The main ways to pay your Bank of America credit card
You can pay your Bank of America credit card through their online banking portal, their mobile app, by phone, by mail, or in person at a branch. The fastest and most common method is online through your Bank of America account — you log in, select your credit card, and enter the payment amount and date. If you do not have online banking set up yet, you can call the customer service number on the back of your card to make a payment over the phone.
Each method takes a different amount of time to post to your account. Online and mobile app payments typically post within one business day. Phone payments also post within one business day. Mailed checks usually take five to seven business days to arrive and post. In-person payments at a branch post when ready.
You can make a one-time payment whenever you want, or you can set up automatic payments so the money comes out of your Bank of America checking account on a date you choose each month. Automatic payments are useful if you want to avoid late fees and do not want to remember to pay manually.
Key Takeaways
- Online and mobile app payments post within one business day and are the fastest way to pay if you are not at a branch.
- You can set up automatic payments from your Bank of America checking account to pay your credit card on the same date each month.
- Phone payments work if you do not have online access, and the customer service number is on the back of your card.
- Mailed checks take five to seven business days to post, so send them early if your payment is due soon.
- In-person payments at a Bank of America branch post when ready and are the fastest option if you have a branch nearby.
Paying online through your Bank of America account
Log into your Bank of America online banking account at bankofamerica.com or through the mobile app. Once you are logged in, look for your credit card in the accounts list on the left side of the screen (on desktop) or in the menu (on mobile). Click or tap on the credit card you want to pay.
You will see your current balance, minimum payment due, and due date. Look for a button that says "Make a Payment" or "Pay Now." Click it. You will be asked to enter the payment amount — you can pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or any amount in between. You will also choose the date you want the payment to come out of your checking account. If you want it to post as soon as possible, choose today or tomorrow.
Review the details one more time, then confirm the payment. You will see a confirmation number on the screen. Write this down or take a screenshot — you may need it if you have questions later. The money will leave your checking account on the date you chose and post to your credit card within one business day.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments mean you do not have to remember to pay your credit card each month. Bank of America will pull money from your checking account on a date you choose and send it to your credit card automatically. You can set this up through online banking or the mobile app.
Log into your account and go to your credit card. Look for a section called "Automatic Payments," "Recurring Payments," or "Autopay." Click on it. You will be asked to choose how much you want to pay each month — you can pick a fixed dollar amount, the minimum payment, or the full balance. You will also choose the day of the month you want the payment to come out. Many people choose the day after they get paid or a few days before their due date.
Once you set it up, the payment will happen automatically every month on that date. You can change or cancel the automatic payment at any time by going back to the same section and editing your preferences. If you cancel, you will need to make manual payments again or set up a new automatic payment.
Paying by phone
Call the customer service number on the back of your Bank of America credit card. A representative will answer and ask you to verify your identity — usually by providing your card number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Once you are verified, tell them you want to make a payment.
The representative will ask how much you want to pay and what date you want it to come out of your account. They will confirm the details with you and process the payment. You will receive a confirmation number — write it down. The payment will post within one business day.
Phone payments work even if you do not have online banking set up, and they are useful if you have questions about your account or need help deciding how much to pay. However, calling takes longer than paying online, so use this method only if you cannot access online banking or the mobile app.
Paying by mail
If you prefer to pay by check, you can mail a payment to Bank of America. Your credit card statement includes a payment coupon with the mailing address printed on it. Write a check for the amount you want to pay, include the coupon, and mail it to the address shown.
Mail payments take five to seven business days to arrive and post to your account. If your payment is due in fewer than seven days, do not rely on mailing a check — use online banking, the mobile app, or call instead. To be safe, mail your payment at least ten days before your due date.
Write your credit card number on the check so Bank of America knows which account to credit. If you do not include your card number, the payment may be delayed while they figure out which account it belongs to.
Paying in person at a Bank of America branch
You can walk into any Bank of America branch and make a payment at the teller window. Bring your credit card or your account number, and tell the teller you want to make a payment. You can pay with cash, a debit card, or a check. The teller will process the payment when ready and give you a receipt.
In-person payments post to your account right away, making this the fastest method if you need the payment to show up the same day. However, this method only works during branch hours, and you need to have a branch nearby. For most people, online or mobile app payments are more convenient.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your statement, Bank of America will charge a late fee. The amount of the late fee depends on how high your balance is, but it is typically between $25 and $35 for the first late payment. If you are late again within six months, the fee may be higher.
Missing a payment also hurts your credit score. Even one late payment can lower your score by several points and stay on your credit report for up to seven years. If you think you will miss a payment, contact Bank of America as soon as possible — sometimes they can work with you or waive a fee if it is your first time.
To avoid late payments, set up automatic payments or set a phone reminder a few days before your due date. If you are struggling to pay your full balance, paying at least the minimum payment on time is better than paying more late.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Bank of America credit card with a debit card?
Yes, you can use a debit card to pay your credit card in person at a branch. You can also use a debit card to fund an online payment if you link it to your Bank of America account. However, you cannot use a credit card to pay another credit card through Bank of America's online system — that would create a cash advance, which charges higher interest.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up?
Online payments typically post within one business day. If you pay on a Friday evening, it may not show up until Monday. If you need the payment to post the same day, pay in person at a branch instead.
What if I pay more than my balance?
If you pay more than you owe, the extra money becomes a credit on your account. Bank of America will explore it to your next statement, or you can request a refund. You can also use the credit to pay future purchases.
Can I set up automatic payments from a bank account that is not with Bank of America?
Yes. When you set up automatic payments, Bank of America will ask you to provide the routing number and account number of the bank account you want to pay from. It does not have to be a Bank of America account. The payment will take one to two business days to post because it has to move between banks.
What if I want to pay off my entire balance at once?
When you make a payment online or by phone, select "Pay Full Balance" instead of entering a dollar amount. Bank of America will calculate your total balance and charge that amount. This is the fastest way to become debt-free on that card.