If you just got your first credit card, congratulations! Or maybe you’ve been paying your credit card bill one way, but want to find an alternative way. If you’re wondering how to pay your credit card bill, the importance of paying on time and what happens if you miss a payment, learn more here.
5 ways to pay your credit card bill
Most credit card issuers allow you to pay your bill in a few different ways.
- Online: One of the more popular ways to pay a credit card these days is by logging into your online account or credit card app and making a payment. The first time you do it this way, you’ll have to add your bank account and routing number, but you should be able to save it in the account for future payments.
- By mail: If you prefer the old-school way of paying your credit card bill, you can mail a check along with your credit card bill. If going this route, be sure to give yourself a few extra days in case the mail gets delayed.
- Over the phone: Most credit issuers allow you to make a payment by calling the customer service number. You’ll be asked for your banking information by a representative, or you may be able to use an automated system in which you answer basic questions and punch in your numbers.
- In person at an issuing bank branch: If your credit card comes from a bank in your area, you may have the option to stop in at a branch to make a cash or check payment. At some banks, like Chase, you can even process your payment using an ATM.
- Automated payments: The simplest option is to set up payments so that they are made automatically. You can set this up online or on your app, specifying the amount and date that you wish to pay each month. You can also choose to pay just the minimum or the full balance, but just be aware that those amounts may change month to month.
When to pay your credit card bill
You must pay your credit card bill by the due date if you want to avoid a late fee. However, it’s never a bad idea to pay a couple of days before your due date — that way if there are any glitches or delays, you’ll still have time to get the payment in.
The importance of paying your credit card bill on time
The most important factor of your credit score is your payment history. That’s why paying your credit card bill on time consistently is the best way to build credit and improve your score.
Another reason to pay your credit card bill on time is to avoid late fees. Some cards might even bump your APR to a higher penalty rate if you’re late to pay.
Can I change my credit card due date?
Most issuers do allow you to request a change to your credit card due date. The process varies, but you may be able to do it over the phone by calling the customer service number on the back of your card, while some issuers let you change the date from your online account or app.
What happens if you miss a payment
Missing a credit card payment isn’t ideal, but if it happens, the consequences depend on how late you are. If you are just a couple of days past due, get your payment in as quickly as possible to avoid further damage. A late fee will be assessed but if you’ve always kept your account in good standing, you can call the issuer and ask if they’ll waive the fee. Many times, they will do so as a courtesy.
If you miss a full billing cycle, meaning you’re 30+ days late, the account will get reported to the credit bureaus as delinquent, and your credit score will take a hit. This will remain on your credit reports for seven years — though the impact on your score will decrease over time if you resume regular payments.
Once you are 60 to 180 days late on a credit card bill, it will cause even more damage to your credit score and the account will most likely be considered in default. At that point, the issuer may send your account to collections and may take legal action against you.
Although mistakes can happen, it’s best to make your payments on time each month. Consider setting an alert in your calendar as a reminder or setting up your account for autopay so you never miss a payment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
If you use online banking, you can pay your credit card (and other bills) directly from that bank account. The process may vary — but typically you’ll have to select Bill Pay, choose the type of bill you want to pay (in this case, credit card) and enter your account information. Then, enter a payment amount and the date you wish the payment to go through. After, an Automated Clearing House (ACH) payment will be sent.
Schedule your payment a few days ahead, just in case. If for some reason the ACH doesn’t go through, the bank will send a paper check in the mail — you’ll want to allow time for that.
Paying a credit card in full is always ideal if you can manage it, but you may have heard that “keeping a small balance is good for building your credit score” — this is a myth. Carrying a balance will cost you extra in interest and won’t do anything to improve your credit score.
Yes. Credit cards usually allow you to set up automatic payments, and you’ll have some options. You might opt to pay the minimum amount, a set amount if you’re carrying a balance (like $100 a month), or to pay in full. Go to the payment section on your card’s website or app and follow the prompts to set up automatic payments. You’ll need your bank’s routing and account numbers.
You’re obligated to pay your credit card once per month, but paying it more often might have benefits for some cardholders. For example, you might wish to make two payments to coincide with your paycheck. If you’re carrying a balance, making extra payments can also reduce the amount of interest you’ll pay overall.
Making extra payments throughout the month could lower your credit utilization, or the amount of available credit you’re using, which is an important component of most credit score calculations.
For example, if your credit limit is $2,000 and you’ve made a $1,500 purchase — because you don’t know exactly when the credit issuer reports your balance to the credit bureaus — it could show that you are utilizing 75% of your credit line.
However, if you pay off $900 before the balance is reported (with $600 remaining), it would be a 33% utilization. In most cases, if you’re planning to pay the balance in full anyway, it shouldn’t matter much. But if you’re looking to get approved for a loan, anything you can do to avoid a slight credit score drop is wise.
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Dawn Papandrea is a Staten Island, New York-based freelance writer specializing in personal finance, career and lifestyle topics. Her work has appeared in numerous publications and financial websites including Forbes Advisor, The Balance, Investopedia, CreditCards.com, BankRate.com, US News and World Report, and others. Papandrea has a master’s degree in journalism and mass communications from New York University.
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Ashley Barnett has been writing and editing personal finance articles for the internet since 2008. Before editing for USA TODAY Blueprint, she was the Content Director for an international media company leading the content on their suite of personal finance sites. She lives in Phoenix, AZ where you can find her rereading Harry Potter for the 100th time.
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Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.
