A step-by-step guide on your credit card bill payment

The credit card is one of the most useful financial tools in today’s world. While banks offer a wide variety of credit cards to suit our needs, they also offer different modes of credit card bill payments so that the customer finds it easy to pay his or her credit card bill. With the rise of online and digital banking there are several ways you can make credit card bill payments online. For those who are not used to online banking, banks also offer offline methods to pay credit card bills. Here is a guide to take you through the various credit card bill payment options available.

Credit card bill payment online

In this age of online and digital banking credit cards offer several online options to pay your credit card bill. Paying your credit card bill online is fast, easy and convenient. If you use an online method to pay your credit card bill, you can pay your credit card bills on time and not miss paying your credit card bill by the due date. You can pay your credit card bill online through net banking, NEFT, through Bill desk or even use a mobile wallet. We look at each of the online methods to pay your credit card bill online.

Pay credit card bill online using net banking

Paying your credit card bill through net banking is one of the most convenient ways to pay your credit card bill online.  If you have a savings bank account with your credit card issuer, the process is very easy. Let us look at the steps.

1. Login to your net banking account
2. Go to the cards section where all your registered cards will be shown. If not registered, register your credit card
3. Then select the card payment option, select your credit card and choose the amount you want to pay – the full amount, the minimum payment due or any amount you choose
4. Then press confirm and your account is debited instantly and the payment made to your credit card account

You can pay your credit card bill though net banking even through the savings account of another bank. The website of the bank which is your credit card provider will provide you with this option. You need to first select the bank where you have an account in. This bank needs to be a partner of the bank with whom you have a credit card. Then you will be asked to enter details like your credit card number, your email id and your mobile number. Next you are redirected to the payment interface of your chosen bank. Once login to your account and choose the amount you can pay your credit card bill. The amount may take up to 3 working days to reflect into your account so make the payment accordingly.

Pay credit card bill online through NEFT

You would have used NEFT (National Electronics Fund Transfer) to transfer money from your savings account. You can pay your credit card bill through NEFT too. Here are the steps to follow. These steps might vary a bit from bank to bank.

1. You need to be registered for net banking with your bank with which you have an account. Login to your bank’s net banking by using your account ID and password.
2. From funds transfer, select NEFT.
3. Go to the ‘Add beneficiary’ section and add your credit card details. Enter your name in place of beneficiary name, your credit card number in place of the beneficiary account number. You also need to use a specific IFSC code of the credit card issuing bank for such payment which is available on the bank’s website
4. Once the beneficiary is added successfully enter the amount to be paid
5. You can then go on to make the payment by following the instructions

Pay credit card bill online through Bill desk

You can use online payment gateway company Bill desk to pay your credit card bill. You can go through the Bill desk website and initiate the payment or alternatively follow the following steps.

1. First type Bill desk+ Name of the bank with whom you have a credit card within Google search
2. Google will display the link which lets you pay the credit card bill of your respective bank through Bill desk
3. Here put in information like card type, credit card number, email id and payment amount
4. Choose the net banking account of the bank from where you want to pay your credit card bill. This could be the same bank that has issued your credit card or any other partner bank.
5. Once you long in with the details and follow the instructions you can pay your credit card bill and the amount is deducted from that savings account.

Pay credit card bill online using mobile wallets and Paytm

Recently some mobile wallets have started allowing you to pay your credit card bill. However, remember that you can pay your credit card bill through a mobile wallet only if it supports your bank and the credit card type. You cannot pay your credit card bill through existing money in your wallet or recharge your wallet through a credit card to pay your credit card bill. You can make the payment only through net banking or UPI or your debit card which means that you need to have that amount in your savings account. You cannot reload your wallet through a credit card to pay a credit card bill.

To pay your credit card bill through Paytm login to your Paytm account through the website or through the app and select credit cards. If your credit card is linked you can go on to make the payment, otherwise you need to add your credit card. Once you enter the amount and press proceed, you are directed to net baking, linked debit cards or BHIM UPI. If you select BHIM UPI you would need to enter the virtual payment address. In case you are using net banking, you would need to select your bank and then enter net banking login details to proceed. If you are using the debit card option, you need to add a debit card or select from a linked debit card and then enter details like CVV and expiry date to go ahead with the transaction.

Last year mobile wallet MobiQwik also launched a feature which lets one pay their credit card bill through the app for Visa credit card holders. Similarly, you can use the PhonePe app to make credit card bill payments. For this you must enter the card number, name on card, enter the amount, the bank account through which you want to pay your bill and your UPI pin, and the payment will be done.

Methods to pay credit card bill offline

While there are several ways to pay your credit card bill online, banks also give you the options to pay your credit card bill offline. This is beneficial for those who are not used to online banking.

One of the ways to pay your credit card bill offline is through cash payment through the nearest bank branch of the credit card issuing bank for which you have to pay a processing fee.

You can pay your credit card bill offline through a cheque. After filling in relevant details like credit card number and other details you can drop the cheque at the nearest ATM or cheque drop box. This mode of payment takes 3 working days, so it is important to keep that in mind.

You can also pay your credit card bill through the ATM of the bank of which you have a credit card. For this you need to have an account with the same bank and a debit card.

Another offline method is to use the ECS system. Fill up the ECS mandate form and submit it to the concerned bank with details like credit card number and account. This essentially means giving the bank instructions to debit your savings account every month towards payment of your credit card bill. Paying your bill through customer care is also another offline method to pay your credit card bill.

Pay credit card bill offline by calling customer care

Banks offer you the option of paying your credit card bill by calling up customer care. For this you need to have a savings account with the same bank which has issued your credit card. The IVR process will guide you through the steps where you would need to input your credit card number and other details without the intervention of any customer care executive.

However, remember that not all banks will provide the facility to pay your credit card bill through IVR. Check with the bank to see whether this facility is available.

Pay credit card bill offline through ATM

You can pay your credit card bill through your bank’s ATM if you have a savings account and debit card with the same bank. Here are the steps:

1. Visit the nearest ATM of the bank whose credit card you have
2. Insert your debit card. Your debit card should have enough balance
3. After you enter the pin, choose services, bill payment and choose credit card bill payment
4. Enter your 16-digit credit card number
5. You can now view the total bill and the minimum amount due. Select the amount you wish to pay
6. Once you press confirm the credit card bill will be paid and your savings account deducted.

Pay credit card bill offline at the bank branch office

You can also pay your credit card by visiting the nearest branch of the credit card issuing bank to pay your credit card bill depositing cash.

You need to fill up a deposit slip with relevant details of your credit card, the bill amount and submit it to the cashier. The payment will be processed in a day. However, remember that paying credit card bill at the bank branch through cash will incur a fee of about Rs 100 plus GST.

Pay credit card bill offline by drawing a cheque

Paying your credit card bill through a cheque is the easiest offline method to pay your credit card bill. Here are the steps.

1. Write a cheque payable to the bank that has issued your credit card followed by your 16-digit credit card number. You can use a cheque of any bank or the bank to whom your credit card belongs. The format should be Pay (Bank Name) (Credit Card Number). If you are using a cheque of the same bank, then bank name need not be mentioned. You can write a post-dated a cheque to schedule payment on a later date.
2. It is recommended that you write your mobile number at the back of the cheque
3. Drop the cheque at any of the cheque drop locations of the bank whose credit card you have or send it by post

A cheque of a different bank may take 3 business days to clear. So, it is important to drop off the cheque well before the payment due date so that the payment happens on time. Also remember that if any incorrect details are filled or the signature does not match, the cheque might be rejected, and this could lead to missing the payment due date and late fees. Also, some banks may charge a fee for cheque payments if the credit card bill is small.

Benefits of paying credit card bills online

While we have seen several methods of paying credit card bills, paying credit card bills online has got a lot of benefits over the offline options.

1. It is convenient:

   Paying your credit card bill online is the most convenient way to pay your credit card bill as visiting a bank branch or an ATM is cumbersome and time taking. Paying your credit card bill online lets you pay your credit card bill from the comfort of your home through your computer or your mobile phone. When you are using an app or net banking, you can just log in and pay your bill in a few minutes without any hassle.

Also, you are saved the hassle of writing cheques or filling up deposit slips, which is time consuming

2. Save on fees:

   As we have seen paying your credit card bill through cash or cheque involves paying fees or charges. Paying online is not just convenient, you also save on these unnecessary fees.

3. Save on time:

   Paying credit card bills online is an almost instant process and the money is credited to your credit card account almost instantly. Paying your credit card bill through a bank is a time-consuming process and may cause delays in payment especially if you are paying through a cheque.

4. Automate your bill payment:

   Paying your credit card bill online also lets you set up standing instructions with your bank to pay your credit card bill. On the given date the bank automatically debits your savings account for the payment of your credit card bill. This saves you the hassles that come with paying your credit card bill and you are never late for a payment.

Important tips while making online payments

As we have seen, paying your credit card bill online is most convenient as there are several options to pay your credit card bill online and because it is the fastest. Remember these tips while paying your credit card bill online.

1. Be registered with net banking. It is easier if you have an account with the same bank which has issued your credit card.
2. Link your credit card to your net banking account so that the process is faster
3. Always ensure that there is enough balance in your account that will cover your credit card outstanding.
4. When using the online mode to make credit card payments ensure that you follow all safety instructions. When using a web browser to make the payment, make sure that you use a secure browser and use the keyboard option for typing in your account password. In case you are using an app never share details like login PIN and OTP with anyone else.

FAQs

How do I choose the method of credit card bill payment?

As we have seen banks offer you different options to pay your credit card bill, both online and option. Since online payment is more convenient and faster it is recommended that you use online methods to pay your credit card bill. If you are using offline methods make sure that you are doing so sufficiently ahead of your credit card payment due date.

What happens if I am paying by cheque and do not have enough balance in my account?

If you are paying by cheque and you do not have enough balance in your account, the bank will charge you a fee. The fee may be as high as Rs 350 for the first cheque returned and higher for further returned cheques. So, it is important to ensure that your account has sufficient balance before you paying your credit card bill through cheque.

What are the charges I will incur if I pay my credit card bill through cash deposit at a bank branch?

Paying your credit card bill through cash incurs charges of Rs 100+GST which is Rs 118. Also, if you are paying very high credit card bills through cash then you might be under the scanner of the IT department. Credit card payment by cash is to be avoided if possible.

How can I be sure that my payment is updated to my credit card account?

As we have seen earlier when you make your credit card payments using online methods the payment is credited almost instantly. As soon as your payment is updated you will receive a SMS confirming that your payment has been updated. When making the credit card payment through a cheque and also through depositing cash at a bank branch you will also receive a SMS as soon as the payment is updated. Is recommend that you call up the customer care and cross check whether the payment has been made.

Can I pay my credit card dues through mobile wallets?

Mobile wallets have recently allowed the payment of credit card bills, but you can only make the payment through net banking, UPI or a linked debit card.