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, navigate to your credit card, and select "Make a Payment." You can pay from a Bank of America checking or savings account instantly at no charge. The payment posts the same day if you submit it before the cutoff time (usually 8 p.m. ET on business days); after that, it posts the next business day.
If you use a non-Bank of America account to pay, the bank accepts transfers via ACH (Automated Clearing House), which takes one to three business days to clear. You will need your routing number and account number from the other bank. Bank of America does not charge a fee for ACH transfers, but your own bank may.
You can also set up automatic payments so the full statement balance, minimum payment, or a fixed amount you choose withdraws on a date you pick each month. This removes the risk of missing a due date.
Key Takeaways
- Payments made through the Bank of America website or app from a Bank of America account post the same day if submitted before 8 p.m. ET on a business day.
- ACH transfers from another bank take one to three business days and carry no Bank of America fee, though your own bank may charge one.
- Automatic payments can be set to withdraw your full balance, minimum payment, or a custom amount on any date each month.
- Phone payments and in-branch payments are slower and should only be used if online or app payment is not an option.
- Your due date is printed on your statement; paying after that date triggers a late fee and may affect your credit score.
Paying by phone or in person
You can call Bank of America's credit card payment line at 1-800-642-6061 to make a one-time payment over the phone. Have your account number and the bank account or debit card you want to pay from ready. Phone payments take the same time as online payments if you call before the cutoff time, but this method is slower than using the website or app and leaves no written record on your screen.
If you prefer to pay in person, visit any Bank of America branch with your credit card and a form of payment. The teller will process the payment, and it posts the same day. This is the slowest option and should only be used if you cannot access the website, app, or phone line.
Understanding your due date and late fees
Your due date appears on your monthly statement and is typically 21 to 25 days after your statement closes. If you pay after this date, Bank of America charges a late fee. The amount varies based on your account history and the terms of your card, but typically ranges from $25 to $39 for the first late payment and up to $39 for subsequent ones within six months.
A late payment also reports to credit bureaus and can lower your credit score. Even a single late payment can remain on your credit report for up to seven years. If you miss a payment by more than 30 days, your interest rate may increase to the penalty APR listed in your card agreement.
If you miss a due date by accident, contact Bank of America immediately. If this is your first late payment, the bank may waive the fee as a courtesy, though they are not required to do so.
What happens if you pay less than the full balance
If you pay only the minimum amount due, the remaining balance carries forward to the next month and accrues interest at your card's APR (annual percentage rate). This interest is calculated daily on the unpaid balance and added to your next statement. Over time, paying only the minimum costs significantly more than paying the full balance.
Bank of America shows both the minimum payment and the full statement balance on your bill. Paying the full balance avoids interest charges entirely. If you cannot pay the full balance, paying more than the minimum reduces the interest you owe and helps you pay off the card faster.
Paying more than one Bank of America credit card
If you hold multiple Bank of America credit cards, you must make separate payments to each card. Log into your account, select each card individually, and submit a payment for each one. You cannot combine payments across cards or transfer a balance from one card to another through the payment screen.
Automatic payments must also be set up separately for each card. If you set up autopay for one card, it does not automatically apply to your other cards. Check your account regularly to confirm that payments for all your cards are scheduled and posting on time.
Disputing a payment or fixing a payment error
If you believe a payment did not post correctly, log into your account and check the transaction history under "Recent Transactions" or "Payment History." Payments made from a Bank of America account post immediately and appear in your history right away. ACH transfers from another bank show as "pending" for one to three days before posting.
If a payment shows as pending but does not post after three business days, or if you see a duplicate charge, contact Bank of America at 1-800-642-6061 or visit a branch. Have the payment date, amount, and the account you paid from ready. The bank can trace the payment and correct errors, though this process may take several business days.
If you paid by mistake or want to cancel a scheduled automatic payment, you can stop it through your account settings before the payment date. Once a payment has posted, you cannot reverse it through the payment system; you would need to contact the bank to request a reversal, which they may or may not grant.
Using third-party payment services
Some bill-pay services and payment apps allow you to schedule a payment to your Bank of America credit card. These services typically charge a fee (usually $1 to $3 per transaction) and take longer to post than paying directly through Bank of America. They are useful only if you need to pay from a bank account that Bank of America does not accept or if you want a centralized place to manage all your bills.
Be cautious with third-party services: confirm that the service is legitimate before providing your credit card number or bank account details. Bank of America does not endorse specific third-party payment apps, and using them does not change your due date or protect you from late fees if the payment does not post on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does my payment need to be submitted to post the same day?
Payments submitted through the Bank of America website or app before 8 p.m. ET on a business day post the same day. Payments submitted after 8 p.m. ET or on weekends and holidays post the next business day. Check your statement for the exact cutoff time, as it may vary slightly by card type.
Can I pay my Bank of America credit card from a credit card or debit card?
Bank of America does not accept credit card or debit card payments for credit card bills. You can only pay from a bank account (checking or savings) at Bank of America or another bank via ACH transfer. Paying a credit card with another credit card typically triggers a cash advance fee and higher interest rate.
What if I pay my bill early?
Paying early is always safe and reduces the interest you owe. The payment posts immediately if made through Bank of America's website or app. Early payments do not affect your due date for the next billing cycle; your due date remains the same each month.
How do I know if my automatic payment went through?
Log into your Bank of America account and check your payment history or recent transactions. Automatic payments from a Bank of America account post immediately and appear in your history the same day. You can also set up email or text alerts to notify you when an automatic payment processes.
Can I get a late fee waived if I pay after my due date?
Bank of America may waive a late fee if this is your first late payment and you contact them promptly, but they are not required to do so. Call 1-800-642-6061 as soon as you realize you missed the due date and ask if they can remove the fee. Having a good payment history makes a waiver more likely.