How to Pay Your Chase Credit Card Bill

How Chase Credit Card Payments Work

Chase lets you pay your credit card bill through their website, mobile app, by phone, or by mail. The payment reaches your account immediately if you pay online or by phone before the cutoff time (usually 8 p.m. Eastern), or it posts the next business day. If you mail a check, it takes five to seven business days to arrive and post, so Chase recommends mailing at least ten days before your due date to avoid a late fee.

Your payment goes toward your current balance first, then any interest charges and fees. If you only pay the minimum, the rest of your balance carries over to the next month and starts collecting interest. Chase charges interest on the unpaid portion at your card's APR (annual percentage rate), which varies by cardholder and is listed on your statement.

Key Takeaways

• Online or phone payments post the same day if made before the cutoff time; mailed checks take five to seven business days and should be sent at least ten days before your due date.
• Your due date is printed on your statement, and paying late triggers a late fee and can raise your APR if you are more than 60 days behind.
• You can set up automatic payments from your bank account to pay a fixed amount or your full balance on a date you choose each month.
• If you cannot pay the full balance, paying more than the minimum reduces the interest you owe and gets you out of debt faster.

Paying Online or Through the Chase Mobile App

Log into your Chase account at chase.com or open the Chase Mobile app, then select your credit card and choose "Pay Now" or "Make a Payment." Enter the amount you want to pay and the date you want it to post. If you choose a future date, Chase holds the payment and sends it on that day. You can pay from a linked bank account or use another bank's account if you have its routing and account number.

Chase shows you a confirmation number immediately after you submit the payment. Write this down or take a screenshot—you will need it if there is ever a dispute about whether the payment went through. The payment posts to your account the same business day if submitted before the cutoff, or the next business day if submitted after.

Setting Up Automatic Payments

Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting your due date. In your Chase account, go to "Manage Automatic Payments" and choose whether you want to pay your full statement balance, a fixed dollar amount, or just the minimum due. You pick the day of the month the payment should go out—Chase recommends choosing a date after you get paid so the money is in your account.

Once automatic payments are set up, they happen every month on the date you chose. You can change or cancel them anytime through your account. If your balance changes or you want to pay extra in a particular month, you can still make a one-time payment on top of the automatic one.

Paying by Phone or Mail

To pay by phone, call the number on the back of your Chase credit card. A representative will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay, then confirm the date it will post. Phone payments are treated the same as online payments—they post the same day if called in before the cutoff time.

If you mail a check, write your account number on the check and send it to the address printed on your statement. Do not send cash through the mail. Chase's processing center typically receives mail within five to seven business days, so mail your payment at least ten days before your due date. If you are close to your due date, paying online or by phone is faster and safer.

What Happens If You Miss Your Due Date

A late payment fee is charged if your payment arrives after your due date. The fee amount depends on your card and how late you are—Chase typically charges between $25 and $39 for the first late payment. If you are late again within six months, the fee may be higher. The late fee is added to your balance and starts collecting interest.

More importantly, a late payment can raise your APR. If you are 30 days late, Chase may increase your rate. If you are 60 days or more late, your rate can jump significantly. A late payment also appears on your credit report and damages your credit score, making it harder to borrow money in the future. If you miss a payment, contact Chase as soon as possible—sometimes they will waive a first late fee if you call and explain.

Paying More Than the Minimum

Your statement shows a minimum payment due, usually 1 to 3 percent of your balance. Paying only the minimum means the rest of your balance carries over and collects interest at your APR. If you have a $5,000 balance at 20 percent APR and pay only the minimum, it will take years to pay off and cost thousands in interest.

Paying more than the minimum—or paying your full balance—saves you money and gets you out of debt faster. Even an extra $50 per month makes a real difference. If you cannot pay the full balance, aim to pay at least double the minimum. Chase's website shows you how long it will take to pay off your balance if you pay only the minimum, and how much you will save if you pay more.

Handling Payment Problems

If a payment does not post when you expected it, log into your account and check the "Payment History" or "Recent Transactions" section. Online and phone payments usually show up within hours; mailed checks take longer. If more than a week has passed and an online payment has not posted, call Chase at the number on your statement to investigate.

If Chase charged you a late fee by mistake, or if you paid on time but the payment was delayed because of a system error on Chase's end, call and ask them to reverse the fee. Be ready to explain what happened and provide your confirmation number. Chase sometimes waives fees for customers with a good payment history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Chase credit card from another bank's account?

Yes. When you set up a payment online or through the app, you can enter another bank's routing number and account number. Chase will pull the money from that account. Make sure you have the correct routing number—using the wrong one can delay your payment.

What time does Chase stop accepting payments on my due date?

Chase's cutoff time is usually 8 p.m. Eastern time. Payments submitted before that time post the same day; payments after that time post the next business day. Check your account or call the number on your card to confirm the exact cutoff for your card.

If I set up automatic payments, can I still make extra payments?

Yes. Automatic payments and one-time payments are separate. You can set up automatic payments for your minimum or full balance and still pay extra whenever you want. Just make sure your bank account has enough money to cover both.

Does paying early hurt my credit score?

No. Paying early or paying more than the minimum does not hurt your score. It actually helps because it lowers your credit utilization—the amount of your credit limit you are using—which is a factor in your credit score.

What should I do if I cannot afford to pay my bill?

Contact Chase before your due date and explain your situation. They may offer a hardship program, a lower payment plan, or a temporary rate reduction. Calling before you miss a payment is much better than calling after, because it shows you are trying to work with them and may prevent a late fee and rate increase.