What is the outstanding balance owed on a debt?
Rachel Davis
Updated on January 27, 2026
Outstanding balance, also known as current balance, refers to the total unpaid amount on your credit card. This includes purchases, balance transfers, cash advance, interest charges and fees. Here’s how it differs from other balances on your credit card statement.
When should I pay my outstanding balance?
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.
What does it mean when it says outstanding balance?
Outstanding balance definition An outstanding balance is the amount you owe on any debt that charges interest, like a credit card. Most often, it refers to the amount you owe from purchases and other transactions made with your credit card. It’s also called your current balance. Purchases. Cash advances.
What does it mean when a balance is outstanding?
An outstanding balance is the amount you owe on any debt that charges interest, like a credit card. Most often, it refers to the amount you owe from purchases and other transactions made with your credit card.
How is the outstanding balance of a loan calculated?
Outstanding Debt Debt that has not yet been repaid in full. For example, if one borrows $10,000 and has paid back $2,000, the outstanding debt is $8,000. In general, interest is calculated over the outstanding debt rather than the original amount borrowed.
How does outstanding debt work in a business?
Definition of Outstanding Debt. When a business or individual borrows money, the amount borrowed is termed the principal balance. Borrowing can take several forms, including bank loans or bonds sold to investors. As the borrowed money is repaid, the principle balance decreases. At any point in time, the outstanding debt consists…
Which is an example of an outstanding balance?
Debt that has not yet been repaid in full. For example, if one borrows $10,000 and has paid back $2,000, the outstanding debt is $8,000. In general, interest is calculated over the outstanding debt rather than the original amount borrowed. Farlex Financial Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All Rights Reserved
When to send a payment request for an outstanding balance?
A request for payment of an outstanding balance is generally sent to a company whose account balance is overdue. The letter reminds the debtor of the amount of their financial responsibility, the date the balance must be paid, and the consequences of not paying by the appointed date, such as interest accrued.