Question from Jyso: If I use my secured credit card to purchase something and turn around and pay the bill that same day, will that affect the way it’s reported to the credit bureaus ?
Background: I got approved for a credit card but a secured one and it’s my FIRST card ever.. but I only did the initial deposit of $49 which gave me a limit of $200 only. So if I wanna put $40 in gas and use my credit card, can I pay that $40 the same day or do I need to wait a couple of days ?
Hello,
Using your secured credit card and paying off the balance immediately can indeed impact how your credit activity is reported to the credit bureaus. However, the effect may not be what you expect.
Understanding Credit Reporting
Credit card companies typically report your account activity to the credit bureaus once a month. This report includes your balance at the time of reporting, your credit limit, and whether you’ve made your payments on time.
If you pay off your purchases on the same day, your balance could be reported as zero. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it might not help you build your credit as effectively as you’d like.
Building Credit with a Secured Card
To build credit, you want to show that you can responsibly handle debt. This means borrowing money and paying it back on time. If your balance is always zero, it doesn’t demonstrate that you’re managing ongoing debt responsibly.
Here are some tips to build credit with a secured card:
- Use your card regularly: Regular use shows that you’re actively managing your credit.
- Keep your balance low: A good rule of thumb is to use less than 30% of your credit limit. In your case, that would be $60 of your $200 limit.
- Pay on time: Making your payments on time is crucial. Late payments can significantly harm your credit score.
- Consider paying in full: Paying your balance in full each month can help you avoid interest charges.
When to Pay Your Credit Card Bill
While you can pay off your credit card bill the same day you make a purchase, it might be more beneficial to wait until your statement arrives. This way, your credit card company will report a balance to the credit bureaus, showing that you’re using your credit. Then, you can pay off your balance in full to avoid interest charges.
Remember, the goal is to demonstrate responsible credit use over time. So, while paying off your balance immediately won’t hurt your credit, it might not help it grow as effectively as maintaining a small balance and paying it off each month.
According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, it’s also important to check your credit reports regularly to ensure the information is accurate. This can help you track your progress and catch any errors that could harm your credit score.
