One Credit Card Tip That Nobody Tells You

When people talk about smart credit card habits, you usually hear the same advice: pay your bill on time, don't carry a balance, and don't max out your card.

But there's one tip that most people don't mention, and it could make your life easier: You can probably choose your own credit card due date.

Many card issuers will let you change your payment due date with just a few clicks online or a quick phone call. Here's why you may want to try it.

How changing your credit card due date can help

If you have to pay a lot of bills every month (like most of us), it can be easy to lose track of your due dates. That can lead to late fees or damage to your credit score.

If you have trouble juggling your payments, see if you can move your credit card due date to the same day you pay other bills, like your rent or mortgage payment.

On the other hand, you may want to spread out your bill payments so you don't have to pay too much at once. You could also move your credit card due date to a few days after your payday to make sure you have enough cash on hand. (You want a buffer in case you're paid later than usual due to a weekend, a holiday, or a clerical snafu.)

This small change can help you avoid missed payments and make budgeting less stressful.

How to change your due date

Changing your payment date is usually pretty easy. Log into your credit card account, go to the settings or payments section, and look for an option to update your due date. If you don't see it, call your card's customer service line and ask.

Some issuers are more flexible than others. You may only be able to change your due date a few times a year, for example. And you may not be able to change your due date if your account is not in good standing (e.g., you've missed payments or maxed out your card).

Changing your due date is not a quick fix

If your card issuer approves your new due date, then it won't change for another billing cycle or two. You can't put off your next credit card payment by requesting a new due date.

If you're falling behind on credit card payments, you'll need to do more than change your due date.

One option is to move your balance to a card with a lower interest rate. Balance transfer credit cards offer 0% APR for an introductory period -- typically 12 to 21 months. That means you could have a year or more to pay off your debt with no interest.

Balance transfer cards are usually only an option for people with good credit, and they also charge a fee to move your balance. But if you qualify, they can save you a lot of money.

Want to see which cards are offering the longest 0% APR periods? Check out our top balance transfer cards here.

The best time to pay your credit card bill is now

Setting your own due date can make it easier to pay your credit card bill on time and in full. But there's an even better option: paying off your credit card weekly or even daily.

If you keep your credit card balance at or near zero at all times, you're at very little risk of racking up high-interest debt or missing a payment. It's the best way to protect your finances and your credit score.

Of course, that's not the most convenient -- and for some people, it's not doable. So here's the next best option: Set a due date that works for you, then set up autopayment for that day. You can schedule payments for days when you know you'll have the funds in your account, and you won't ever have to worry about forgetting your due date.