Paying Your Discover Credit Card Bill with Cash

For some people, the best way to manage finances is to operate on a cash-only system. If you’re one of those cash-preferred people but have a Discover card, you may wonder how to pay your bill with physical currency. While Discover doesn’t accept cash payments directly, they do provide a cash pay option through Western Union.

Why Discover Doesn’t Take Cash

As an online bank without brick-and-mortar branches, Discover does not have the capability to accept cash payments in person. All payments must be made electronically through their website, phone system, or mobile app.

The lack of physical locations for making cash credit card payments is common amongst online banks and FinTech companies. Handling large cash transactions requires secure counting rooms safes, armored transport and more overhead. These costs make cash payments inefficient compared to electronic transfers.

For the many Americans who operate primarily in a digital economy, not accepting cash is rarely an issue But some individuals still rely heavily on paying bills with physical money Discover accommodates these cash-preferred customers through a partnership with Western Union.

Paying at Western Union with Cash

Discover cardholders can visit any Western Union location to make a cash payment. With over 40,000 agent locations in the United States, it’s easy to find one nearby.

Follow these steps to pay your Discover card at Western Union:

• Bring your Discover account number and the payment amount in cash
• Specify it’s a credit card payment to Discover
• Provide sender + recipient information:
  • Sender: Your name, address, phone number
  • Recipient: Discover Financial Services, 502 E Market St, Greenwood, DE 19950
• Pay service fee (typically around $11 for a $500 payment)
• Get receipt after paying

The cash payment amount will be deducted from your Western Union account balance. Discover will then receive an electronic transfer to credit your account balance within 1 business day.

Key Tips for Paying at Western Union

• Visit in the morning to allow time for same-day processing
• Double check Discover card number to avoid errors
• Keep Western Union receipt as payment proof
• Large sums may require government-issued ID

Paying your Discover bill with cash through Western Union gets your payment credited quicker than mailing a money order. Just note that Western Union charges higher fees than some other money transfer services.

Cashing Checks to Get Cash

Don’t have enough spare cash on hand to pay your credit card bill? You can get immediate cash by cashing a check. Here are some options:

• Bank Teller – Cashing a check at your own bank is usually free if you have an account there. Most banks limit checks under $500.

• Check Cashing Store – Cash checks on the spot for a fee (1-10% of check amount). More flexible on check amounts.

• Grocery/Retail Store – Many locations offer check cashing kiosks up to $5,000. Average fee is 1-5% of check total.

• ATM – Deposit check then immediately withdraw cash. Limited to your ATM withdrawal limit, typically $500 max.

Once you have the cash in hand, simply walk it over to Western Union and pay your Discover bill. Just make sure to cash the check a few days before your payment due date in case of delays.

Alternatives to Paying with Cash

While Western Union enables Discover customers to pay with cash, it may not be the most convenient or cost-effective option for everyone. Consider these other bill payment alternatives:

• Online Bank Transfer – Instantly transfer funds from your bank account to Discover via their website or app. No fees.

• Money Order – Purchase at post offices, banks, pharmacies, convenience stores. Mails to Discover. Under $1 fee.

• Rewards Points – Redeem cash back or other rewards to cover your Discover payment. Simple and free.

• Debit Card – Use your bank debit card to pay online or by phone. Small transaction fee may apply.

• Automatic Payments – Set up monthly autopay from bank account. Never miss payment.

For most people, an electronic payment method provides a better experience than paying cash via Western Union. But it’s reassuring to know Western Union exists as a cash payment option if needed.

Wrap Up

While unconventional today, some individuals still operate on a cash-only system and need ways to pay their Discover card that way. With thousands of locations nationwide, Western Union enables customers to pay credit card bills with cash for a reasonable service fee. Just bring your card details, payment amount, and government-issued ID to any Western Union.

Cash payments made before 2pm on a weekday get credited to your Discover account within 24 hours. However, paying electronically remains the easiest and cheapest way for most cardholders. Either way, Discover provides accessible payment methods to fit individual needs and preferences.