Paying your credit card bill with cash may seem old-fashioned but it can still be a convenient option for some people. Here’s what you need to know about paying credit card bills with cash.
Why Pay with Cash?
There are a few good reasons to use cash to pay off your credit card:
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You don’t have a bank account – If you are unbanked, paying with cash may be your only option. Without a checking account, you can’t pay online or set up autopay.
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You experience a connection issue – If the power or internet goes out right when your payment is due, paying in cash at a branch may be the way to ensure no late fees.
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You are paid in cash – Some jobs like waiting tables provide cash tips, Paying bills directly from cash earnings skips deposit wait times,
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You budget in cash – Cash envelope budgeters find it easiest to set aside cash for bills each month. Then they can pay in cash when due.
How to Pay Credit Card Bills with Cash
Luckily, paying credit card bills with cash is possible through a few methods
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In person at a branch—If your card issuer has stores, you can pay with cash at the counter. Alert the teller it’s a credit card bill payment.
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At an ATM – Some issuers let you deposit cash payments through their ATMs like a withdrawal. Check your account terms.
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With a money order – Buy a money order with cash from the post office or stores to mail to the issuer. Never mail cash.
Tips for Paying in Cash
Follow these tips to smoothly pay your credit card bill in cash:
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Get a receipt for proof of your payment.
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Note issuers may limit max cash payments. Check your terms.
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Pay early in case of mail delays with money orders.
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Ensure ATMs count your payment correctly before leaving.
Benefits of Full Payments
Whether in cash or otherwise, aim to pay your balance in full each month. Benefits include:
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Avoiding interest charges
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Lower credit utilization for credit scores
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Build positive payment history
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Increased available credit limit
When Cash Payment Makes Sense
As long as your issuer accepts cash, it can be a smart option to pay credit card bills that way when:
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You don’t have a bank account set up
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You experience connection issues when a payment is due
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Your income comes in cash tips or wages
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You use cash to stick to a budget
While less common today, paying credit card bills in cash can still be relevant. As long as you plan ahead, it can help ensure your payments are on time.
Should You Pay Your Credit Card in Cash?
You can pay your credit card in cash if it is the option that makes the most sense for you. Some situations may make a cash payment the best option, such as if:
- You are unbanked. If you do not have a bank account from which you can sign up for autopay or online payments for your credit card, paying in cash may be your best option. Paying in cash at a bank or ATM can help you maintain on-time payments for your credit card even if you dont have access to a bank account.
- Youre experiencing a connection outage. Experiencing connection issues like a power outage or phone issues on the day when a bill is due can be nerve-wracking. But if you can travel to a branch or ATM to pay your card in cash, you can still get your credit card paid on time.
- You are paid in cash. For workers such as servers who get many cash tips, being able to pay some of your bills directly out of your earnings may be convenient. This permits you to skip the middleman and wait time of making a bank deposit.
- You are a cash envelope-based budgeter. For those who use cash primarily to budget, you may find it easiest to collect what you owe on your credit card in dollars and cents over the month. Then you can pay off the balance in cash. Doing so might save you time on deposits and digital transfers.
If paying your credit card in cash makes sense for you, consider also paying off the full balance when you go to make your cash payments. Doing so can help improve your credit score and keep more of that cash in your pocket in the long run.
How to Pay Your Credit Card in Cash
If you want to pay your credit card bill in cash this month, here are some simple ways to do so:
- At a branch: Visit the card issuers branch to pay at the counter in person. Let the teller know you want to pay your credit card bill and provide your cash payment.
- Via an ATM: Go to your card issuers ATM:
- To pay your credit card in cash at the ATM, insert your credit card as you would your debit card when making a withdrawal.
- On the screen, select the payment and follow the instructions to insert your cash payment. Take precautions to make sure the ATM counts your cash payment correctly.
- Money order: Purchase a money order with cash to mail to your credit card issuer.
Dont mail cash directly to your credit card provider, as any losses may not be recuperated.
Paying A Credit Card Bill (I Wish I Knew THIS)
How do I pay my credit card with cash?
You can pay your credit card with cash by either visiting your card issuer’s branch location or at the issuer’s ATM. Most major credit card companies currently accept cash payments for credit card bills, including Chase, Capital One, Citibank, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and U.S. Bank.
Can I pay my credit card bill in cash?
If you prefer to pay your credit card bill in cash, choose a card that has physical branches or ATMs nearby so it’s easy to deposit your cash payment. Remember, mailing cash to pay your bill isn’t recommended and often isn’t accepted, but you can mail a check or money order.
How do I pay a credit card bill?
At an ATM: Another potential way to pay a credit card bill may be to use an ATM that’s within your issuer’s network (if applicable). Insert your card like you use to make a withdrawal but choose the option to make a payment instead. From there, follow the instructions to insert your cash to pay your bill.
Can I pay my credit card in person?
But you may also be able to pay in person or by calling the phone number on the back of your credit card. You’ll 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.