However, I use all payee websites to make payments and have no problems with doing so. I would consider your run-in with Amex an outlier (Amex seems to be having trouble everywhere these days). Also, as you were able to do – it’s vastly easier to talk to someone in customer service from you creditor and tell them you used their website and to get refunds, credits, etc. taken care of in the event of a failure to credit the account. As for paying through your bank, I’m not a big fan. I only use my banking website to send check to those creditors where I cannot pay via their website. When the bank doesn’t mail a check or recently for me sent a check to Connecticut Power and Light instead of one of my loan providers, it becomes a real hassle.

My advice – stick with the payment on the creditors website, its great insurance against payments not being applied and you getting hosed.