Why is it always tempting to make minimum payments? Sometimes, our financial situation isn’t the best and making the full payment isn’t possible at the moment. And as Brownie McGhee would say, “Something is better than nothing”. It’s best to pay at least the minimum amount of your credit card debt than not pay anything at all. And if you haven’t been paying at least the smallest amount, then you’re not alone.

 

Minimum Payment

 

A 2020 survey by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling showed that 43% of cardholders carry credit card debt from one month to the next. Why? They pay either the minimum payment or some other amount that’s less than the full balance. But, are there risks in making minimum payments?

The answer is kind of complicated. Say for example that you are going through a financial emergency. Paying only the minimum for a few months can be a way to conserve cash now, so it would be wrong to say you should never do so under any circumstances. However, in the long run, it can affect your credit card statements. How so?

Downside

First of all, you’ll rack up interest charges and risk falling into debt. And once you’re in the debt loophole, it’s hard to get out of there. Also, since card issuers are legally required to include a “minimum payment warning” on each billing statement you can find out on your own what are the consequences of paying the minimum amount for a long period of time. Paying only the minimum is costly, so try your best to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid high interest charges and debt.

Benefits

Paying the smallest amount can actually help you avoid credit card delinquency, late fees, penalty APR on your account, and potentially severe credit damage from late payments or no payments at all. And, if bringing food to the table and paying rent o your mortgage is becoming even more difficult, paying the minimum can help you save every dollar you need to help your family.

Risks In Making Minimum Payments Review

No one will necessarily die if you make minimum payments to your credit card. Sometimes, it’s a helping hand when times are tough. But as a long term solution, it isn’t the best. Try paying even a dollar more than the minimum amount so you can pay the full balance a lot faster without it affecting your credit score and without going into debt. And if you need more help, contact Mediator Law Group. We’ve helped hundreds of families get back on track financially and even stay debt-free. Talk to us today.