The main ways to pay your Bank of America credit card
You can pay your Bank of America credit card through their website, mobile app, by phone, by mail, or in person at a branch. The fastest route is usually the website or app — both let you pay when ready and see the payment post within one business day. If you prefer not to use digital tools, you can call the customer service number on the back of your card or mail a check to the address shown on your statement.
Bank of America also offers automatic payments, where the bank withdraws money from your checking account on a date you choose each month. This prevents missed payments and late fees, though you need to make sure your checking account has enough money on that date.
The payment method you choose does not affect your credit report or how the payment is recorded — only whether you paid on time matters. A payment made by mail takes longer to reach the bank than one made online, so mail payments should be sent at least a week before your due date.
Key Takeaways
- Online and mobile app payments post within one business day and are the fastest way to pay if you need to avoid a late fee.
- Automatic payments from your checking account prevent missed due dates, but you must may support your account has sufficient funds on the payment date.
- Mailed checks should be sent at least one week before your due date, since mail delivery adds several days to processing time.
- You can pay by phone by calling the number on the back of your card, though this method does not offer any advantage over online payment.
- Paying more than the minimum payment or paying early does not hurt your credit — only paying late does.
Paying online through the Bank of America website
Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com and select your credit card from the accounts list. Look for a "Make a Payment" or "Pay Now" button, usually near the top of the account page. You will be asked to enter the amount you want to pay and choose the date the payment should be made.
Bank of America lets you pay from any bank account, not just a Bank of America checking account. You will need to provide the routing number and account number of the account you want to pay from. If you are paying from an account at another bank for the first time, the system may require you to verify the account by depositing small amounts — this is a security step that takes one to two business days.
Once you confirm the payment, you will see a confirmation number. Keep this number in case you need to look up the payment later. The payment will post to your credit card within one business day.
Paying through the Bank of America mobile app
Open the Bank of America mobile app and tap on your credit card account. Scroll down to find the payment section and tap "Pay" or "Make a Payment." Enter the amount and select the date you want the payment made. The app works the same way as the website — you can pay from any bank account, and the payment posts within one business day.
The mobile app is useful if you are away from a computer or want to make a quick payment while checking your balance. You can also set up automatic payments through the app by going to your account settings and selecting "Automatic Payments" or "Recurring Payments."
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments withdraw money from your checking account on the same date each month. To set this up, log into your Bank of America account online or through the app, find your credit card, and look for "Automatic Payments" or "Recurring Payments" in the settings. You will choose the date the payment should be made and the amount — you can set it to pay the full statement balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed amount you choose.
The main advantage of automatic payments is that you never miss a due date, which protects your credit score. The main risk is overdrawing your checking account if you do not have enough money on the payment date. If this happens, the payment may fail and you could be charged an overdraft fee by your bank, plus a late fee by Bank of America.
You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your account settings. If you cancel, you will need to make manual payments going forward.
Paying by phone or mail
To pay by phone, call the customer service number on the back of your credit card. A representative will ask for the amount you want to pay and the date you want it made. Payments made by phone post within one business day, the same as online payments.
To pay by mail, write a check and send it to the address shown on your statement. Do not send cash through the mail. Include your account number on the check so the bank knows which account to credit. Mail payments take five to seven business days to arrive and be processed, so send your check at least one week before your due date to avoid a late fee.
Paying by phone or mail does not offer any advantage over paying online — it is slower and requires more steps. These methods are useful only if you do not have internet access or prefer not to use digital payment tools.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment is not received by the due date shown on your statement, Bank of America will charge a late fee. The amount of the late fee depends on your account terms, but it is typically between $25 and $39 for the first late payment. A second late payment within six months may result in a higher fee.
A late payment also appears on your credit report and can lower your credit score. The damage to your score is greatest if the payment is 30 or more days late. If you realize you will miss a due date, contact Bank of America as soon as possible — sometimes they can waive a late fee if you have a good payment history and this is your first missed payment.
If you fall behind on multiple payments, Bank of America may increase your interest rate and could eventually close your account or send the debt to a collection agency.
Understanding your statement and due date
Your Bank of America credit card statement shows the due date, which is the date by which your payment must be received. This is not the date you mail the check or click "pay" — it is the date the bank must receive the money. If you pay online, the payment posts within one business day, so you can pay on the due date itself. If you mail a check, you must send it several days early.
Your statement also shows the minimum payment, which is the smallest amount you can pay without being late. Paying only the minimum means you will pay interest on the remaining balance and take much longer to pay off the card. Paying more than the minimum reduces the interest you pay and gets you out of debt faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Bank of America credit card with a debit card?
No, Bank of America does not accept debit card payments for credit cards through their website or app. You can only pay from a bank account using the routing and account number. If you want to use a debit card, you would need to transfer money from the debit card's account to your checking account first, then pay from the checking account.
What if I pay more than I owe?
If you pay more than your statement balance, the extra money becomes a credit on your account. You can use this credit toward future purchases, or you can request a refund. Bank of America will not charge you interest on a credit balance, and it does not hurt your credit score.
How do I know if my payment went through?
After you make a payment online or through the app, you will see a confirmation number. You can also check your account a few hours later to see if the payment is pending, or wait one business day to see if it has posted. If you do not see the payment after one business day, contact Bank of America customer service.
Can I pay my credit card from another bank's app?
Some banks let you send money to other accounts through their app, including credit card payments. Check your other bank's app to see if it offers bill pay or external transfers. If it does, you can set up Bank of America as a payee and make payments that way. This usually takes one to three business days.
What is the difference between the due date and the statement date?
The statement date is when your monthly statement is created and shows all purchases from the previous month. The due date is when your payment must be received. These are different dates — your statement might be created on the 15th, but your payment might not be due until the 10th of the next month.