The payment due date is the deadline shown on a credit card statement for making the required payment for that statement period. It is different from the statement date. The statement closes first; the due date comes later. Paying the full statement balance by the due date is also important for preserving interest-free treatment on eligible purchase balances under the applicable card terms.
Where is the due date shown?
CBUAE Consumer Protection Standards require credit-card statements to include the next payment due date. The same statement also shows the period covered, outstanding balance, minimum payment and fees or finance charges. Always rely on the current statement rather than memory or a previous month’s date.
What amount must be paid by the due date?
At minimum, the cardholder must meet the issuer’s required payment shown on the statement to avoid being treated as unpaid at the minimum-payment level. But paying only the minimum can leave a large balance outstanding and can lead to finance charges. If your objective is to avoid finance charges on eligible purchase balances, the full statement balance is the relevant amount under the card terms.
Statement date vs due date
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Statement date | The billing period closes and the bank produces the statement. |
| Payment due date | The required payment for that statement must be received by the issuer. |
Why paying on the final day can be risky
Payments from another bank or payment channel may take time to process. A transfer initiated on the due date is not always equivalent to the card issuer receiving cleared funds on that date. Check the bank’s payment channels and cut-off rules, and leave a buffer when possible.
What happens if you miss the due date?
- A late-payment fee may apply, subject to the issuer’s fee and the CBUAE cap.
- Finance charges can apply to unpaid balances under the product terms.
- The missed payment can contribute to arrears and credit-history reporting.
- If a payment remains missed for more than 30 calendar days past due, CBUAE standards require written advice to the consumer.
Practical ways to manage due dates
- Review the statement as soon as it is issued.
- Set a reminder several days before the due date.
- If using auto-debit, ensure the linked account has sufficient funds.
- Keep payment confirmation until the next statement reflects the payment.
- Contact the issuer early if you expect difficulty making the payment.
Frequently asked questions
Is the payment due date the same every month?
It may often fall around a similar time, but rely on the due date printed on the current statement.
Do I need to pay the full balance by the due date?
You must meet at least the required payment shown by the issuer. Paying the full statement balance is generally relevant if you want to avoid finance charges on eligible purchases.
Can I pay before the due date?
Yes. Early payment can reduce the risk of processing delays.
What happens if the due date falls on a weekend or holiday?
Do not assume an automatic extension. Check the issuer’s terms and make payment early enough to be received on time.
Where can I find the minimum payment and due date?
Both are shown on the monthly credit-card statement.