How to Pay Your First Progress Credit Card Bill

Having a good payment history is crucial for building and maintaining strong credit, That makes understanding how to properly pay your First Progress credit card bill an important part of responsible use This guide covers everything you need to know about paying your First Progress card on time and in full each month,

Overview of Paying First Progress Credit Card Bills

First Progress offers several different secured Mastercard credit cards to help consumers build or rebuild credit. Like any credit card, you’ll receive a monthly statement detailing your account charges, payments, interest, fees, and current balance due.

You need to make at least the minimum payment by the due date on your statement to avoid late fees and credit damage. But best practice is paying your statement balance in full every month.

First Progress accepts online payments, mailed checks, money orders, and transfers from external accounts Let’s explore the various payment options and how to use them correctly when paying your First Progress credit card bill

Payment Addresses for Mailing First Progress Payments

If mailing a payment, First Progress provides a remittance address to send checks or money orders:

First ProgressPO Box 84019Columbus GA 31908

This payment mailing address prints on the payment coupons attached to your statements. Send all payments to this address to make sure they are processed quickly and to avoid late fees.

Never mail cash when paying credit card bills. Send a check or money order for paper payments. For security and tracking, get a certificate of mailing.

Mail payments at least 5 to 7 days before they’re due, and don’t send them on the due date. Late payments incur fees up to $40 and negatively impact your credit score.

Paying Online Through the First Progress Website

First Progress offers an online account management system to view statements and make electronic payments. To pay your credit card bill online:

1. Go to cc.firstprogress.com and login with your account credentials.

2. From the menu, select “Make Payment” to go to the payment screen.

3. Enter your payment amount and select whether to pay from a bank account or external card.

4. Submit the payment and record the confirmation number.

Funds typically process from your bank account within 3 business days when paying online. It’s the fastest way to pay and confirm receipt. But double check payment posts to avoid late fees.

Paying Bills Through Your Bank

Most banks allow online bill payments to companies using account and routing numbers. To pay your First Progress card through your bank:

• Log into your bank account and access bill pay.

• Add First Progress as a new payee, entering this billing information:

  • Account Number: Your 16-digit First Progress card number

  • Company Name: First Progress

  • Mailing Address: PO Box 84019, Columbus, GA 31908

  • Customer Service Number: 866-706-5543

  • Routing Number: 061100606

  • Account Number: Your First Progress account number

• Schedule one-time or recurring payments to First Progress.

• Record confirmation numbers and check your account to verify payments.

Banks withdraw funds when bill payments are scheduled. Mailed checks take 4-5 days to process. Electronic payments may be faster.

Paying by Phone

You can also pay your First Progress credit card bill by phone using their automated system.

Call 866-706-5543 and select the payment options. Have your account number, routing number, and payment amount ready.

Phone payments process immediately but have higher fees. Only use this method as a last resort to meet a due date if you can’t pay online.

Tips for Paying Your Statement Balance on Time

To build strong credit history with your First Progress card, employ these best practices:

• Pay at least the minimum due by the payment due date each month. This appears on your statement.

• Pay the full statement balance to avoid interest fees and save money.

• Schedule / send payments 5-7 days before the due date.

• Setup automatic payments or calendar reminders so payments never slip your mind.

• Contact First Progress immediately if you cannot make a payment on time for assistance.

• Review statements carefully and report any billing errors right away before paying.

• Include your account number on checks or online forms to credit the right card.

• Keep payment confirmation numbers as a record in case of issues.

• Prepay your account if you will be traveling when it’s time to pay.

Staying organized and diligent about on-time payments is crucial for avoiding credit score damage that can take months to repair.

Payment Allocation When Carrying a Balance

If you must carry a balance month-to-month, First Progress applies payments in this order:

1. Interest charges
2. Fees
3. Transactions with the lowest APR first
4. Transactions with the highest APR last

Higher APR transactions accrue interest faster, so it’s financially smarter to pay those balances first when carrying over. Pay the full statement balance whenever possible to avoid wasted interest.

Can You Make Multiple Payments Per Month?

Yes, First Progress allows making multiple payments before your due date if helpful for budgeting or prepaying balances.

You must still pay any minimum amount due as shown on your statement. Extra payments apply to your outstanding balance.

Just note that payments sent by mail should be at least 5 business days apart so prior payments can process before new ones arrive. Paying online allows faster turnaround between payments.

Automatic and Recurring Payments

Setting up automatic monthly payments with First Progress is a convenient way to avoid late fees and lapses. It’s easy to setup through:

• Your First Progress online account
• Your bank account’s online bill pay
• Enrolling by phone at 866-706-5543

Automatic payments deduct your minimum or full balance from a checking account each month on the payment due date. You can cancel or change the arrangement at any time.

Having payments handled automatically provides peace of mind that your account stays current. Just be sure the source account has sufficient funds when payments initiate.

Can You Pay via Money Order or Cashier’s Check?

If you prefer not to mail personal checks, First Progress does accept:

• Money orders
• Cashier’s checks
• Treasury checks

These must be made out to First Progress and mailed to their payment address with your account number included. Never send cash by mail.

Allow extra mail time of up to 10 days with money orders or cashier’s checks. Faster options are paying directly online or scheduling an electronic bank payment.

Credit Card Payment Processing Timeframes

Understanding payment timeframes helps avoid late fees and interest charges:

• Mail: 5-7 business days for checks or money orders to reach First Progress.

• Online: 3 business days to credit account when paying on First Progress website.

• Bank Payments: 4-5 days for checks your bank issues by mail. 1-2 days for electronic transfers.

• Phone: Payments process instantly but carry higher fees.

• In-Branch: Instant crediting when making cash payments at a First Progress local branch.

Do not count mailing days toward the due date. Mail payments 1-2 weeks before the cutoff for best assurance. Online and bank electronic payments are fastest when you need to pay immediately before the deadline.

Can You Pay at a First Progress Branch In-Person?

Yes, First Progress has local branches primarily in the southern United States where you can make in-person credit card payments.

Visit a branch during business hours and present your account number. Make payments by:

• Cash
• Debit card
• Check

In-person payments credit to your account instantly. But call ahead to confirm the nearest branch location handles credit card payments and has adequate cash on hand if paying by cash.

The Consequences of Late Payments

If you cannot pay on time, immediately contact First Progress for assistance rather than missing the due date. Late payments incur:

• Late Fees: Up to $40 per incident depending on your card terms.

• Interest Charges: Any balances accrue ongoing interest when payments are late.

• Credit Score Damage: Missed payments can drop your credit score by over 100 points.

• Penalty APR: Repeat late payments may trigger penalty interest rates around 30% APR.

• Balance Acceleration: The full account balance can be declared due after one or two late payments.

• Collections: Unpaid accounts get sent to collections agencies after 6 months, further wrecking your credit.

A single late payment can spiral quickly into a major financial headache. Avoid this at all costs. Reach out immediately if you foresee payment issues so the creditor can advise options.

Payment Assistance Options with First Progress

If money is tight, First Progress may allow:

• Due date changes: Shift your payment due date to better align with paychecks.

• Lower minimums: Temp