CREDIT CARD BILL PAYMENT: WHEN SHOULD YOU PAY YOUR CREDIT CARD BILL?

Paying your credit card bill on time is crucial to maintain a good credit score and avoid penalties. The due date on your credit card bill is an important deadline. You need to pay at least the minimum amount due by this date to avoid late fees and protect your credit score. Knowing this date and planning when to pay can help you manage your money better, avoid extra charges, and make the most of your credit card benefits.

Often many people pay their credit card bills on or before the due date, while others have no idea about the right time to pay their credit card dues. To end this confusion, let’s learn about the terms and the best practices for paying your credit card bill:

Your Credit Card Bill

This is the statement generated by your credit card issuer that lists all transactions made using the card during a specific billing cycle. It includes purchases, cash advances, fees, and interest charges, if any.

Due Date

This is the deadline by which you must pay at least the minimum amount due on your credit card bill to avoid late fees and penalties. It’s typically around 20-25 days from the statement date, but this can vary depending on the card issuer.

Also Read: Should you use a personal loan to pay off delayed credit card bills?

Right Time to Make Payment

It’s generally advisable to pay your credit card bill well before the due date. Aim to make the payment a few days in advance to ensure it reflects in your account on time. This gives you a buffer in case of any processing delays.

Paying After Due Date

If you miss the due date, you may incur late payment fees, which can vary across credit card issuers. Additionally, your credit score may be negatively impacted if late payments are reported to credit bureaus.

Paying Before Due Date

Paying your credit card bill before the due date is a good practice as it ensures timely payment and helps maintain a good credit history. However, paying too early (like immediately after making a purchase) won’t hurt your credit score but might not help it either in terms of building credit history.

Adhil Shetty, CEO, Bankbazaar.com, says, “Timely payments positively influence your credit score, reflecting responsible credit behaviour. A good credit score is vital for future loan approvals, favourable interest rates, and financial opportunities. Paying your bill on time allows you to avoid accruing interest on outstanding balances. This saves you money in the long run, as interest charges can accumulate quickly.”

Credit card billing cycles typically range from 30 to 45 days, and the due date is set accordingly. To avoid late fees and maintain a good credit score:

Monitor Your Spending: Keep track of your credit card transactions to know how much you owe.

Set Payment Reminders: Use apps or reminders to notify you of upcoming due dates.

Pay Online: Use your bank’s online banking portal or mobile app to make quick and timely payments.

Automate Payments: Set up automatic payments for at least the minimum amount due to avoid missing payments accidentally.

By paying your credit card bill on time and managing your credit responsibly, you can avoid unnecessary fees and maintain a healthy credit score.

2024-04-19T08:18:53Z dg43tfdfdgfd