Having Trouble Remembering to Pay Your Credit Card Bill? These Free Credit Card Account Features Can Help

Your credit card issuer likely offers free tools that help you stay on track with your payments.

Late credit card bill payments can impact your wallet and credit. You'll likely be charged a late fee when you miss or make a late payment. If you continue to put off paying your credit card bill, it could result in a negative mark on your credit report -- which could lower your credit score. When you have a lot going on in your life, it can be easy to forget. But you can stay on track with your credit card payments using free resources from your credit card issuer.

These free tools can help you stay on track

You may be missing out on helpful credit card account features that can make your life easier. Most of the best credit cards have useful account management tools that are free to use. The following features may help you stay on track with your credit card payments.

Payment reminder alerts

If you struggle to remember to pay your credit card bill on time, you may want to enable payment reminder alerts. You can do this through your credit card issuer's website or mobile app. Then you'll receive payment reminders by email before your credit card's due date. This reminder could make it easier to stay on track with your payments.

Automatic payments

You can also set up automatic payments through your credit card issuer. When you do this, you'll agree to have your bill automatically paid on your behalf on or by a set date each month. You'll likely be given the option to pay the entire account balance or the minimum amount due. It's best to pay the entire balance to avoid credit card interest charges. If you go this route, make sure you have enough money in your checking account to cover your balance.

These strategies may help when money is tight

It's not unusual to fall behind on credit card payments when experiencing financial difficulties. With rising living costs, many people struggle to cover their bills. If you're struggling to pay your credit card bills because of financial worries, the following strategies may help you.

Communicate with your credit card issuer: Honesty is always the best policy. If you're feeling added financial stress at this time and know that you can't pay your credit card bill, reach out to your card issuer. Some credit card issuers have hardship programs that could help you lower your payments or save on interest costs while you navigate a challenging financial situation.

Change your due date: If you're struggling to pay your credit card bill because you have several other bills due at the same time every month, you can ask to change the due date. Trying to cover multiple costly expenses days apart would cause anyone stress. A credit card bill due date change could make your credit card expense more manageable.

Don't ignore your credit card bills

We all make mistakes, so an occasional late payment isn't the end of the world. But multiple late or missed payments can significantly impact your credit and could lower your credit score. A good credit score can qualify you for more opportunities in the future, like a low-interest loan.

It's essential to understand how your everyday choices impact your credit. Managing your credit card usage and payments carefully is the best way to improve your financial well-being. Using tools like the ones mentioned above could make managing your personal finance matters easier.