At a Glance

Most credit cards will come with a preset payment due date when you open them. But what if that date doesn’t align with when you get paid, is there anything you can do? It turns out there is! Not only can you adjust your payment due date for a credit card, but it’s probably easier than you expect. Here’s how to do it, plus a few considerations before picking a new due date.

In this article, you’ll learn:

Can I change my credit card due date?

Yes, you can change your credit card due date. Most credit card issuers allow cardholders to request a different payment due date that aligns better with their financial situation. However, each issuer has its policies and procedures for which dates you can pick from and how often you can update your payment deadline. Check your cardholder agreement or reach out to your issuer’s customer service department for details.

Steps to change a credit card due date

1. Decide the right time to make payment

The time of month you decide to change your payment due date should align with when you typically receive your income. This will help ensure you have sufficient funds to make your credit card payment on time. However, don’t choose a date that’s the same day or one day after your typical payday, as holidays and weekends can sometimes delay things and cause you to miss a payment deadline. Giving yourself a few days (usually 3-5) buffer is a good idea.

You should also consider the due dates of your other bills and expenses. Coordinating your credit card due date with other major payment dates can help you manage your finances more efficiently.

2. Contact credit card company

You can find their contact information on the back of your credit card or the issuer’s website. Once you’re connected with a customer service representative, explain that you would like to change your credit card’s payment due date. They will guide you through the process and let you know if any specific requirements or restrictions apply. The representative may ask for some personal information to verify your identity and account details. Be prepared to provide your credit card number, account information, and any other relevant information they may require.

3. Choose payment date

Depending on the issuer, you may have the option to choose your preferred due date or be given a few date options to select from. Most issuers won’t accept a date later than the 28th to account for how short February is. Consider your financial situation, pay schedule, and other factors influencing your decision. Once you’ve selected a new due date, confirm with the representative that the change has been successfully processed. They may provide you with a confirmation number or email for reference.

Reasons to change credit card due date

1. Flexibility in budgeting your credit financing

One of the main reasons to change your credit card due date is to have more flexibility in budgeting your credit financing, especially if you try not to carry a balance over every month. This can help you avoid late fees and interest charges.

2. Have it better align with your payday

Having your credit card due date aligned with your payday can make it easier to manage your finances. It ensures you have the funds to pay your debts on time and reduces the risk of missing the due date. This can also help you avoid late fees and potential damage to your credit score.

3. To ensure you never miss a payment deadline

Many cardholders like to set up a payment deadline that’s one they’re used to paying bills on, ensuring they keep up the habit of getting everything paid on time. For example, if you’re used to paying all of your cards on the 25th, it makes sense to update any new card’s payment deadline to the 25th instead of a day you’re not used to paying bills. It helps reinforce the routine of paying off debt while making sure you never forget a deadline.

4. It can help you save more money

Consider the days your checking or savings accounts receive their interest payments. For some, moving their payment due dates to a time after their interest posts makes sense, ensuring they get a little extra money from compound interest before having to withdraw funds to pay their bills.

When is the right time to change your credit card due date?

The “right time” to change your credit card due date varies for everyone as it depends heavily on your financial situation and preferences. To effectively manage credit card payments, it is important to choose a due date that aligns with your income schedule while still allowing for a buffer period just in case holidays or weekends cause your direct deposit to hit later than expected. It’s also a good idea to align your due date to coordinate with other bill due dates, ensuring you never miss a deadline.

How long does it take for an updated credit card due date to take effect?

The time it takes for an updated credit card due date to take effect can vary depending on the credit card issuer. Some issuers may make the change immediately, while others may require a billing cycle or two before the new due date is reflected on your statement. It is always best to confirm with your credit card company to get an accurate timeline for when the change will take effect.

How often can you change your credit card due date?

The frequency at which you can change your credit card due date depends on the policies of your specific credit card issuer. Some issuers may allow you to change your due date once per billing cycle, while others may have more restrictions. It is best to contact your credit card company directly to inquire about their specific policies regarding changing due dates.

Other options if you cannot change your payment date

If you are unable to change your credit card’s payment due date, there are a few other options you can consider:

  1. Set up automatic payments: Many credit card issuers offer the option to set up automatic payments, where your payment is automatically deducted from your bank account on a specific date each month. This can help ensure your payment is always made on time, even if the due date doesn’t align with your payday.
  2. Adjust your budget: If changing your payment due date is not possible, you may need to adjust your budget to ensure that you have enough funds available to make your credit card payment on time. This may involve reallocating funds from other expenses or finding ways to increase your income.
  3. Make multiple payments: If your credit card issuer allows it, you can make multiple payments throughout the month to help manage your credit card balance. For example, you could pay immediately after receiving your paycheck and another closer to the due date to ensure the full balance is paid on time.
  4. Contact your credit card issuer: If you need help with the above options, it may be worth contacting your credit card issuer to discuss your situation. They can offer alternative solutions or guide you in managing your payments effectively.

FAQs

The specific day you should change your credit card due date depends on your financial situation and preferences. Choosing a due date that aligns with your income schedule and allows for a buffer period in case of any delays is crucial. Additionally, consider aligning your credit card due date with other bill due dates to help you stay organized and avoid missing any deadlines.

Changing your credit card due date does not directly affect your credit score. However, it can indirectly impact your credit score if it helps you manage your payments more effectively and avoid late fees. Late payments can negatively impact your credit score, so by aligning your due date with your income schedule and ensuring you have enough time to make your payments, you’ll reduce the risk of late payments and maintain a positive credit history.

To change your credit card billing cycle, you will need to contact your credit card issuer directly. Here are the steps you can take:

  • Call the customer service number on the back of your credit card or visit your credit card issuer’s website and explain that you want to change your billing cycle.
  • Provide any necessary information, such as your account number or personal details, to verify your identity.
  • Ask the representative to guide you through changing your billing cycle. They may be able to do it over the phone or direct you to follow a few steps, including filling out a form or providing additional documentation.
  • Confirm with the representative when the change will take effect and if any adjustments need to be made to your payment due dates.

It’s important to note that not all credit card issuers may allow you to change your billing cycle, so it’s best to contact your specific credit card company to inquire about their policies and procedures.

It’s always better to pay your credit card as early as possible to ensure your payment is processed on time. Credit card issuers are typically pretty good with getting electronic payments to post the same day you initiate the payment, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when protecting your finances and credit score.