In the US, most bills arrive by email or app, not by paper, and paying on time builds your credit. A late payment can cost money and lower your score for years.
Rent, electricity, gas, water, internet, phone, insurance, credit cards and any loans. Each has its own due date.
Statement date: when the bill is made.
Due date: the last day to pay without a late fee.
Amount due or balance: what you owe.
Minimum payment (credit cards and loans): the smallest amount you may pay this month. Paying only this means you pay interest on the rest.
Late fee: a charge when you pay after the due date.
Paperless billing: bills by email or app instead of paper.
Autopay: the company takes the money from your bank account or card automatically on the due date. The easiest way not to forget.
Online or in the app: pay each month yourself.
Bank bill pay: your bank sends the payment for you.
Paper check by mail: allow about a week.
Paying from a bank account (ACH) is usually free. Paying a bill with a card sometimes has a convenience fee.
Log in to the company's website or app and find Autopay or Automatic payments.
Choose your bank account or card.
For credit cards, choose statement balance (the full amount) if you can. Then you pay no interest.
Keep enough money in your bank account a few days before each payment. Otherwise you may pay an overdraft or returned-payment fee.
Check the first payment went through.
How late payments hurt credit
Lenders usually report a payment as late to the credit bureaus once it is 30 days or more past due. That late mark can stay on your credit report for up to seven years. A few days late often means only a late fee, but it is still a cost.
Call the company before the due date. Many offer a payment plan or a new date.
Utilities often have assistance programs. Call 211 for local help.
Thinking "minimum payment" means you paid the whole credit card bill.
Autopay set up on an account you later close.
Ignoring emails because the bill came as an email, not a paper letter.
Paying a stranger who calls threatening to cut off your power today and asks for gift cards. That is a scam. Call the number on your real bill.