How to Make Payments Over the Internet Without Credit Cards

There are options other than credit cards for making payments online.

Credit cards are popular and effective tools for making purchases and paying bills online. Making payments online with a credit card provides consumers fraud security, protection from being overcharged and extra time before the bill actually comes due. However, if you do not have or do not wish to use a charge card online there are options available to you to make payments over the Internet without credit cards.

Things You'll Need

• Bank account
• Debit card

Instructions

1. Pay with a debit card. Debit cards work similarly to credit cards and are accepted as universally as charge cards. You enter the account number, expiration date and security code from the card and the money is debited from your bank account, almost immediately. If you do not have a debit card call your bank and ask if they offer a debit card for your type of account.

2. Pay with an electronic check. E-checks work exactly the same as writing a paper check, without the paper. You enter your checking account number and your banks nine digit routing number, both found on the bottom of your checks. The bank then debits the money from your checking account, just as if you used a debit card. Some websites may also ask you for identification, such as driver license number, when paying with an electronic check.

3. Set up an Automatic Clearing House payment. The Automated Clearing House is an electronic network created for U.S. financial transactions. You can link your bank account to many companies that you make regular payments to, such as your telephone or utility company. Like an e-check, to setup an ACH you enter your account number and the bank's routing number. Establishing an ACH link requires some type of verification process, such as having the company make "micro deposits," of a few cents, to your account. You then verify the deposits amounts, to prove you own the account, and the deposits are then reversed. Because of the verification process establishing an ACH payment link may takes a few days. Not all website offer the ACH option.

Tips & Warnings

• You also have the option of buying "prepaid" gift debit cards, at your bank or local retailers. Prepaid gift cards work identically to a debit card linked to your bank account, but have a preset spending limit. However, there are usually a purchase fees associated with prepaid debit cards.

• Check with your bank to see what protections they offer for transactions before using your debit card or e-checks online.

References

• JPMorgan Chase Bank: ACH Payments
• Creditcards.com: Online Payment of Bills With Credit Cards