Update: I figured out how to pay with CC and still get the auto pay discount.
Here is how I do it.
I set up auto pay with bank account. Set the date the latest possible. Next statement closes, "I turn OFF auto pay" I pay manually with CC , and immediately turn auto pay back ON. Been working for me for a few months with no issue.
If I didn't turn Off auto pay by the time I paid with CC they ended up clawing back the discount.