If you use a credit card, youâll likely have a payment to make every month. And staying on top of this bill is important because it can help keep your account in good standing. Itâs also a big part of building healthy credit.
Most credit card issuers let you pay your credit card bill by phone, through an online account or mobile app, or by mail. You may also be able to pay in person. Hereâs what to know about how to pay credit card bills and why itâs so important.
Credit cards provide a convenient way to make purchases and earn rewards But sometimes it makes sense to pay your credit card bill with cash instead of an electronic payment. Cash can be a smart choice if you want to closely monitor spending, stick to a budget, avoid overdrafts, or don’t have a bank account Here’s what to know about paying credit card bills with cash.
Reasons to Pay Credit Cards With Cash
There are a few scenarios where paying your credit card bill in cash is advantageous
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You have poor credit or no bank account – Paying with cash may be your only option if you don’t qualify for a checking account due to credit issues or lack of banking history.
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Avoiding overdrafts – Using cash prevents an electronic payment from overdrawing your bank account and incurring hefty fees
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Sticking to a budget – Paying in cash gives you a tangible sense of how much you’re spending. This can help rein in overspending.
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Earning rewards – Some credit card issuers allow cash payments to earn rewards, so you can benefit while building credit.
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Anonymity – Cash payments don’t leave a paper trail like checks or bank transfers. This appeals to people who value privacy.
For these reasons, paying credit card bills with cash can make sense in certain circumstances. The key is knowing how to pay safely and correctly.
How to Pay Credit Card Bills With Cash
Paying credit card bills with cash is a simple process, though not as widely available as electronic payments. Here are some ways to pay cash to your credit card company:
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In person at the issuer’s bank – Most card issuers are affiliated with a major bank. You can go to a local branch and make a cash payment just like a loan payment.
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Money order – Purchase a money order with cash, then mail it to your card issuer with your account information.
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Retail store payments – Some stores allow cash payments for major credit cards. Payments show as a purchase, so don’t earn rewards.
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Prepaid debit card – Load a prepaid debit card with cash, register it with your issuer, then use it to pay your bill.
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Mobile wallet – Certain mobile payment apps accept cash to load a virtual debit card for bill pay.
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ATM – A few issuers own ATMs that accept cash payments. But availability is extremely limited.
The easiest options are paying directly at the affiliated bank or sending a money order. Just don’t mail cash directly, since it could get lost or stolen.
Tips for Paying Credit Card Bills With Cash
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Confirm cash payment options with your issuer. Most accept it but some do not.
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Expect to show ID and account statements as verification when paying in person.
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Get a receipt from the bank or money order company and keep it until the payment posts.
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Build in mailing time if sending a money order so the payment arrives on time.
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Be aware that money order payments can take longer to process and post than electronic payments.
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Notify your issuer before making a large cash payment that seems out of the ordinary to avoid fraud concerns.
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Make cash payments during opening hours to get help if anything goes wrong. Avoid late hours and weekends.
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Consider payment security; large cash payments may require extra precautions like police escort.
Avoid Check Cashing Fees
Some ways to pay credit card bills with cash involve extra fees, like:
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Check cashing fees – At retail stores or check cashing businesses
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Money order fees – Often $1-2 per money order
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ATM fees – For withdrawals to get cash for payments
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Mobile wallet fees – To add or withdraw cash funds
These fees add up, taking away some of the cash you need for paying your bill. When possible, use free options like an issuer’s bank branch to avoid check cashing fees. Or take out larger sums from the ATM less frequently to minimize those fees.
A rewards credit card can offset some of these fees over time too. Compare options to find the most cost effective cash payment method for your situation.
Payment Tips for Poor Credit
Having poor credit or no credit score limits your bill payment options. In these cases, making credit card payments with cash makes sense. Here are some tips:
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Open a secured card – This requires an upfront security deposit you can pay in cash. Making payments builds your credit.
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Explore retail credit cards – Department store cards are easier to qualify for and you can pay in their stores.
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Avoid prepaid cards – These help limit spending but don’t report to the credit bureaus.
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Ask about waived fees – Issuers may waive late fees if you’re upfront about only having cash.
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Catch up on past due amounts – Resolve any outstanding balances and make cash payments on time going forward.
With patience and diligent cash payments, you can demonstrate responsible usage and graduate to better credit cards in the future.
Transition to Electronic Payments
Paying credit card bills with cash has advantages in certain situations, but it’s not ideal as a forever solution. Electronic payments are safer, earn rewards, and build your credit through positive payment history.
Once you improve your credit and open a checking account, consider switching your credit card payments to:
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Automatic bank account debits
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Checking account bill pay
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Debit card payments
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Online account access to pay bills
Electronic payments mean no more buying money orders or visiting the bank. Just log in and schedule payments anytime. Build up your credit with a cash starter card, then reap the full benefits of credit cards with smart electronic payment habits.
Final Thoughts on Cash Payments
Cash can seem old school, but it remains a smart choice for paying credit card bills in some circumstances. Whether you lack access to electronic payments, want to stick to a budget, or are establishing credit, cash ensures reliable and anonymous payments when used properly.
Do your homework to find the most cost effective cash payment method that fits your situation. Always pay on time and keep receipts for proof until the payment posts. With diligence and prudence, cash can successfully sustain your credit card obligations.
When to pay your credit card bill
Every credit card has a billing cycle that typically lasts about a month. At the end of the billing cycle, your issuer will send you a credit card statement that lists your account activity, the minimum payment due and a due date. And that due date will be the same date every month.
Credit card issuers are also required to give you at least 21 days between the date your statement is mailed or delivered and the date your payment is due. Youâll want to make at least the minimum payment by the due date to keep your account in good standing and to avoid late fees.
Ways to pay your credit card bill
Depending on your credit card issuer, you may be able to pay your credit card bill via ACH transfer, cash, check, a mobile app or an online portal. Take a closer look at each.
- ACH transfer: Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments let you transfer funds directly from one account to another. You can usually make this transfer online using your bankâs mobile app or website. But you may also be able to pay in person or by calling the phone number on the back of your credit card. Youâll likely need to provide your credit card account, bank account and routing numbers.
- Cash: If your credit card issuer has a location nearby, you may be able to pay in person with cash.
- Check: If your issuer accepts this form of payment, you can drop off a check in person. Or you can follow the instructions on your credit card statement to mail a check with your credit card bill. Just remember to allow plenty of time for your payment to reach the issuer before the due date.
- Mobile bill pay: Some credit card issuers offer a mobile app you can use to pay your bill. Youâll just need your payment account details.
- Online bill pay: Sign in to your credit card account, and provide your bank account details to make an online credit card payment.
How To Pay Discover Credit Card Bill With Cash
FAQ
Can I pay my credit card in cash?
It is possible to pay a credit card bill with cash. If you want to do that, you can use a money order or go to an ATM or branch of the card issuer.
Can you put cash in an ATM to pay a credit card?
At a bank or ATM: To use cash or checks to pay at an ATM, insert your credit card, choose “Make a Payment,” and then follow the on-screen instructions. Please note that ATMs do not currently support payments to business credit cards.
Can I pay my credit card bill at a post office?
Go to your local Post Office branch or Payzone store and we’ll take it from there. Just bring what you need and tell us how much you’d like to pay. You can pay by credit or debit card and we’ll give you a receipt for your payment.
Can I pay my credit card bill at Walmart?
What kinds of bills can I pay? Credit card, auto, cable, electric, gas, health care, insurance, loans, mortgage, phone, rent, water
How do I pay my credit card with cash?
If you want to pay your credit card bill with cash, you can go to the branch of the company that issued your card or use their ATM. Credit card companies like Chase, Capital One, Citibank, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and U.S. Bank now take cash payments for most of their bills. S. Bank.
How do I pay a credit card bill?
At an ATM: If your credit card issuer’s network includes ATMs, this is another way you might be able to pay your bill. Put your card in the same way you would to make a withdrawal, but pick the “Payment” option instead. From there, follow the instructions to insert your cash to pay your bill.
Can you pay a credit card in cash?
However, some card issuers have restrictions to paying in cash. For example, Citibank’s ATMs only accept cash payments and will only accept up to $3,000 in cash credit card payments per month. This answer was last updated on 03/15/24 and it was first published on 03/04/20.
Can you make cash payments through an ATM?
Some card issuers will also allow you to make cash payments via an ATM. However, some card issuers have restrictions to paying in cash. For example, Citibank’s ATMs only accept cash payments and will only accept up to $3,000 in cash credit card payments per month.
How do I pay my bill at an ATM?
You put in your card like you would to make a withdrawal, but this time choose to make a payment instead. From there, follow the instructions to insert your cash to pay your bill. Before leaving, make sure the ATM counted your cash correctly. Note that not all issuers may offer ATM service.
Can I pay my bill with cash?
It’s not a good idea to mail cash to your issuer because if something goes wrong or the money gets lost, it might not be safe. Whichever way you pay your bill with cash, make sure you get a receipt or some documentation.
