What does statement balance mean on credit card?

Introduction

Statement balance is a term commonly used in the context of credit cards. It refers to the total amount of outstanding charges on a credit card account at the end of a billing cycle. Understanding statement balance is essential for credit cardholders to manage their finances effectively and avoid unnecessary fees and interest charges. In this article, we will dive deeper into what statement balance means on a credit card and its significance in managing personal finances.

What is Statement Balance?

The statement balance on a credit card is the total amount of charges incurred by the cardholder during a billing cycle. It includes purchases, cash advances, balance transfers, and any applicable fees or interest charges. The statement balance is typically shown on the monthly credit card statement sent by the card issuer.

Importance of Paying the Statement Balance in Full: It is crucial to pay the statement balance in full by the due date to avoid interest charges. When the statement balance is paid in full, no interest is accrued on the outstanding balance. This means that the cardholder effectively uses the credit card as a short-term interest-free loan.

Minimum Payment vs. Statement Balance

Minimum Payment: The minimum payment is the minimum amount that the cardholder must pay by the due date to keep the account in good standing. It is usually a small percentage of the statement balance, typically around 2-3%. While paying the minimum payment avoids late fees and negative credit reporting, it is important to note that carrying a balance beyond the statement balance will result in interest charges.

Statement Balance: The statement balance, as mentioned earlier, is the total amount due on the credit card at the end of a billing cycle. Paying the statement balance in full by the due date ensures that no interest charges are incurred. This is the best practice to avoid unnecessary interest expenses and maintain good financial health.

How Statement Balance Affects Credit Score

The statement balance plays a significant role in determining the credit utilization ratio, which is an important factor in calculating credit scores. The credit utilization ratio is the percentage of available credit that a cardholder is using. It is calculated by dividing the statement balance by the credit limit.

Lower Credit Utilization Ratio: Keeping the statement balance low in comparison to the credit limit can positively impact the credit score. A lower credit utilization ratio indicates responsible credit card usage and financial management, which is viewed favorably by credit reporting agencies.

Higher Credit Utilization Ratio: Conversely, a higher credit utilization ratio, resulting from a high statement balance, can negatively impact the credit score. It may suggest a higher risk of default or over-reliance on credit, which can be perceived as a negative financial behavior.

Conclusion

Understanding what statement balance means on a credit card is crucial for effective financial management. By paying the statement balance in full and on time, cardholders can avoid interest charges and maintain a good credit score. It is important to carefully review credit card statements and plan expenses accordingly to keep the statement balance within manageable limits.

References

– bankrate.com
– creditkarma.com
– nerdwallet.com