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When several bills come due at once, your bank balance can drop fast. And if your cash flow is tight, it can push your account dangerously close to zero—or even trigger overdrafts. One way to avoid this trap is to spread your credit card due dates throughout the month.
You may be able to change your credit card due date by logging in to your online account or calling your credit card issuer. Here's what you should know before making the change.
Can You Change Your Credit Card Due Date?
Many credit card companies make it possible—and easy—to change your credit card due date. Often, it's as simple as logging in to your online account or calling the customer service number on the back of your card, though the process can vary by card issuer. Keep in mind, there may be limitations on how often you can change your due date, such as once every 90 days.
How to Change Your Credit Card Due Date
The process of changing your credit card due date can vary slightly based on your card issuer, but the general process is as follows:
1. Decide the Best Time to Make Your Payment
Before making any changes to your credit card due date, review your budget and bank statements to find out the best time to make your payment.
Example: Say you have your rent payment, utilities and your credit card payment due during the first half of the month. To avoid such a concentrated strain on your budget, you might decide to move your credit card due date to the second half of the month. That way, if you're paid bimonthly, you won't have to cover all of your bills with a single paycheck.
2. Contact the Credit Card Company
Next, you'll contact your credit card company. You may be able to request a date change within your online account. Otherwise, you can call the number on the back of your card to get in touch with customer service.
3. Select Your Payment Date
Pick a specific recurring date for your new credit card payment. Usually, you can pick between the 1st and the 28th, though some dates might be restricted. Put this new date in your calendar so you remember when your bill will be due moving forward, but keep in mind it may not take effect for a couple of months.
When Does the New Due Date Take Effect?
It might take a billing cycle or two for your new due date to take effect, so pay close attention to your account. You will want to continue making at least minimum payments on your current due date until the change is made—otherwise, you could incur late fees. If you aren't already enrolled in autopay, doing so can ensure your bills are paid on time regardless of when the new due date takes effect.
Because it can take a couple of months for your due date to change, doing so won't help you if you're struggling to pay this month's bill. If you're in this position, call your credit card company and see what they can do to help. For example, they may be able to waive a late fee or offer a credit card hardship plan.
Learn more: What to Do if You Miss a Payment
How Often Can You Change Your Credit Card Due Date?
There may be limits to how often you can change your credit card due date, but it depends on the issuer. For example, some credit card companies only let you change your due date once every 90 days.
There may be other restrictions on changing your due date; for instance, your account may need to be in good standing.
Check with your credit card issuer to see if there are any restrictions on changing your credit card due date.
What to Do if You Can't Change Your Due Date
If you're unable to change your credit card due date, there are a few other ways to alleviate your cash flow issues:
- Review your budget. If money is generally tight, review your budget to see if there are any expenses you can cut or reduce, such as monthly subscriptions or dinners out. You might even explore ways to lower your bills, such as saving on car insurance or cable. Doing so will give your bank account a little cushion—perhaps enough to pay off any existing credit card debt.
- Change other bills' due dates. Other bills, such as personal loan payments or utility bills, may also have flexible due dates. If you're unable to move your credit card due date but want to spread out payments, contact your creditors and utility companies to see if they'll accommodate a change.
- Pay your credit card bill early (or make an extra payment). Regardless of when your credit card due date is, you can always make an early payment. Though it won't be as simple as setting up autopay, this strategy could even out your cash flow during particularly tight months.
- Consider a balance transfer card. If you have a credit card balance that's growing due to sky-high interest, consider transferring your balance to a new card with an introductory 0% annual percentage rate (APR). This could help you lower your monthly bill while you pay down your balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Are Credit Card Payments Due?
Your credit card payment is due on the same date every month, though you may have the option to change it. When your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, you have until the cutoff time on the following business day to make your payment—otherwise, it's considered late. If you're not sure what your payment due date is, you can find it on your monthly credit card bill.
Learn more: How to Read a Credit Card Statement
Should I Pay My Credit Card Before the Due Date?
Though not necessary for avoiding late payments, you can pay your credit card before the due date—and it may even offer some benefits. If you carry a balance month to month, paying early can reduce the amount of interest you owe because you'll be charged interest on a smaller balance. Making early payments can also reduce your credit utilization, which may boost your credit score.
Will Changing My Credit Card Due Date Affect My Credit Score?
Changing your credit card due date usually won't affect your credit score. But doing so can take a month or two to take effect, so be sure to pay by your original due date in the meantime. Failing to do so can result in late payments, which can negatively affect your credit scores.
The Bottom Line
If your cash flow and current bill due dates are making it tough to stay afloat, consider changing your credit card due date. Usually, you can do this by logging in to your online account or contacting customer service.
While you're taking a close look at your accounts and due dates, you might as well check your credit scores too. You can find out where your credit stands—and get tips for how to improve it—from Experian.