How to Pay Your Bank of America Credit Card

Payment methods Bank of America accepts

Bank of America takes credit card payments through online banking, phone, mail, and in person at a branch. The fastest route is online through your Bank of America account or the mobile app — the payment posts the same day if you send it before the cutoff time, which is usually 8 p.m. Eastern time on business days.

You can also call the customer service number on the back of your card to pay by phone with a debit account or another bank account. Payments made this way typically post within one business day. If you mail a check, allow 7 to 10 business days for it to arrive and post, so send it well before your due date to avoid a late payment.

In-person payments at a Bank of America branch are when ready — the teller processes the payment on the spot. You do not need to be a Bank of America customer to pay at a branch; bring your credit card or account number and the payment amount in cash or check.

Key Takeaways

• Online and mobile app payments post the same day if sent before 8 p.m. Eastern time on a business day.
• Phone payments through customer service post within one business day and can be made from any bank account.
• Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to be safe.
• You can walk into any Bank of America branch and pay in cash or check without an account at the bank.
• The customer service number on the back of your card connects you to payment options and can answer questions about your specific account.

Paying online through your Bank of America account

Log into your Bank of America online banking portal or open the mobile app and navigate to the credit card account you want to pay. Select "Make a Payment" or "Pay Now" — the exact wording depends on which version of the app or website you are using. Enter the amount you want to pay and choose the date the payment should post.

Bank of America lets you schedule payments in advance, which is useful if you want to set up a payment for your due date but do not want to forget. You can also set up automatic recurring payments so the same amount comes out on the same day each month. Review the payment details before confirming, then the system will show you a confirmation number.

If you are paying from a Bank of America checking or savings account linked to your credit card, the payment is free. If you want to pay from an account at a different bank, Bank of America charges a fee — currently $3.95 for a one-time payment, though this amount can change. The bank displays the fee before you confirm, so you will know the cost before the payment goes through.

Setting up automatic monthly payments

Automatic payments remove the risk of missing a due date. In your Bank of America online account, go to the credit card you want to set up autopay for and look for "Manage Automatic Payments" or a similar option. Choose how much you want to pay each month — you can select a fixed dollar amount, the minimum payment, or the full statement balance.

Select the date each month when the payment should post. Bank of America recommends choosing a date a few days before your due date to give the payment time to process. Once you confirm, the payment will come out automatically on that date each month until you cancel it.

You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account. If you need to stop a payment before it posts, log in and cancel it as soon as possible — if the cutoff time has passed, the payment may already be processing and you will need to contact customer service to stop it.

Paying by phone or mail

To pay by phone, call the number on the back of your credit card. A representative will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay, then confirm the date the payment should post. You can pay from a checking or savings account at any bank — you will need to provide the routing number and account number, or the representative can guide you through finding this information on a check.

Phone payments are free and typically post within one business day. The representative will give you a confirmation number for your records.

To pay by mail, write a check payable to Bank of America and include your credit card account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your statement — this address is different from the branch address and is specifically for payments. Write your account number in the memo line so the payment reaches the right account. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days, so send your check at least two weeks before the due date.

What happens if you miss a payment

If your payment does not post by the due date shown on your statement, Bank of America reports it as a late payment to credit bureaus. A late payment can lower your credit score and may trigger a penalty interest rate on your card — this means the interest rate on your balance goes up, sometimes significantly.

Bank of America typically charges a late fee if your payment is 30 days or more past due. The fee amount depends on your account terms. If you realize you will miss the due date, contact customer service as soon as possible — sometimes the bank can waive a late fee if it is your first missed payment or if you have a good payment history.

If you are having trouble making payments, Bank of America offers hardship programs that may lower your interest rate or allow you to pause payments temporarily. Call the number on the back of your card to discuss options with a representative.

Understanding your statement and due date

Your Bank of America credit card statement shows the due date, the minimum payment amount, and the full balance. The due date is the last day Bank of America will count a payment as on time. Payments must post by this date — not arrive in the mail or be sent by this date.

The minimum payment is the smallest amount you can pay to stay current on your account, but paying only the minimum means you will pay interest on the remaining balance. The statement also shows your current interest rate and how much interest you are paying each month.

You can view your statement online anytime through your Bank of America account, or request paper statements by mail. The online version is usually available a few days before the paper version arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bank of America charge a fee to pay my credit card?

Payments from a Bank of America checking or savings account are free. Payments from another bank's account cost $3.95 per transaction. Phone and mail payments are free regardless of which bank account you pay from.

What time do online payments post?

Online payments post the same business day if you send them before 8 p.m. Eastern time. Payments sent after 8 p.m. or on weekends and holidays post the next business day. Bank of America considers the payment posted once it reaches your account, not when you submit it.

Can I pay my Bank of America credit card at an ATM?

Bank of America ATMs do not accept credit card payments. You can pay at a branch, online, by phone, or by mail. Some third-party ATMs may accept payments, but Bank of America does not operate this service.

What if I pay more than I owe?

If you pay more than your balance, the extra amount becomes a credit on your account. You can use this credit toward future purchases, or contact Bank of America to request a refund of the overpayment.

How do I know if my payment went through?

After you submit a payment online or by phone, you will receive a confirmation number when ready. Check your account the next business day to confirm the payment posted. You can also set up text or email alerts through your Bank of America account to notify you when payments post.