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Every time you move to a new address, make sure you change your billing address with your credit card issuer. Why? Two reasons. An accurate credit card billing address helps ensure that important card-related mail, such as your monthly credit card statement, is sent to the right place. Keeping your billing address updated also helps protect you from potential identity theft.
So what is your billing address used for? And how can you change your credit card billing address? Let’s take a close look at how billing addresses work, including how to find the billing address of a credit card and how to change your billing address with several major credit card issuers.
What is a billing address?
What does “billing address” mean? A billing address is the address associated with your credit or debit card account. When you apply for a credit card online, for example, the address you include on your application will become your billing address.
A billing address looks just like a street address—it has a street number and name followed by a city, state and ZIP code. If you live in a specific apartment or unit, that information will be included in your billing address as well.
What is your billing address used for?
Your billing address is the address to which your monthly billing statement is sent—but there’s more to a billing address meaning than just that. Your billing address and your billing ZIP code both play key roles in helping to prevent identity theft.
Merchants often require you to include your billing ZIP code during the checkout process, especially if you are making an in-person purchase at a brick-and-mortar retailer. This adds an extra layer of protection to your transaction. There’s no billing ZIP code printed on your credit card—which means that if your card gets stolen, the thief will have a hard time using your credit card to make purchases.
The other way your billing address protects you is through the Address Verification System, also known as AVS. If you are making a purchase that requires you to enter a full billing address (not just a billing ZIP code), AVS will compare the billing address you entered with the billing address associated with your credit card. If the addresses do not match, the transaction will often be declined.
How to change your billing address
There are three easy ways to change your credit card billing address:
- Log into your online account and change the billing address associated with your profile.
- Call the number on the back of your credit card and request a billing address change.
- Write your new address on the back of the payment coupon that comes with your monthly billing statement and mail it back to your credit card issuer.
Here’s what to do if you’re currently asking yourself “what’s my billing address?” Check the billing address for your credit card by either looking at the address printed on your billing statement or log into your online banking account and review the billing address associated with your credit card.
If you have a bank account that includes a checking account, a credit card and a debit card, making a credit card address change might not automatically change the billing address on your debit card and checking account. Double-check every card and account associated with your bank or credit card issuer to ensure that all of the addresses are updated.
Here’s how to change your credit card billing address with several major credit card issuers:
How to change your billing address with American Express
To submit an American Express change address request, log into your American Express online account or call customer service at 1-800-528-4800. If you have multiple Amex cards and bank accounts, you’ll need to complete this process with every card or account. If you’re an additional cardholder and need to update your home address, contact an American Express Customer Care Professional. Only primary cardholders can make updates to all other addresses.
How to change your billing address with Bank of America
To change your billing address with Bank of America, log into your Bank of America online account or call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. You can also visit a Bank of America financial center to change your billing address in person.
Read in Detail: How Do I Change My Primary Email Address With Bank Of America
Read in Detail: Bank of America Change Address
How to change your billing address with Capital One
To change your billing address with Capital One, log into your Capital One online account, select your name/icon and then select “Profile” to access and edit your billing address. You can also call Capital One at 1-877-383-4802 for customer service support. If you have a Capital One branch account, contact the Capital One Bank customer service department by phone or by chat to update your billing address—or visit a Capital One branch in person.
How to change your billing address with Chase
To submit a Chase change billing address request, visit your Chase online account and select “Profile and Settings.” You can also contact Chase Customer Service at 1-800-935-9935.
How to change your billing address with Citi
To change your billing address with Citi, log into your Citi online account or call the number on the back of your credit card. If you need additional help, you can chat online with a Citi representative.
How to change your billing address with Discover
To change your billing address with Discover, log into the Discover Account Center and select “Account Profile” followed by “Update Your Personal Information.” You can also contact Discover Customer Service at 1-800-DISCOVER (1-800-347-2683).
How to change your billing address with U.S. Bank
To submit a U.S. Bank change address request, log into your U.S. Bank online banking account, open the menu bar, and select “Customer Service” followed by “My Profile.” If you are accessing your U.S. Bank online account from a mobile device, select “Menu” and then select “Edit Preferences” followed by “Update My Profile.” If you are using the U.S. Bank mobile app, select “Menu” and then select the gear icon. You can also call U.S. Bank customer service at 1-800-US-BANKS (1-800-872-2657).
How to change your billing address with Wells Fargo
To submit a Wells Fargo change address request, sign on to your Wells Fargo online account and select “Update Contact Information.” You can also contact Wells Fargo’s credit card account management customer service line at 1-800-642-4720.
Read in Detail: How to Change Billing Address with Wells Fargo
Four Ways to Change Your Billing Address
While moving can be hectic, changing your credit card billing address is a step you can’t afford to forget. Here are four ways you can easily update your billing address with your credit card issuer.
Write the new address on the back of your payment coupon
If you typically mail your monthly credit card payments, the back of the payment coupon will include a space for address changes. The front of the coupon will also include a box where you can indicate that you have address or phone number changes. Fill out the back of the payment coupon with your new address and make sure you check the change of address box on the front so the person processing your payment knows to check the back of the payment coupon for your updated information.
Call customer service
Calling your credit card issuer’s customer service number—the one on the back of your credit card—will ensure your address is changed quickly. You don’t have to wait for the payment to arrive in the mail. The downside is that you have to call each of your credit card issuers, if you only have one or two credit cards, this won’t take a long time. You can make a payment and update your billing address all on the same call to make it easier.
Make the address change online
If you’ve created an online account for your credit card, for example to check your balance and make your payment, you should be able to change your address there. Log in and look for a link to update your personal or account information. Just like calling in your change of address, you’ll have to take this step with each of your credit card issuers.
File a change of address with USPS
You can request an address change with the United States Postal Service, either online, by phone, or using a form from the post office. This step will forward all your mail, not just your credit card statements. If you file the change of address online or by phone (1-800-ASK-USPS), you’ll have to use a credit (or debit) card with the billing address from either your old or new address.
You’ll be charged $1 to allow the postal service to verify your identity. Mail is forwarded for up to one year (six months initially with the option to extend for an additional six months). You have to do this for every person who lives in the house. It may take a little longer to receive mail that’s processed via change of address.
Often, the postal service updates billers of your new address, so after a couple of months, you may notice your credit card issuers are sending mail to your new address rather than the old one.
Bottom line
If you recently changed your address, you need to change your credit card billing address as well. Keeping your credit card billing address updated will help ensure that important documents are sent to the correct mailing address—and since your credit card billing address is also used to protect your account and prevent identity theft, it’s a good idea to know how to check and change your billing address.