you years to pay off the card and you will pay thousands in interest. If you pay $200 per month instead, you will pay off the card in about two years and owe much less interest.

The best approach is to pay your full statement balance each month so you owe no interest at all. If you cannot pay the full balance, pay as much as you can above the minimum.

What to do if you miss a payment

If your payment does not arrive by your due date, your card issuer will charge a late fee. The fee is typically $25 to $40 for the first late payment and up to $40 for subsequent ones. Your interest rate may also increase, and the missed payment will appear on your credit report and lower your credit score.

If you realize you will miss your due date, contact your card issuer when ready. Some issuers will waive a late fee if you call before the due date and explain your situation. If you have a good payment history, they may be willing to work with you. The sooner you call, the better your chances.

If you have already missed a payment, pay as soon as you can. The longer the account stays past due, the more damage it does to your credit score. Once you pay, the late fee will be applied, but no additional fees will accrue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it matter which payment method I use?

No. Your credit score does not care whether you pay online, by phone, by mail, or in person. What matters is that you pay on time and in full. Choose the method that is easiest for you to remember and stick with.

Can I pay my credit card with another credit card?

No. Credit card issuers do not accept credit card payments. You must pay from a bank account, with a check, or with cash at a branch. Paying with another credit card would just move the debt around and cost you more in fees.

What happens if I overpay my credit card?

If you pay more than you owe, the extra amount becomes a credit balance on your account. You can use this credit toward future purchases, or you can request a refund. Most card issuers will refund the overpayment within one to two weeks.

Is there a fee to pay my credit card bill?

Most card issuers do not charge a fee for online or in-person payments. Some charge a small fee for phone payments. Mail payments are free. Check your card's terms or call customer service to confirm whether your issuer charges fees.

Can I pay my credit card bill before my statement closes?

Yes. You can pay at any time. If you pay before your statement closes, that payment reduces your statement balance. However, new charges you make after your payment will still appear on your next statement.