The fastest way to pay is through your Bank of America online account or mobile app

You can pay your Bank of America credit card balance in minutes by logging into your account on bofa.com or the Bank of America mobile app, then selecting "Make a Payment" from your card menu. The payment posts immediately if you pay before the cutoff time (usually 8 p.m. Eastern on business days), so you can avoid late fees the same day you realize a payment is due.

You can also set up automatic payments so the full balance, minimum payment, or a fixed amount you choose transfers from your linked Bank of America checking account on the date you select each month. This removes the risk of forgetting a due date entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • Online and app payments post the same day if submitted before the evening cutoff, while mailed checks take 5 to 7 business days to reach Bank of America.
  • Automatic payments can be set to pay your full balance, minimum only, or any fixed dollar amount you choose, and you can change or cancel them anytime.
  • Bank of America accepts payments from external bank accounts through their website, but the transfer takes 1 to 3 business days to complete.
  • Phone payments and in-branch payments at a Bank of America location are available but slower than online options for most people.
  • Your due date appears on your statement and in your online account; paying before that date keeps you current and avoids interest charges on new purchases.

Paying from a non-Bank of America bank account

If your checking account is at another bank, you can still pay your Bank of America credit card through bofa.com by adding that account as an external payment method. Bank of America calls this a "transfer from another financial institution," and the money typically arrives in 1 to 3 business days.

To set this up, go to your credit card account online, select "Make a Payment," then choose "From another bank." You will need your external bank's routing number and your account number. Bank of America will ask you to confirm the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into it, which you then verify in your Bank of America account. This one-time setup takes a few days but only happens once.

Mailing a check or money order

You can mail a check or money order to the address printed on your statement. Write your credit card number on the check, and allow 5 to 7 business days for it to arrive and post to your account. This method is slower than any online option and carries the risk that your payment arrives after your due date if you mail it close to the deadline.

Your statement shows the mailing address for payments. If you have lost your statement, you can find the address by logging into your online account and looking at your current statement, or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card.

Paying by phone or at a branch

Bank of America's phone line for credit card payments is available 24/7. Call the number on the back of your card, and a representative can process a payment from your Bank of America checking account or take your debit card information over the phone. This method works but is slower than paying online yourself, since you are waiting for a person to enter the information.

You can also walk into any Bank of America branch during business hours and make a payment in person. A teller can process a payment from your checking account or accept cash. This is useful only if you are already at a branch for another reason, since the time cost is high compared to paying online in seconds.

Understanding your due date and payment deadlines

Your credit card statement shows a due date, which is the last day you can pay without triggering a late fee. If you pay at least the minimum amount by that date, you stay current on your account. If you pay the full statement balance by the due date, you avoid interest charges on those purchases (assuming you have no other balance from a previous month).

Bank of America considers a payment posted when it arrives in their system, not when you initiate it. An online payment posted before the evening cutoff counts as received that day. A mailed check counts as received on the day it arrives at their processing center, which is why mailing close to your due date is risky. An automatic payment from your Bank of America account posts on the date you set it for, as long as you have enough money in that account.

Setting up automatic payments and changing them

Automatic payments remove the need to remember your due date. Log into your account, go to your credit card, and select "Manage Automatic Payments" or "Set Up Auto Pay." You choose the payment amount (full balance, minimum, or a fixed dollar amount), the date each month it should process, and which Bank of America account it should pull from.

You can change your automatic payment amount, date, or payment method anytime by logging back into your account. You can also pause or cancel an automatic payment if you need to. If you set it to pay the full balance each month, your account will automatically pay whatever your new statement balance is on that date, so the amount changes month to month.

What happens if you miss a payment

If your payment does not arrive by your due date, Bank of America charges a late fee (the amount depends on your card terms and your account history). Your interest rate may also increase, and the missed payment will appear on your credit report after 30 days, which can lower your credit score.

If you realize you have missed a due date, contact Bank of America immediately. Call the number on the back of your card and make a payment right away. The sooner you pay, the less interest will accrue. Some cardholders have had late fees waived if they call quickly and have a good payment history, though Bank of America is not required to do this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Bank of America credit card with a debit card?

Yes, you can provide your debit card information over the phone to a Bank of America representative, or you can use your debit card to pay in person at a branch. You cannot enter a debit card number on the website to pay online — the site only accepts transfers from bank accounts or automatic payments from a Bank of America account.

What time does my online payment need to be submitted to post the same day?

Bank of America's cutoff time is usually 8 p.m. Eastern on business days. Payments submitted after that time or on weekends and holidays post the next business day. Check your account or call the number on your card to confirm the exact cutoff for your specific card.

Do I have to pay the full balance, or can I pay just the minimum?

You can pay any amount from the minimum (shown on your statement) up to your full balance. Paying only the minimum keeps you current and avoids a late fee, but you will owe interest on the remaining balance. Paying the full statement balance by the due date avoids interest charges.

How long does an automatic payment take to process?

An automatic payment from your Bank of America checking account posts on the date you set it for, usually the same day. If you set it for a weekend or holiday, it processes on the next business day. External bank transfers take 1 to 3 business days, so do not set those as automatic payments if your due date is soon.

Can I change my automatic payment date if my due date changes?

Your due date stays the same each month, so you only set your automatic payment date once. If you want to change when the payment processes (for example, to align with when you get paid), log into your account and update the date in your automatic payment settings.