Where and how you pay depends on your card issuer and what method you choose

You can pay your credit card bill through your card issuer's website, mobile app, phone, mail, or automatic transfer from your bank account. Most issuers let you pay the full balance, a minimum payment, or any amount in between. The payment method you choose affects how fast the money reaches your account and whether you can set it to happen automatically each month.

The key difference is between one-time payments and recurring payments. A one-time payment is what you do when you log in and pay right then. An automatic payment (sometimes called autopay) pulls money from your bank account on a date you choose each month, so you never have to remember to pay. Both reach your issuer, but automatic payments reduce the chance you'll miss a due date and get charged a late fee.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay online through your issuer's website or app, by phone, by mail, or by setting up an automatic transfer from your bank account.
  • Paying the full statement balance by the due date means you won't pay interest on purchases made during that billing cycle.
  • If you can only pay part of the balance, the minimum payment keeps your account in good standing, but interest charges apply to the unpaid portion.
  • Automatic payments remove the risk of a late payment, but you should check your account regularly to make sure the payment goes through.
  • Payments made online or by phone usually post within one to three business days; payments by mail take longer and should be sent at least a week before your due date.

Paying online or through your card issuer's app

Log into your account on your card issuer's website or open their mobile app, then look for a "Make a Payment" or "Pay My Bill" button. You'll enter the amount you want to pay and confirm your payment method (usually a bank account). The issuer will show you the payment date — typically one to three business days from when you submit it.

Online payments are the fastest and most common way to pay. You can see your current balance, due date, and minimum payment all in one place. Most issuers show you immediately whether the payment was received. If you're paying from a bank account at a different bank, the transfer happens through the ACH network, which is why there's a one- to three-day delay.

Setting up automatic payments

In the same payment section where you make a one-time payment, look for an option to "Set Up Autopay" or "Recurring Payment." You'll choose the date each month when the payment should happen (often your due date or a few days before), and whether you want to pay the full balance, the minimum, or a fixed dollar amount you set.

Automatic payments are useful if you want to avoid late fees and don't want to remember to pay each month. However, you should still check your account regularly to confirm the payment went through. If your balance changes unexpectedly or your bank account doesn't have enough money on the scheduled date, the payment might fail. Most issuers will notify you by email or text if a payment fails, but you're responsible for catching it and paying manually.

Paying by phone

Call the customer service number on the back of your card. A representative will ask for the amount you want to pay and verify your bank account information. Phone payments usually post within one to three business days, the same as online payments. Some issuers charge a fee for phone payments, though many do not — ask before you confirm the payment.

Phone payments are useful if you're not comfortable entering banking information online or if you have questions about your balance. However, they take longer than online payments because you have to wait to speak with someone, and you won't have a written confirmation until you receive an email or statement.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order, include your account number on the check, and mail it to the address shown on your statement or bill. Mail payments take one to two weeks to arrive and post, so send your payment at least a week before your due date to avoid a late fee. Keep a record of when you mailed it in case there's a dispute about whether it arrived on time.

Mail is the slowest payment method and should only be your choice if you don't have online or phone access. The post office's delivery time is not your issuer's responsibility, so if your check arrives after the due date, you can still be charged a late fee even though you mailed it on time.

Understanding minimum payments and full balance payments

Your minimum payment is the smallest amount your issuer requires you to pay by the due date to keep your account in good standing. It's usually 1 to 3 percent of your total balance, plus any fees and interest charges. Paying only the minimum means you'll pay interest on the remaining balance, and it will take years to pay off the card if you keep charging new purchases.

Your full statement balance is the total amount you charged during the billing cycle. If you pay this in full by the due date, you won't pay any interest on those purchases (assuming your card has a grace period, which most do). Paying the full balance each month is the way to use a credit card without paying interest.

You can also pay any amount between the minimum and the full balance. This reduces the interest you'll pay compared to the minimum, but you'll still owe interest on the unpaid portion.

What happens if you miss a payment

If your payment doesn't arrive by the due date, your issuer will charge a late fee (the amount varies by issuer and your agreement). Your interest rate may also increase if you're more than 30 days late. After 30 days late, the missed payment will show up on your credit report and damage your credit score.

If you realize you're going to miss a payment, call your issuer immediately. Some will waive a late fee if you pay within a few days and have a good payment history. The sooner you pay, the less damage to your credit score. Missing multiple payments can lead to your account being closed and sent to a debt collector.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my credit card with another credit card?

Most issuers do not allow you to pay with another credit card. You can only pay with a bank account (checking or savings), debit card, or check. Paying with a debit card or bank account is the standard method.

Does paying early help my credit score?

Paying early doesn't hurt your score, but it doesn't help it either. Your credit score is based on payment history (whether you pay on time), credit utilization (how much of your limit you're using), and other factors — not on how early you pay. Paying by the due date is what matters.

What's the difference between my due date and my statement date?

Your statement date is when your billing cycle ends and your bill is generated. Your due date is when your payment must arrive to avoid a late fee — usually 21 to 25 days after your statement date. You can make payments anytime, but only payments received by the due date count toward that month's bill.

If I set up autopay, will I be charged if my account doesn't have enough money?

If your bank account doesn't have enough money on the scheduled autopay date, the payment will fail. Your issuer will usually notify you, and you'll need to pay manually. Some issuers charge a fee for a failed payment attempt. Check your account the day after autopay is scheduled to confirm it went through.

Can I change my payment due date?

Most issuers let you change your due date through your online account or by calling customer service. You can usually move it to any day of the month. Changing your due date can help you align your payment with when you get paid or when other bills are due.