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 from any Bank of America checking or savings account you own, or from an external bank account you've linked. The payment posts the same day if you pay before the cutoff time (usually 8 p.m. ET on business days); otherwise it posts the next business day.
You can also call 1-800-432-1000 to make a payment over the phone with a representative, or set up automatic payments so your bill is paid on a date you choose each month. Automatic payments pull from a Bank of America account or external account and remove the risk of forgetting.
Key Takeaways
- Payments made through the Bank of America website or app before 8 p.m. ET on a business day post the same day; all other payments post the next business day.
- You can pay from any Bank of America account you own, or link an external bank account and pay from there.
- Automatic payments on a date you choose each month prevent late fees and interest charges from missed due dates.
- Paying more than the minimum amount due reduces the interest you pay on your balance.
- If you miss a due date, contact Bank of America to ask about late fee reversal, especially if it's your first missed payment.
Paying from a Bank of America account you already own
If you have a checking or savings account with Bank of America, this is the simplest route. Log into your account, navigate to your credit card, and select "Make a Payment." Choose the account you want to pay from, enter the amount, and confirm. The payment is instant within your Bank of America accounts—no waiting for a transfer.
You can pay any amount: the full statement balance, the minimum due, or anything in between. Paying the full balance each month means you pay no interest. Paying only the minimum due means interest accrues on the remaining balance at your card's APR (annual percentage rate), which varies by cardholder but typically ranges from 16% to 28%.
Paying from an external bank account
If your money is at another bank, you can link that account to Bank of America and pay from it. Go to the payment screen, select "Add Account," and enter your external bank's routing number and your account number. Bank of America will verify the account with two small deposits (usually under $1 each), which you confirm in your external bank's records. This takes one to two business days.
Once verified, you can pay immediately. The money moves via ACH (Automated Clearing House), which typically takes one to two business days to leave your external account and post to your credit card. If you're close to your due date, use the Bank of America website or app payment instead, since those post the same day.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees
Automatic payments remove the need to remember your due date. Log into your account, go to "Manage Automatic Payments," and choose a date each month when you want the payment to come out. You can set it to pay the full statement balance, the minimum due, or a fixed amount you specify.
The payment pulls on your chosen date from whichever account you select—a Bank of America account or a linked external account. If your chosen date falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment processes on the next business day. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime, and you'll receive a confirmation email each time a payment is processed.
What happens if you miss your due date
Your due date appears on your statement and in your online account. If you don't pay by that date, Bank of America charges a late fee (typically $25 to $35 for the first late payment, higher for subsequent ones) and your APR may increase to a penalty rate, which can be significantly higher than your regular rate.
If you miss a payment, log in and pay as soon as you can. Then contact Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and ask if they will reverse the late fee, especially if this is your first missed payment or if you have a long history of on-time payments. They may reverse it once as a courtesy. The penalty APR typically drops back to your regular rate after six months of on-time payments.
Understanding minimum payments and interest
Your minimum payment is the smallest amount Bank of America will accept each month to keep your account in good standing. It's usually 1% to 3% of your total balance plus any fees and interest charges. Paying only the minimum means the rest of your balance carries over to the next month and accrues interest.
If you carry a balance of $5,000 at 20% APR and pay only the minimum each month, you'll pay hundreds of dollars in interest and take years to pay off the card. Paying more than the minimum—or paying the full balance—saves you money. 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.
Disputing a payment or fixing a payment error
If you made a payment but it doesn't show up in your account within two business days, log into your account and check the payment status. Payments made through the Bank of America website or app show a confirmation number immediately; you can use this to track the payment.
If a payment was made by mistake—you paid twice, or the amount was wrong—contact Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000. They can reverse a payment within a few business days if it hasn't cleared yet. If it has cleared, they can issue a credit to your account or process a refund to your bank account, which takes three to five business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Bank of America credit card at an ATM or branch?
You cannot pay at an ATM. You can pay at a Bank of America branch in person with cash or a check, but this is slower than online or phone payment. Call ahead to confirm your local branch accepts credit card payments, as some do not.
What if I pay after my due date but before the statement closes?
Your due date and your statement closing date are different. If you pay after your due date, you incur a late fee and possible penalty APR, even if you pay before the statement closes. Pay by the due date shown on your statement to avoid late fees.
Do I have to pay the full balance, or can I pay part of it?
You can pay any amount between the minimum due and your full balance. Paying more than the minimum reduces interest charges but does not eliminate them unless you pay the full balance.
How do I know if my payment went through?
Log into your Bank of America account and check your credit card statement and payment history. Payments made online or through the app show a confirmation number immediately. Payments by phone or mail take longer to appear.
What if I can't pay my full balance?
Pay at least the minimum due by your due date to avoid late fees. Then contact Bank of America to ask about hardship programs or payment plans if you're struggling with your balance. They may offer options to lower your interest rate or restructure your payments.