The basic steps to pay your credit card online
To pay your credit card online, you log into your card issuer's website or app, find the payment section, enter the amount you want to pay, choose your payment method (usually a bank account), and confirm. The whole process takes about five minutes. Your payment typically posts to your account within one to three business days, though some issuers offer same-day posting if you pay before a certain time each day.
You do not need any special software or tools. You only need your card number or account number, your online login credentials, and access to a computer or phone with internet. Most card issuers — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and your bank or credit union — all offer online payment through their own websites or apps.
The payment goes from your checking or savings account directly to your card issuer. You choose the account and the amount each time you pay, so you have full control over how much and when.
Key Takeaways
- Log into your card issuer's website or mobile app and look for a "Make a Payment" or "Pay Now" button, usually on your account dashboard.
- You will need to link a bank account (checking or savings) where the payment will be drawn from, which you can do the first time you pay online.
- Payments typically post within one to three business days, so plan ahead if you are close to your due date.
- Paying online is free through your card issuer's own website or app — never pay through a third-party website that charges a fee unless you have a specific reason to do so.
Finding the payment option on your card issuer's website
Log into your account on your card issuer's website. This is usually the main website for your bank, credit union, or the card company itself. For example, if you have a Chase credit card, you go to Chase.com and log in with your username and password. If you have a card from your local credit union, you log into their website.
Once you are logged in, look for a button or link that says "Make a Payment," "Pay Now," "Pay Your Bill," or "Payments." This is usually on your account dashboard or in a menu labeled "Accounts" or "Services." Click it, and you will be taken to the payment screen.
If you cannot find the payment option, look for a "Help" or "Contact Us" link on the website. You can also call the phone number on the back of your card — the issuer's customer service team can walk you through the steps or process the payment over the phone if you prefer.
Linking your bank account for the first payment
The first time you pay online, you will need to tell your card issuer where the money should come from. This is called linking a bank account. You will enter your checking or savings account number and your bank's routing number. Your bank's routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank; you can find it on a check, by calling your bank, or by logging into your bank's website.
Some card issuers let you verify the account right away by asking you to confirm a small deposit (usually a few cents) that they send to the account. Others verify it when ready using your bank's information. Once the account is verified, you can use it for all future payments — you will not have to enter the information again.
If you have multiple bank accounts, you can link more than one. This is useful if you want to pay from a different account in the future. You can usually change which account you are paying from each time you make a payment.
Entering the payment amount and confirming
On the payment screen, you will see a field asking how much you want to pay. You can pay any amount from a small payment up to your full balance. Many people pay their full statement balance (the total amount shown on their most recent bill), but you can pay less if you choose — just keep in mind that any unpaid balance will accrue interest.
You will also see a field for the payment date. This is the date you want the payment to be processed. If you choose today, the payment will usually post within one to three business days. Some issuers let you schedule a payment for a future date, which is useful if you want to make sure the payment arrives by your due date but do not have the money right now.
Review all the information on the screen: the amount, the account it is coming from, and the payment date. Once everything looks correct, click "Confirm" or "Submit." You will usually see a confirmation number on the screen and receive a confirmation email. Save this number in case you need to check on the payment later.
How long it takes for the payment to post
After you submit your payment, it does not appear on your account when ready. Most card issuers take one to three business days to process and post the payment. This means if you pay on a Friday, it might not show up until Tuesday. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days.
Some card issuers offer same-day or next-day posting if you pay before a certain time (often 5 p.m. or 8 p.m. Eastern time). Check your issuer's website to see if this option is available and what time you need to pay by. This is useful if you are close to your due date and want to make sure the payment arrives on time.
If you are worried about making your due date, it is safer to pay a few days early. Your due date is the last day the payment can arrive without being late, so paying three or four days before gives you a buffer in case of delays.
Using your card issuer's mobile app instead
Most card issuers have a mobile app for phones and tablets. The app works the same way as the website: you log in, find the payment option, enter the amount, and confirm. Many people find the app easier because it is faster to open than logging into a website on your phone.
You can read the app from the Apple App Store (for iPhones and iPads) or Google Play (for Android phones and tablets). Search for your card issuer's name — for example, "Chase Mobile" or "Bank of America." Once you read it, log in with the same username and password you use for the website.
The app also sends you notifications when your payment is due, which can help you remember to pay on time. You can usually turn these notifications on or off in the app's settings.
Why you should avoid third-party payment websites
Some websites and apps let you pay credit cards from a central location without logging into each issuer separately. These third-party services are convenient, but they often charge a fee — sometimes 1 to 3 percent of the payment amount. For example, paying a $500 bill through a third-party site might cost you $5 to $15 extra.
Paying directly through your card issuer's website or app is always free. There is no reason to pay a fee unless you have a specific situation where you need the third-party service — for example, if you are paying from a debit card instead of a bank account, some third-party services allow this while most card issuers do not.
If you do use a third-party service, make sure it is a legitimate company. Check the website for a privacy policy and contact information. Never enter your card information on a website that does not have "https://" at the beginning of the web address — the "s" means the site is find.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I miss my due date?
If your payment does not arrive by your due date, your account will be marked as late. This can result in a late fee and a higher interest rate on your balance. If you realize you will miss the due date, call your card issuer when ready — some will waive a late fee if you call before the due date and explain the situation.
Can I set up automatic payments so I do not have to pay manually each month?
Yes. Most card issuers let you set up automatic payments that happen on the same date each month. You can usually choose to pay a fixed amount, your minimum payment, or your full statement balance automatically. Look for an "Autopay" or "Automatic Payment" option on your card issuer's website.
Is it safe to pay my credit card online?
Yes, paying through your card issuer's official website or app is safe. These sites use encryption to protect your information. Never pay through a link in an email or text message — instead, go directly to your card issuer's website by typing the address into your browser or opening the official app.
Can I pay with a credit card instead of a bank account?
Most card issuers do not let you pay with another credit card because it counts as a cash advance, which has high fees and interest. You can usually pay with a debit card or a bank account. Some third-party payment services let you pay with a credit card, but they charge a fee for this option.
What if the payment amount is wrong or I change my mind?
If you notice a mistake before you confirm, go back and correct it. If you have already confirmed the payment, contact your card issuer right away — they may be able to cancel it if it has not processed yet. Once the payment posts to your account, you cannot undo it, but you can make another payment in the opposite direction if needed.