The fastest way to pay your RBC credit card bill

You can pay your RBC credit card bill online through RBC Online Banking, by phone, by mail, or in person at an RBC branch. Most people use online banking because it takes about two minutes and you can schedule payments in advance. If you do not have online banking set up yet, you can register at RBC.com or call RBC at 1-800-769-2511.

The payment deadline is shown on your statement — usually 21 days after the statement date. Paying by the due date avoids interest charges on your balance. If you miss the deadline, RBC charges interest on any unpaid balance starting immediately, even if you pay a few days late.

Key Takeaways

  • RBC Online Banking is the fastest payment method and lets you pay in minutes from your computer or phone.
  • Your payment due date appears on your statement, and paying after that date triggers interest charges on your full balance.
  • You can set up automatic payments through online banking so your bill pays itself on a date you choose each month.
  • Payments made online or by phone usually post to your account within one business day.
  • If you cannot access online banking, you can pay by phone, mail, or at any RBC branch without extra fees.

Paying through RBC Online Banking

Log in to RBC Online Banking with your username and password. Click on your credit card account, then select "Make a Payment" or "Pay Bill". Enter the amount you want to pay — you can pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or any amount in between. Choose the payment date (today or a future date up to 30 days ahead), then confirm and submit.

The payment posts to your account within one business day if you submit it before 4 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day. If you submit after 4 p.m. or on a weekend, it posts the next business day. You will see a confirmation number on screen — write it down or take a screenshot in case you need to reference it later.

To set up automatic payments, go to "Manage Payments" in online banking and choose "Recurring Payment". Select your credit card, the amount (minimum payment, full balance, or a fixed amount), and the day of the month you want it to pay. RBC will deduct that amount from your chequing account automatically on that date each month.

Paying by phone

Call RBC at 1-800-769-2511 and select the option for credit card payments. Have your credit card number and the account you want to pay from ready. A representative will confirm the amount, the payment date, and the account to debit. The payment posts within one business day.

You can also use RBC's automated phone system to make a payment without speaking to a representative. Call the same number and follow the prompts to enter your card number and payment details. This option is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Paying by mail or in person

To pay by mail, write a cheque payable to "Royal Bank of Canada" and include your credit card number on the cheque. Mail it to the address shown on your statement under "Payment Address" — this address is different from your mailing address. Mail payments typically take 5 to 10 business days to post, so send your cheque early if your due date is coming up.

You can also walk into any RBC branch and pay your credit card bill in cash or by debit card at the teller. Bring your credit card or account number so the teller knows which account to credit. This payment posts immediately.

What happens if you miss the due date

If you do not pay by the due date shown on your statement, RBC charges interest on your entire balance at the rate listed in your cardholder agreement — typically between 19% and 22% annually, depending on the card. Interest accrues daily starting the day after the due date, even if you pay a few days late.

A late payment also appears on your credit report and can lower your credit score. If you are more than 30 days late, RBC may report it to credit bureaus. If you realize you will miss the due date, contact RBC before the deadline to discuss your options — some cardholders can request a one-time extension or a payment arrangement.

Setting up a payment plan if you cannot pay the full balance

If you cannot pay your full balance by the due date, you have two options: pay the minimum amount shown on your statement to avoid a late fee, or contact RBC to discuss a payment plan. The minimum payment is usually 2% to 3% of your balance, but paying only the minimum means you will pay interest on the rest.

RBC does not automatically offer payment plans for credit cards the way they do for loans, but you can call 1-800-769-2511 and ask about hardship options if you are struggling. Representatives can sometimes arrange a reduced payment schedule or temporarily lower your interest rate if you explain your situation.

Avoiding common payment mistakes

Do not assume your payment is due on the same day each month — the due date changes slightly because statements are issued on different dates. Check your statement every month to see the exact due date. Do not mail a cheque and assume it will arrive by the due date; mail payments take 5 to 10 days, so send it at least two weeks early.

Do not pay only the minimum if you want to avoid interest. The minimum payment covers interest and a small portion of principal, so your balance shrinks very slowly. If you pay the full statement balance by the due date, you pay no interest at all. Do not ignore a late payment notice — contact RBC immediately if you receive one, because the longer you wait, the more damage it does to your credit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my RBC credit card bill from another bank?

Yes. You can set up a bill payment through your own bank's online banking or by phone, and your bank will send the payment to RBC. This typically takes 3 to 5 business days to post. Make sure you enter RBC's payment address correctly so the payment reaches the right account. Your own bank can provide RBC's payment details if you ask.

What is the difference between the statement balance and the current balance?

The statement balance is what you owed on the date your statement was printed — usually 21 days before the due date. The current balance includes charges you have made since the statement date. If you pay only the statement balance by the due date, you avoid interest on those charges. Any new charges after the statement date will appear on next month's statement.

Do I have to pay the full balance to avoid interest?

Yes. RBC charges interest on any balance you carry past the due date, even if you pay most of it. The only way to avoid interest is to pay the full statement balance by the due date. If you cannot do that, you will owe interest on whatever amount remains unpaid.

How long does it take for a payment to show up?

Online and phone payments post within one business day if submitted before 4 p.m. Eastern Time on a weekday. In-person payments at a branch post immediately. Mail payments take 5 to 10 business days. Always submit payments well before your due date to account for processing time.

What should I do if I made a payment but it did not post?

Check your confirmation number and the account the payment was deducted from. Log into online banking to see if the payment appears as "pending". If it has been more than one business day and the payment still does not show, call RBC at 1-800-769-2511 with your confirmation number. A representative can trace the payment and confirm where it went.