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Bottom Line Up Front

  • Use a repayment strategy to manage your monthly credit card payments, such as autopay or automatic payments.
  • Aim to pay more than the minimum balance each month and choose a due date that coincides with your payday. 

Time to Read

5 minutes

May 2, 2022

Credit cards can be a convenient way to pay and track your spending habits. You can purchase whatever you need with just a tap or a swipe. And, if you’re hit with a large, unexpected expense, paying with a credit card can allow you to spread out repayments. The key part of successfully managing your credit card and not maxing out your credit limit is your repayment strategy. Follow these tips to manage your credit card’s monthly payments with ease. 

Schedule Your Payments

Paying your credit card on time every month feels great, has a positive effect on your credit score and saves you from paying late fees. Most banks and credit unions have payment methods that will allow cardholders to set up automatic recurring payments through autopay. That means you can set up your account to automatically pay the same amount at the same time each month and avoid late payments.

Pay More Than the Minimum

You can save on high interest rates by paying off your whole credit card balance each month. But what if you’re unable to pay the whole balance?

If you need to spread out your payments on your credit card account, the next best option is to pay more than the minimum payment shown on your statement each month. The more you pay each month, the faster you’ll reduce your credit card debt and the less interest you’ll pay. Not paying the minimum amount can be detrimental to your credit report and credit history and is not the way to go about building credit.

Change Your Due Date

You probably find it easier to pay your credit card bill on time if the due date falls just after you get paid. 

Most credit card issuers will allow you to switch your regular due date to a more convenient time in the month. We suggest setting your due date to a day or two after your payday. That way, you’ll be more likely to avoid late fees and extra interest charges. 

Consider Staggering When You Pay Your Bills

Your credit card bill likely isn’t your only financial obligation. Other bills like housing payments, insurance, phone, streaming services and other expenses are also due on a regular schedule, and if not paid on time can have a snowball effect. Some people like to pay everything at the same time so they only need to remember to pay bills once a month, while others find that staggering payments means their bank account doesn’t take a big hit all at once. The important thing is to time payments to a schedule that makes it easiest on your budget.

Next Steps Next Steps

  1. Find the best credit card to suit your lifestyle and discover ways to manage your credit card usage wisely.
  2. Navy Federal Credit Union has a wealth of resources to help you successfully manage your credit card, from automatic payments to freezing or unfreezing your card. 
  3. If you’re looking for ways to improve your personal finances, contact a Navy Federal personal finance counselor to answer your questions and help you get started on your path to savings. 

Disclosures

This content is intended to provide general information and shouldn't be considered legal, tax or financial advice. It's always a good idea to consult a tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to your situation and about your individual financial situation.