We all know the drill: make that minimum payment on our credit card bill by the due date. Sounds simple, right? But what if we told you there's a bit more magic to be found in the timing? Let's dive into the perks of being a tad proactive with those payments.
Pro Tip #1: Boost Your Credit Score with Timely Payments
Your credit utilization ratio – the percentage of your credit limit you're using – plays a starring role in your credit score. Imagine you've got a credit card with a $10,000 limit and you owe $1,500. That's a 15% utilization ratio. Keeping it low is the key. But here's the twist: the timing of your payments can influence what gets reported to the credit bureaus. By paying a bit earlier, especially when your utilization is nearing 30%, you ensure the reported balance is in your favor, giving your score a friendly nudge.
Pro Tip #2: Early Payments = Less Interest
Paying off your full balance monthly is the dream. It keeps your spending in check and saves you from interest. But if you can't clear the full amount, paying earlier can still trim down your interest. Remember, interest is based on your average daily balance. And if your due date doesn't vibe with your schedule? A quick call to your credit card company can usually shift it to a date that's more in tune with your rhythm.
Sometimes your account balance and your statement balance don't always match. Be sure to check the balance on your monthly statement so you don't overpay for the same benefit
needs Kasheesh
