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When several bills are due around the same time each month, it can be challenging to juggle your cash flow and bill payments. Moving credit card due dates to other parts of the month could make it easier to pay your bills. You may be able to change your credit card due date by going to your account online or calling your card issuer. Read on to learn how changing your credit card due date works and what to consider when making the change.
3 Steps to Changing Your Credit Card Due Date
The process for how to change your credit card due date can vary depending on the credit card issuer. Typically, the steps include the following:
- Decide the best time to make your payment. Review your budget to pinpoint the most convenient time to pay based on your cash flow. For example, if most of your paycheck at the beginning of the month goes to rent, utilities and cable, pushing your credit card due date to the second half of the month could make that bill easier to manage.
- Contact the credit card company. Some credit card issuers let you make the due date change request right in your online account. In other instances, you'll need to call the number on the back of the card or use the online chatbox to talk to an agent.
- Choose your payment date. Some dates may be restricted, but generally, you can choose a payment date between the 1st and 28th.
When Does the New Due Date Take Effect?
It could take one or more billing cycles for the due date change to go into effect. Be sure to pay according to your old due date until this occurs; otherwise, you could get hit with late fees.
Because the due date adjustment doesn't happen overnight, moving the date will not be a quick-fix solution if you can't pay your bill on time this month. Instead, contact your credit card company to explain the situation and ask for other payment relief options when cash is tight.
Some credit card hardship plans may lower your rate or pause your payments temporarily while you get back on your feet. This could keep your account in good standing and help you avoid having late payments on your credit report. But note that a payment arrangement could impact your credit report and score if it's reported to the bureaus as a special accommodation.
How Often Can You Change Your Credit Card Due Date?
The card company may limit you to one due date change every 90 days. And keep in mind you might need to meet other eligibility requirements to take advantage of this credit card perk. For example, an account that's 30 days late or in default may not be eligible for a due date change. Contact your credit card company for details on terms and conditions.
Options if You Can't Change Your Payment Date
If you can't change your card's due date, consider revisiting your budget to see if you can reduce other expenses to prioritize paying off your credit card. For example, you might cut back on digital subscriptions or monthly gym memberships, or even look into lowering your auto insurance rates. Another option could be changing due dates for other monthly bills to make room for your credit card payments.
If having a high interest rate is causing sky-high payments, transferring your balance to a new card with an introductory 0% APR could help you save money while you pay down your balance. Experian CreditMatchTM can help you compare personalized offers on balance transfer cards without causing a hard credit inquiry. While exploring your options, you might even find a credit card that offers greater payment flexibility that could be a better fit for your wallet.