The fastest way to pay is through the Bank of America website or mobile app
Log into your Bank of America account online or open the mobile app, find your credit card, and select "Make a Payment." You can pay the full balance, the minimum due, or any amount in between. The payment posts immediately if you pay before the cutoff time (usually 8 p.m. Eastern on business days); if you miss the cutoff, it posts the next business day. You'll need your checking or savings account number to transfer from another Bank of America account, or a routing number and account number if you're paying from a different bank.
The website and app both show your current balance, minimum payment due, and the date your payment is due. You can also set up automatic payments so the same amount withdraws on the same day each month—useful if you want to avoid late fees or simply prefer not to think about it.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America's website and mobile app process payments the same day if submitted before 8 p.m. Eastern on a business day, or the next business day otherwise.
- You can pay by phone at 1-800-432-1000, by mail to the address on your statement, or in person at any Bank of America branch.
- Automatic payments prevent late fees and can be set to pay your full balance, minimum due, or a fixed amount each month.
- Late payments trigger a fee (amount varies by card type) and can raise your interest rate, so paying by the due date matters even if you can't pay the full balance.
Paying by phone or mail if you don't use online banking
Call Bank of America's automated payment line at 1-800-432-1000 to pay by phone using your checking or savings account. You'll need your credit card number and the account number you're paying from. The call takes about five minutes, and the payment posts the same day if you call before 8 p.m. Eastern on a business day.
To pay by mail, write a check or money order, include your credit card account number on the check, and mail it to the address printed on your statement. Mail payments typically take five to seven business days to post, so send it at least a week before your due date to avoid a late fee. Do not send cash through the mail.
Paying in person at a Bank of America branch
Walk into any Bank of America branch with your credit card and a check or debit card, and a teller can process your payment on the spot. The payment posts the same day. This method works if you prefer to hand over payment in person or if you don't have online access and want to avoid the phone line.
Branches are open Monday through Friday during business hours, with limited Saturday hours at some locations. Find your nearest branch and hours on the Bank of America website or by calling 1-800-432-1000.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates
Automatic payments withdraw from your Bank of America checking or savings account (or an external account) on a date you choose each month. Log into your account, go to "Manage Automatic Payments," and select your credit card. You can choose to pay your full statement balance, the minimum due, or a fixed dollar amount. If you choose "full balance," the payment adjusts each month based on what you owe.
Set the payment date for a few days before your due date to give the bank time to process it. If you miss a payment by accident, you can still make a manual payment the same day you notice—the late fee only applies if the payment doesn't post by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on the due date.
What happens if your payment is late
A late payment triggers a fee (the amount depends on your card type and is listed in your card agreement) and can raise your interest rate. The fee applies if your payment doesn't post by the due date shown on your statement. Even a payment that's one day late counts as late.
If you miss a payment, make it as soon as you notice. The damage to your credit report is smaller if you pay within 30 days of the due date than if you wait longer. After 30 days late, the missed payment shows up on your credit report and stays there for seven years. Contact Bank of America if you're in hardship—some cardholders can request a temporary lower interest rate or fee waiver, though the bank is not required to grant it.
Paying more than the minimum to reduce interest charges
Your minimum payment covers only a small portion of interest and principal, so paying only the minimum means you'll carry a balance for years and pay far more in interest than you borrowed. If you can pay more than the minimum, do it—even an extra $20 or $50 per month shrinks the time you carry the balance and cuts total interest.
Use the Bank of America website or app to see how long it will take to pay off your balance if you pay only the minimum, and how much interest you'll pay. The calculator shows you what happens if you increase your payment by a set amount each month. Paying the full statement balance each month means you pay no interest at all.
Disputing a charge if you don't recognize it
If you see a charge on your statement you didn't make or don't recognize, contact Bank of America before you pay. Call the number on the back of your card or log into your account and report the transaction as fraudulent or incorrect. The bank will freeze the charge while it investigates, usually within 10 business days. You don't have to pay the disputed amount while the investigation is underway.
Keep any receipts or documentation related to the charge—if you can show the purchase was unauthorized, the bank will remove it and send you a new card. If the charge was made by someone else with access to your card (a family member or employee, for example), the bank may hold you responsible, so report it quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Bank of America credit card with a debit card?
No. Bank of America only accepts payment from a checking or savings account (yours or someone else's), a check, or cash in person at a branch. You cannot pay a credit card with another credit card or a debit card.
What time does Bank of America stop accepting payments on the due date?
The cutoff is 11:59 p.m. Eastern on the due date. Payments submitted online or by phone before 8 p.m. Eastern on a business day post the same day; anything after 8 p.m. posts the next business day. If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the bank extends the deadline to the next business day.
How long does a mailed check take to post?
Mail payments typically take five to seven business days to reach the bank and post to your account. Send your check at least a week before your due date to avoid a late fee. Include your credit card account number on the check so the bank knows which account to credit.
Can I set up automatic payments to a different bank account?
Yes. When you set up automatic payments, you can link an external checking or savings account from another bank. You'll need to provide the routing number and account number. The first payment may take an extra day or two to post while the bank verifies the account.
What should I do if I can't afford to pay my credit card bill?
Contact Bank of America as soon as you know you'll miss a payment. Explain your situation and ask about hardship options—some cardholders can get a temporary interest rate reduction, fee waiver, or payment plan. The bank is more likely to work with you if you reach out before you miss a payment than after.