Is the amount that must be paid each month on a credit card bill?
Daniel Santos
Updated on February 13, 2026
The minimum payment is the smallest amount of money that you have to pay each month to keep your account in good standing. The statement balance is the total balance on your account for that billing cycle.
What is the least amount that must be paid on a credit card each month?
The minimum payment on a credit card is the lowest amount of money the cardholder can pay each month to keep their account status “current” rather than “late.” A minimum payment is often $20 to $25 or a share of 1% to 3% of the card balance, whichever is greater.
What is recommended when paying a credit card bill?
In general, we recommend paying your credit card balance in full every month. When you pay off your card completely with each billing cycle, you never get charged interest. That said, it you do have to carry a balance from month to month, paying early can reduce your interest cost.
Do you have to pay your credit card balance in full each month?
You do not need to carry a credit card balance from one month to another in order to get credit for your good payment history. Ideally, you should pay the balance in full each month to avoid paying interest and accumulating debt. The credit card balance that shows on your credit report is typically the balance reflected on your billing statement.
How often does a credit card issuer send a billing statement?
What Is a Credit Card Billing Statement? A billing statement is a periodic statement that lists all the purchases, payments and other debits and credits made to your credit card account within the billing cycle. Your credit card issuer sends your billing statement about once a month.
What happens when you pay the minimum amount on a credit card?
Paying the minimum amount due on your credit card on or before the due date saves you only from paying the late payment fee. The interest will be charged on rest of the due amount as per the interest rate applicable till the time the due is paid back in full.
How to know when to pay your credit card bill?
1 Keep a budget and track your spending. 2 Sign up for text or email alerts from your issuer to keep tabs on your balance and your billing due date. 3 Call your issuer to move your bill’s due date if it doesn’t coincide with your pay schedule. 4 Review your statement carefully every month. …