Paying your Avant credit card works the same way as most credit cards, but Avant offers a few specific payment methods and timing rules you should know
Avant is a credit card issued by WebBank, a Utah-based bank. When you get an Avant card, you receive a bill each month, and you choose how much to pay toward that balance. You can pay the full amount due, the minimum payment, or anything in between. The payment methods available to you are online through your account, by phone, by mail, or through automatic transfers from your bank account.
The key dates to watch are your statement closing date (when the month's charges are finalized) and your payment due date (when payment must arrive to avoid a late fee). Avant typically gives you about 21 days from the closing date to the due date. If you pay by mail or phone, the payment must arrive by the due date; if you pay online or set up automatic payments, the transaction posts when ready.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay your Avant card online, by phone, by mail, or through automatic bank transfers from your checking or savings account.
- Your payment due date is roughly 21 days after your statement closes, and paying after that date triggers a late fee.
- Paying only the minimum keeps your account in good standing but leaves most of your balance to accrue interest at Avant's standard rate.
- Setting up automatic payments from your bank account is the fastest way to may support you never miss a due date.
Online and mobile payment through your Avant account
The most common way to pay is through Avant's website or mobile app. Log in to your account, navigate to the payments section, and enter the amount you want to pay and the date you want it to process. If you choose a date within the next few business days, the payment posts when ready. If you schedule it for a future date, Avant holds the payment and processes it on that day.
Online payments are free and leave a record in your account history. You can see the exact date and amount of every payment you have made. This method also lets you see your current balance, interest rate, and due date all in one place before you pay.
Automatic payments from your bank account
You can set up automatic transfers directly from your checking or savings account to your Avant card. This requires you to provide your bank account number and routing number to Avant. You choose the amount (minimum payment, full balance, or a custom amount) and the day of the month you want it to transfer.
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date. Many people set them to the full statement balance so the card carries no balance month to month. Others set them to the minimum payment if they prefer to pay over time. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account settings, though Avant typically requires a day or two of notice.
Phone and mail payments
You can call Avant's customer service line to make a payment over the phone using a debit card, checking account, or savings account. Phone payments are processed the same day if you call before the cutoff time (usually mid-afternoon Eastern time). After that, they process the next business day.
Mailing a check or money order is also an option, though it is the slowest method. Your payment must arrive at Avant's mailing address by the due date to avoid a late fee. Mail typically takes 3 to 7 business days, so you need to send it at least a week early. Write your account number on the check so Avant can match it to your account.
Understanding minimum payments and interest
Your minimum payment is the smallest amount Avant requires you to pay each month to keep your account in good standing. It is usually 1 to 3 percent of your total balance, plus any interest and fees that have accrued. Paying only the minimum keeps you from being late, but it means the rest of your balance continues to accrue interest.
Avant's interest rate varies by person and is based on your credit history. The rate is fixed for the life of the card, so it does not change month to month. If you carry a balance, you pay interest on that balance every day until you pay it off. Paying more than the minimum reduces the balance faster and saves you money on interest over time.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment does not arrive by the due date, Avant charges a late fee. The amount varies but is typically $25 to $35 for the first late payment. A second late payment in the same billing cycle may trigger an additional fee. More importantly, a late payment is reported to the credit bureaus and can lower your credit score.
If you realize you will miss a due date, contact Avant as soon as possible. Some cardholders have been able to negotiate a waived fee for a first-time late payment, especially if they have a history of on-time payments. Avant may also offer a hardship program if you are facing a temporary financial difficulty, though the terms vary.
Paying off your balance early
There is no penalty for paying off your Avant card early or in full. You can pay the entire balance whenever you want without triggering any extra fees or charges. Many people pay their card in full each month to avoid interest altogether. Others make extra payments between billing cycles to reduce their balance faster.
If you pay in full by the due date each month, you typically do not pay any interest. Avant charges interest only on the balance you carry from one month to the next. This is why paying more than the minimum, or paying in full, is the most cost-effective way to use a credit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a payment before my statement closes?
Yes. Payments you make before the statement closes reduce your balance when ready, which lowers the interest you owe on that portion. However, new charges that post after your payment still appear on your next bill.
What if I pay online but the money does not show up right away?
Online payments typically post within one business day. If you pay on a weekend or holiday, it may take until the next business day. Check your account history to confirm the payment was received. If more than two business days have passed, contact Avant customer service.
Do I have to use the same payment method every month?
No. You can use a different method each month — online one month, automatic transfer the next, phone the month after. There is no requirement to stick with one method. Automatic payments are the only option that requires you to set it up once and keep it running.
What is the difference between the statement balance and the current balance?
Your statement balance is what you owed on the day your statement closed. Your current balance includes new charges since the statement closed. You can pay either amount, but paying the statement balance by the due date avoids interest on those charges.
Can I set up automatic payments for a custom amount?
Yes. Most cardholders set automatic payments to either the minimum payment or the full statement balance, but you can choose any amount between zero and your full balance. This is useful if you want to pay a fixed amount each month regardless of how much you charged.