Everything You Need To Know About Paying Your Discover Card Bill

Paying your credit card bill on time and in full is one of the best ways to build and maintain good credit. For Discover cardholders, understanding your payment options and the correct payment address can help ensure timely processing of your payment to avoid late fees or interest charges This comprehensive guide will walk through all the key details about paying your Discover credit card bill.

Overview of Discover Card Payment Options

Discover offers cardholders multiple ways to pay their credit card bills

• Online – The fastest and most convenient option is to pay online via the Discover website or mobile app. You can schedule one-time or recurring payments from a bank account.

• Phone – Call 1-800-DISCOVER to make a payment 24/7 using an automated system or by speaking with a customer service agent.

• Mail – Send a paper check or money order to the payment address listed on your statement. Allow 5-7 days for processing.

• In person – Some banks and credit unions accept Discover card payments. Check with your local branch.

• Automatic payments – Set up regular monthly payments directly from your checking account to be made automatically.

When is my Discover Card Payment Due?

The payment due date is printed on your monthly statement and listed in your online account. Discover bills are due on the same date each month.

Payments must be received by 5pm local time on the due date to be considered on time. Mailed payments should be sent 5-7 days in advance. Weekends and holidays will delay receipt past the due date.

If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, your payment will be on time if received on the next business day.

How Much Should I Pay on My Discover Card Each Month?

To avoid interest charges, pay your statement balance in full each month by the due date. If you cannot pay in full, always pay at least the minimum payment shown on your statement.

The minimum payment is typically 2% of your balance or $25, whichever is greater. Making minimum payments will result in interest accruing over time, increasing your total balance.

For the best terms, pay off your balance each billing cycle. Carrying a balance does not help your credit utilization or credit score like some believe.

Where Do I Mail My Discover Credit Card Payment?

The payment address to mail your Discover card bill depends on where you live, as Discover has processing centers located across the country.

Refer to your statement for the correct address or choose from one of the following:

• Discover Financial Services, PO Box 6103, Carol Stream, IL 60197-6103
• Discover Financial Services, PO Box 45909, San Francisco, CA 94145-0909
• Discover Financial Services, PO Box 70176, Philadelphia, PA 19176-0176
• Discover Financial Services, PO Box 71242, Charlotte, NC 28272-1242

For the fastest processing, include your 16-digit Discover card number on all checks or money orders.

Can I Pay at a Store Location?

Discover does not have brick-and-mortar locations for making payments. However, some banks and credit unions that are part of the D-Service network will accept Discover card payments.

Contact your local branch to see if they accept Discover payments. If so, you can visit in person to make a payment via cash, check, or money order. Payments made at a D-Service location before the cutoff time will be credited the same day.

Tips for Avoiding Late Payments

To avoid paying late fees and penalty APRs, follow these tips:

• Mark your due date on your calendar and set payment reminders.
• Enroll in autopay or schedule recurring online payments for the full balance to be paid automatically each month.
• Mail payments 7-10 days before the due date to ensure on-time delivery.
• Pay online or by phone on the due date by 5pm local time if mailing is not an option that cycle.
• Update your billing address if you move – Discover is not liable for misdirected mail.
• Notify Discover if there are extenuating circumstances that will prevent you from making a payment on time.

What Happens If I Miss My Discover Card Payment?

If your payment is not received by the due date, Discover will charge a late fee up to $40 and your APR may be increased. Late payments also negatively impact your credit score.

If your account becomes 60 days past due, Discover can report your serious delinquency to the credit bureaus and potentially close or suspend your account until payments are made.

Avoid penalties by ensuring Discover receives your minimum payment by the due date. Immediately contact Discover if you anticipate any issues – they may be able to assist you with alternative payment arrangements.

Can I Pay with Debit Card or Cash?

Discover only accepts checks, money orders, or bank account transfers for card payments. You cannot pay your Discover bill directly with a debit card, credit card, or cash.

However, you can use a debit card or cash to purchase a money order to mail or take to an authorized payment center. Your bank may also allow you to make online bill payments via debit card or transfer funds to Discover.

Using Discover Online Account Management

Through the online account portal, you can:

• View statements and account activity
• Check your balance
• See pending charges
• Set up alerts
• Initiate one-time or recurring payments
• Update billing address
• Access customer service

Be sure to log in and register your account online to take advantage of all the convenient features for managing payments. You can also access your account on the go using the Discover mobile app.

Key Takeaways on Paying Your Discover Card

• Check your monthly statement for the payment due date and required minimum payment.
• Mail your payment 5-7 days before the due date or enroll in autopay.
• Use the correct payment address for your location printed on your statement.
• Pay online, by phone, or with an authorized payment center to avoid late fees.
• Set up account alerts and login regularly to stay on top of your balance and due dates.
• Contact Discover as soon as possible if you will have difficulty making a payment.

Knowing the ins and outs of Discover card bill payment will help you maximize your rewards while building your credit history through on-time payments each month. Take advantage of the various payment methods Discover offers to find the options that fit your lifestyle.