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Credit card question - statement v. current balance

Posted on 5/13/13 at 11:58 am
Posted by Dav
Dhan
Member since Feb 2010
8157 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 11:58 am
I just got issued my first credit card about 2 months ago. Wanted to start building good credit. Some confusing things though in terms of the statement v. current balance. My due date for the card is wednesday, May 15th. My statement balance is $65.56 while my current balance is $475.70. Which do I pay to avoid interest payments? I can afford to pay the current balance but was wondering if it was necessary.

Also could I pay the bill now? Or should I wait till the due date of the 15th?
Posted by Nawlens Gator
louisiana
Member since Sep 2005
5961 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 12:09 pm to

The lower number is the minimum and you will leave a balance owed plus interest if paid. The larger is the total owed. I pay the total owed every month plus some = zero interest.

Posted by Dead Mike
Cell Block 4
Member since Mar 2010
4065 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 12:10 pm to
The statement balance is what you need to pay off entirely before the date the minimum payment is due.
Posted by Croacka
Denham Springs
Member since Dec 2008
61451 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 12:11 pm to
No, the first number is your statement balance for the first billing period

Your current balance, which you are probably seeing online also contains your charges since the last closing date. That difference won't collect interest until the next period so no need to pay it off, but no harm if you do.

Eta: your bill should have 2 numbers: minimum due and balance


The other number I'm referring to shouldn't be on your bill but shows up on your account online
This post was edited on 5/13/13 at 12:13 pm
Posted by AUtigerNOLA
New Orleans, LA
Member since Apr 2011
17296 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 12:12 pm to
You pay the statement balance of $65 to avoid any charges. You dont have to pay the whole current balance. The additional balance leftover will be on the next statement.
Posted by Nawlens Gator
louisiana
Member since Sep 2005
5961 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 12:57 pm to

quote:

The additional balance leftover will be on the next statement


Plus interest. Pay off the larger number to avoid it.



Posted by AUtigerNOLA
New Orleans, LA
Member since Apr 2011
17296 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 1:10 pm to
You dont incur interest if you pay the statement balance. You incur interest if you pay the minimum amount( which is usally around $25 dollars or so). I always pay the statement balance. Maybe other credit cards are different but mine operates this way.
Posted by Crompdaddy8
Jimmy Rustler
Member since Nov 2009
10569 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 1:15 pm to
pay STATEMENT BALANCE each month and you won't pay any interest.

Posted by Teddy Ruxpin
Member since Oct 2006
40892 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 1:28 pm to
quote:

You dont incur interest if you pay the statement balance. You incur interest if you pay the minimum amount( which is usally around $25 dollars or so). I always pay the statement balance. Maybe other credit cards are different but mine operates this way.


Every card operates this way. Gator is just incorrect.
Posted by Dav
Dhan
Member since Feb 2010
8157 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 2:08 pm to
So by paying the statement balance I won't accrue interest. Good deal.
Posted by BACONisMEATcandy
Member since Dec 2007
46739 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 2:27 pm to
quote:

Gator is just incorrect.
Posted by Mr.Perfect
Louisiana
Member since Mar 2013
17612 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 2:55 pm to
quote:

I pay the total owed every month plus some = zero interest.



huh?

i think you are confused. are you paying them extra? either you are overpaying them or you are paying the total balance due. interest would not be a factor either way.
Posted by Catman88
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since Dec 2004
49125 posts
Posted on 5/14/13 at 10:04 am to
You are not correct on this subject. You do not accrue interest until after the # of days specified in the terms.
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