How to make a credit card payment
A credit card payment is money you send to your card issuer to pay down what you owe. You can make a payment in several ways: online through your card issuer's website or app, by phone, by mail, or in person at a branch if your issuer has physical locations. Most people pay online because it is fastest and you can see the payment post within one to three business days.
Before you pay, know the difference between your minimum payment and your full balance. Your minimum payment is the smallest amount your card issuer will accept each month — usually 1 to 3 percent of what you owe. Your full balance is everything you charged. Paying only the minimum keeps your account in good standing, but you will pay interest on the remaining balance. Paying the full balance means no interest charges that month.
You need three pieces of information to make a payment: your card number (or the last four digits), your account number, and the amount you want to pay. Have these ready before you start, whether you are paying online, by phone, or by mail.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay your credit card online, by phone, by mail, or in person, and online payments usually post within one to three business days.
- Your minimum payment keeps your account current but leaves you paying interest; your full balance stops interest from building on that month's charges.
- Paying before your due date protects your credit score and avoids late fees, even if you can only pay the minimum.
- Set up automatic payments if you want to remove the risk of forgetting, but check your account regularly to make sure the payment goes through.
Paying online through your card issuer's website or app
Log into your card issuer's website or open their mobile app. Look for a link or button that says "Make a Payment," "Pay Now," or "Payments" — the exact wording varies by bank. Enter the amount you want to pay and choose the date you want it to be processed. Most issuers let you schedule a payment for today or any day in the future up to your due date.
Review the payment details on the confirmation screen before you submit. Check that the amount is correct, the date is what you intended, and the account number matches your card. Once you submit, you will see a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot — you may need it if a problem arises.
Online payments are free and usually the fastest way to pay. The money typically leaves your bank account within one business day and shows up as a credit on your card within one to three business days. Some issuers offer same-day posting if you pay before a certain time in the morning, usually 8 or 9 a.m. Eastern time.
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 also ask what date you want the payment processed and confirm the bank account or payment method the money will come from.
Phone payments are free and take about the same time as online payments to post. The downside is that you have to speak to someone and wait on hold, and you do not have a written record of the transaction on your screen. Ask the representative for a confirmation number and write it down before you hang up.
Paying by mail
Write a check for the amount you want to pay. On the memo line, write your account number or card number so the payment gets matched to your account. Include a payment stub if your card issuer sent one with your statement — it has your account number printed on it and helps the issuer process the payment faster.
Mail the check to the address shown on your statement or on your card issuer's website. Do not mail it to a branch address or a general corporate address — use only the payment processing address. Mail payments take seven to ten business days to arrive and be processed, so send your check at least two weeks before your due date to make sure it arrives on time.
Keep a record of the check number and the date you mailed it. If the payment does not show up in your account after ten business days, contact your card issuer with this information.
Paying in person at a branch
If your card issuer is a bank with physical branches, you can walk in and make a payment at the teller window. Bring your card or account number and the cash or check you want to pay with. The teller will process the payment on the spot and give you a receipt.
In-person payments post to your account the same day or the next business day. This method works well if you prefer to handle money face-to-face or if you want to make sure your payment is received before your due date. Not all card issuers have branches — many online banks and credit card companies do not — so check your issuer's website first.
Setting up automatic payments
Most card issuers let you set up an automatic payment that goes out on the same day each month without you having to do anything. Log into your account, find the automatic payment or recurring payment section, and choose the amount and date. You can set it to pay your minimum payment, your full balance, or a fixed dollar amount you choose.
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting and missing your due date. However, you still need to check your account regularly to make sure the payment actually goes through — sometimes a payment fails if your bank account does not have enough money or if there is a technical problem. If a payment fails, your card issuer will usually send you a notice, but do not rely on it. Log in yourself at least once a month to confirm the payment posted.
What happens if you miss your due date
If your payment does not arrive by your due date, your card issuer will charge you a late fee. This fee varies but is often $25 to $40 for the first late payment and higher for repeat offenses. More importantly, a late payment can hurt your credit score and may trigger a higher interest rate on your card.
If you realize you will miss your due date, contact your card issuer as soon as possible. Some issuers will waive a late fee if you call before the due date and explain the situation, especially if you have a good payment history. Even if they cannot waive the fee, paying as soon as you can limits the damage to your credit.
Understanding payment timing and posting
The date you make a payment and the date it posts to your account are not always the same. When you pay online or by phone, the payment is usually processed on the day you request it, but it may take one to three business days to post — that is, to show up as a credit on your account. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days, so a payment made on Friday may not post until Tuesday.
Your card issuer measures whether you paid on time by the posting date, not the date you made the payment. This is why it matters to pay before your due date, not on it. If your due date is the 15th and you pay online on the 15th, the payment might not post until the 17th, and you could be charged a late fee.
To be safe, make your payment at least three business days before your due date if you are paying online or by phone, and at least two weeks before if you are paying by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay more than my minimum payment?
Yes. You can pay any amount between your minimum payment and your full balance, or you can pay more than your full balance. Paying more than you owe creates a credit on your account that will be applied to your next month's charges. There is no penalty for paying more.
What if I pay my credit card early?
Paying early is always a good idea. It reduces the amount of interest you pay and lowers your credit utilization — the percentage of your credit limit you are using — which can help your credit score. There is no downside to paying early.
Do I have to pay the full balance every month?
No. You only have to pay the minimum to keep your account in good standing. However, you will pay interest on the remaining balance. If you can afford to pay the full balance, you will save money on interest charges.
What if my payment fails?
Contact your card issuer right away. Ask why the payment did not go through — common reasons are insufficient funds in your bank account, an expired debit card linked to your payment method, or a technical error. Once you fix the problem, make the payment again as soon as you can to avoid a late fee.
Can I get a late fee removed if I call and ask?
Some card issuers will remove a late fee if you call and explain the situation, especially if you have paid on time in the past. There is no harm in asking, but do not count on it. The best approach is to pay before your due date so you never have to ask.