“How to Pay Your Credit Card Bill: Online, Phone, Mail, and In-Person Options”

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Consumer Credit and Finance Education

At O1ne Mortgage, we prioritize consumer credit and finance education. This post may contain links and references to one or more of our partners, but we provide an objective view to help you make the best decisions. For more information, see our Editorial Policy.

Payment Methods for Credit Card Bills

There are several acceptable ways to pay your credit card bill. However, it may not always be obvious which payment method is the best one for you. You can generally pay a credit card bill online, by phone, by mail, or, in some cases, in person. Here’s a rundown of the choices before you and how to choose the method that ensures your credit card bills get paid on time every time.

Online Payments

Most banks or credit unions offer online bill pay, and it can save time as well as the cost of postage. You may go through an app or automate the process through your online account. You can make one-time payments for all of your bills individually, but auto payments are a more convenient option. With many banking apps, you can set up recurring monthly payments for the minimum balance owed—or a custom amount—or have your bill automatically paid in full every month.

Many card issuers offer credit card autopay, which automatically debits your account according to how you’ve set up the recurring payments. Autopay works slightly differently than online bill pay, but the principles are the same. You do not have to automate payments to pay online, but doing so may ensure you don’t accidentally overlook a payment. However, it could also potentially result in overdrafting your account.

Pros

• If you choose an automatic payment option, it ensures your bill is paid on time as long as there’s cash in the appropriate account.
• You save on postage.
• It may be more secure than postal mail.
• It saves time—no writing checks or calling your creditor.
• It’s convenient.

Cons

• Your automatic payment could cause you to overdraft your account.
• A scheduled minimum payment may not stop even if a payment is not due.
• Setting it up requires some time investment.

Paying by Phone

If you call the customer service number on the back of your credit card, most have a menu that includes checking your current balance and statement balance, as well as an option to pay by phone. Your current balance is any unpaid balance, including for purchases since your last statement. Your statement balance is the one on your most recent statement. Also on the menu will be an option to pay by phone.

Pros

• If the bill is due within the next 24 hours, paying by phone won’t typically cost you a rush fee.
• You save time and postage.

Cons

• It’s not automatic—if a bill slips your mind, you risk being late.
• You have to call credit card companies individually, and key in your credit card numbers each time you pay.

Paying by Mail

The traditional way to pay a creditor is to wait until the credit card company sends you a statement and mail in your payment using the included form. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, your bill must be paid by 5 p.m. on the due date, unless it falls on a weekend or holiday, in which case it’s due the next day. If you pay by mail, it’s a good idea to pay early to leave time for possible delays in delivery or processing.

Since the advent of more technologically advanced payment methods, however, it’s hard to recommend paying by mail. The risk of check theft and fraud is growing, and delays in delivery could result in a late payment. In addition, it costs more in both postage and time than the other methods. If you choose to pay by mail, the U.S. Postal Service recommends depositing your payment in a post office permanent collection box, a post office, or business mail collection for better security.

Paying in Person

You may be able to pay your bill in person if you have a store credit card or if you go to a branch of the bank that issued your card.

Pros

• It can be convenient if you are there regularly.
• It saves on postage and has minimal risk of theft.
• It can work well for people who do not have banks but do have debit cards.

Cons

• Many issuing banks don’t have brick-and-mortar locations, so they do not offer this service.
• It is less convenient than paying from home.
• It may be more difficult to have yourself on a schedule of visits that works with your billing cycle.

FAQs

When Should I Pay My Credit Card Bill?

It’s best to pay your credit card bill by the due date to avoid late fees and interest charges.

Should I Pay My Credit Card Bill in Full?

Paying your credit card bill in full each month can help you avoid interest charges and maintain a good credit score.

What’s the Safest Way to Pay a Credit Card Bill?

Online payments and autopay are generally considered safe and convenient methods for paying your credit card bill.

The Bottom Line

Credit cards are set up to accept payments in a variety of ways. The best one for you is the one you feel most comfortable with—and are most likely to consistently use. You can set up calendar reminders or sign up for alerts to remind you when the due date is approaching or use autopay.

No matter how you pay your credit cards, it’s smart to choose cards that fit your lifestyle, goals, and credit profile best. O1ne Mortgage is here to help you with all your mortgage service needs. Call us at 213-732-3074 to speak with one of our expert loan salespersons today!

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