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 account, and select "Make a Payment" or "Pay Now". You can pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or any amount in between. The payment posts the same business 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 set up automatic payments so the same amount withdraws from your linked Bank of America checking or savings account on a date you choose each month. This prevents missed payments and late fees. You pick whether to pay the full balance, the minimum, or a fixed dollar amount.
If you do not have a Bank of America checking account, you can still pay online using a debit card or bank account from another institution, though the payment may take one to two business days to post.
Key Takeaways
- Paying through the Bank of America website or app is the fastest method and posts the same business day if submitted before the cutoff time.
- You can pay by phone at 1-800-432-1000, by mail to the address on your statement, or in person at a Bank of America branch.
- Automatic payments prevent late fees and missed payments by withdrawing a set amount on a date you choose each month.
- Late payments trigger a fee (the amount depends on your card terms) and can raise your interest rate, so paying by the due date matters.
- If you pay after the due date, the late payment stays on your credit report for seven years, even after you pay it off.
Paying by phone or mail if you do not want to use the app
Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 to make a payment over the phone using a debit card, checking account, or savings account. A representative will walk you through the process. Payments made by phone post within one business day.
You can also mail a check or money order to the address printed on your credit card statement under "Payment Address". Write your account number on the check. Mail payments typically take five to seven business days to reach Bank of America and post to your account, so send it early if your due date is coming up.
Paying in person at a Bank of America branch is also an option. Bring your credit card or account number and the payment amount in cash or check. The payment posts the same day.
What happens if you miss the due date
If your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your statement, Bank of America charges a late fee. The fee amount depends on your card terms and how much you owe, but typically ranges from $25 to $39 for the first late payment. A second late payment within six months costs more.
A late payment also triggers a higher interest rate on your card, sometimes called a "penalty rate". This rate applies to your existing balance and any new purchases. The rate stays in effect for at least six months, even if you pay on time after that.
The late payment appears on your credit report and stays there for seven years. This damages your credit score and makes it harder to get approved for loans, mortgages, or other credit in the future. Paying as soon as you realize you are late stops additional fees and prevents the rate from rising further, but does not erase the late payment from your report.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid missing a due date
Log into your Bank of America account, go to "Payments & Transfers", and select "Set Up Automatic Payments". Choose your credit card account, the amount you want to pay (full balance, minimum, or a fixed dollar amount), and the date each month you want the payment to come out. Bank of America will withdraw the money from your linked checking or savings account on that date.
Automatic payments post the same business day they are withdrawn. If you set the payment date for a few days before your due date, you have a buffer in case something goes wrong. You can change or cancel an automatic payment anytime through your account settings.
Paying the full balance each month avoids interest charges entirely. If you can only afford the minimum, automatic payments at least prevent late fees and credit damage. Many people set up automatic minimum payments as a safety net and then pay extra when they can.
Paying from another bank or using a third-party payment service
If you do not have a Bank of America account, you can pay your credit card through your own bank's bill pay service. Log into your bank's website or app, add Bank of America as a payee, enter your credit card account number, and schedule the payment. Your bank sends the money to Bank of America, which typically takes three to five business days to post.
Third-party payment platforms like PayPal, Venmo, or Square Cash do not work directly with Bank of America credit cards. If you try to pay your credit card through these services, the payment goes to the person or account you specify, not to Bank of America. Do not use these services to pay credit card bills.
Wire transfers and money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram are not necessary for credit card payments and cost extra fees. Stick to the methods Bank of America offers or your own bank's bill pay service.
Understanding your statement and payment due date
Your credit card statement shows the due date, the minimum payment amount, and the full balance you owe. The due date is the last day Bank of America will accept payment without charging a late fee. The statement also shows your interest rate (called the APR or annual percentage rate) and how much interest you paid that month.
The minimum payment is the smallest amount you can pay to avoid a late fee, but it does not pay off your balance. If you only pay the minimum, interest charges add up and you end up paying much more over time. Paying the full balance each month avoids interest entirely.
Your statement arrives about 21 days before the due date, giving you time to pay. If you set up automatic payments, make sure the payment date is before the due date so the money has time to post.
What to do if you cannot pay by the due date
If you know you cannot pay by the due date, call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 before the due date arrives. Explain your situation. Bank of America may be able to extend your due date by a few days or work out a payment plan, though this is not may provide and depends on your account history.
Calling before the due date is better than calling after, because it shows you are trying to manage the debt. A late fee will still post if you do not pay by the original due date, but Bank of America may remove it if you ask and have a good payment history.
If you are struggling with credit card debt, contact a nonprofit credit counselor through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) at 1-800-388-2227. They offer free or low-cost advice on managing debt and may help you work out a plan with your creditors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a payment to show up on my account?
Payments made through the Bank of America website or app before the cutoff time (usually 8 p.m. ET) post the same business day. Phone payments and in-person payments at a branch also post the same day. Mail payments take five to seven business days. Payments from another bank through bill pay take three to five business days.
Can I pay my Bank of America credit card with a debit card?
Yes, you can pay with a debit card from any bank through the Bank of America website, app, or by phone. You can also pay with a debit card in person at a Bank of America branch. Do not use a credit card to pay another credit card, because that counts as a cash advance and charges a higher interest rate and an upfront fee.
What if I pay more than I owe?
If you overpay, the extra amount becomes a credit on your account and reduces your next month's balance. You can also request a refund of the overpayment by calling 1-800-432-1000, though Bank of America may mail the refund rather than transfer it immediately.
Does paying early help my credit score?
Paying early does not hurt your credit score, but it does not help it either. Your credit score is based on whether you pay by the due date, how much of your credit limit you use, and your payment history over time. Paying early shows good money management but does not change your score.
What if I dispute a charge on my credit card?
Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 or log into your account and report the charge as fraudulent or incorrect. Bank of America will investigate and may remove the charge from your account while they look into it. You do not have to pay the disputed amount while the investigation is ongoing, though you should still pay the rest of your balance to avoid a late fee.