If you want to pay the person’s credit card bill online, this is usually going to be your easiest option. You won’t have to ask the person for their login information to access their online credit card account and you won’t be accessing their credit card account.
This usually isn’t a viable option unless you’re paying the bill of someone you know very well who trusts you with their login information. Even so, you might recommend that they change their password after you’ve made the payment.
If the website requires you to save your account information to make a payment, you can always go back and delete it after the payment has gone through.
You might also want to pass on the confirmation number to the person whose bill you paid. The credit card company likely won’t talk to you if there’s a problem processing the payment since you aren’t an authorized user.
American Express: 1-800-528-4800 Bank of America: 1-800-732-9194 Capital One: 1-800-227-4825 Chase: 1-800-935-9935 Citi: 1-800-950-5114 Credit One: 1-877-825-3242 Discover: 1-800-347-2683 Wells Fargo: 1-800-869-3557
For some cards, you might be able to make a payment using the automated payment system, depending on the information you have for the account and the cardholder. You can always call and find out what information you need, then get that information from the cardholder.
You’ll also need to know the amount you want to pay. The credit card company typically won’t tell you the balance on the account or the minimum payment due unless you are listed on the account as an authorized user. [8] X Research source
Make sure you also give them the name that is on the bank account since it will differ from the cardholder’s name. Make sure the operator or automated system doesn’t save your account information as a payment profile if you’re only making a one-time payment.
Repeat the number back to them after you write it down to make sure you’ve copied it correctly.
If you can’t get ahold of the person’s statement or you’re making the payment as a surprise, check the credit card company’s website. On the contact page, they’ll typically have the address you should use if you’re sending in a payment.
You might also want to make a copy of the check or money order (or receipt) for the person whose bill you’re paying. That way, they have proof as well in case something goes wrong and the payment isn’t processed correctly.
If you’re paying with a cashier’s check or money order, ask the clerk to add this information to the memo line for you.
Even though you made the payment, don’t expect the credit card company to contact you about the payment or give you any information about it if you contact them.
Some credit card companies don’t have physical locations where you can pay the bill in person. In these situations, check the company’s website to see if they have partnered with other companies, such as Western Union, to accept in-person payments. [15] X Research source The website will give you information to include with your payment to make sure it’s credited correctly. [16] X Research source
For example, it might not be possible to walk in and pay the balance in full unless you know the amount of the balance. The teller typically can’t release that information unless you’re listed as an authorized user on the account. It helps if you have a copy of the person’s most recent statement since it will have most of the information the teller needs to complete the transaction.
If you planned the payment as a surprise, hold their copy until they discover their bill has been paid. Then let them have it for their records.
