Frequently Asked Questions - Bill Payment

This section gives you all the information you need to know about Automatic Bill Payment. Finally, there’s an easy way to pay your monthly bills.

What is Automatic Bill Payment?
Automatic Bill Payment is an arrangement where you can pre-authorize a merchant to automatically charge your MasterCard card account on a regular basis. Payments may be made monthly, weekly, quarterly, etc. - depending on what you and the merchant agree upon. The pre-authorized payment can be a fixed dollar amount, or it can fluctuate like your phone bill, depending on the terms of the agreement. And, you can stop automatic payments at any time or use this payment method indefinitely.

What are the benefits of Automatic Bill Payment?
Because bills are automatically charged to your MasterCard card account, it's much faster than writing checks. Charges will appear on your monthly MasterCard statement, so it's an easy and efficient way to keep track of your expenses. And because it's automatic, you won't have to worry about missed payments or late fees. Plus, depending upon the MasterCard card you elect to use, you may be able to earn rewards in MasterCard card usage frequency programs, such as frequent flyer and auto rebate programs.

Which cards can I use?
You can use any MasterCard credit card - as long as it has the MasterCard logo.

What information will the merchant request?
Generally, the merchant will need your account number from the front of your MasterCard card. They will also need the expiration date, the dollar amount they are authorized to automatically charge, and the specific date you wish to be charged each month. Note: Not every merchant will allow you to choose this date, but many will. Some merchants may require additional information, such as your signature.

Do I have to pay an extra fee for Automatic Bill Payments?
Most merchants do not charge a fee, but you will have to contact each of them to determine if there are any fees or restrictions associated with participating in their automatic payment program.

What if I pay my MasterCard bill late?
Your automatic payment to your merchant should still be made, even if you pay your MasterCard bill late. However, you will need to refer to your cardholder agreement with your MasterCard card issuer to determine how your issuer will handle new charges if you are delinquent in your payments.

How often can I make payments, and when do bills get paid?
Each merchant has its own procedure for Automatic Bill Payment. You will need to clarify these procedures with the merchant when you initiate your Automatic Bill Payment relationship.

What if I want to stop an Automatic Bill Payment?
Just contact the merchant with whom you've set up the Automatic Bill Payment, and then simply follow their procedures to cancel or change the method of payment.

Will I receive a bill for my records after I have been charged?
Yes, most companies continue to mail a bill indicating the total amount they will charge to your MasterCard card. However, some merchants may allow you to elect to receive an online bill - via the Internet - or no bill at all. At the time you initiate an Automatic Bill Payment relationship, you should determine how the merchant will bill you. Also, your MasterCard card monthly statement will provide you with a convenient, thorough record of charges to your MasterCard card account.

Is there a limit to the number of Automatic Bill Payments I can have on a card?
No, but you may be limited in making overall charges to your MasterCard account if doing so would cause you to exceed your credit limit.

Are there any payments that are prohibited from being paid electronically?
Some companies and government agencies may not accept automatic payments.