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In general, it is possible to buy a gift card with a credit card. There are some instances where you might not be able to, though; namely at some specific stores that may limit or ban the purchase of gift cards with a credit card due to fraud concerns. However, you can usually go ahead and swipe or tap to get one of these cards, which can be a convenient and useful present.

Read on to learn more about when you can buy a gift card with a credit card and how it works.

What Are Gift Cards?

A gift card looks and functions similarly to a credit card, but instead it is a prepaid debit card. You can purchase one and load it with a certain amount of funds or many come preloaded in different denominations. These can be a convenient way to give a gift to anyone from your nephew to your dog walker.

Some gift cards can be used at just a specific retailer, like an Amazon or Target gift card. Others can be used at a variety of retailers, such as a Visa gift card that’s designed to be spent almost anywhere.

You can buy gift cards in store or online. Gift cards are activated at purchase so they can be used right away without any further steps necessary. Just like there are credit card expiration dates, gift cards can expire if they’re not used within a certain timeframe.

Types of Gift Cards

There are two main types of gift cards that consumers will come across:

•   Retail or store-specific gift cards

•   Generic gift cards.

This is how these two types of gift cards work.

Retail or Store Specific Gift Cards

Retail or store-specific gift cards can only be used at select (if not just one) retailer. So, for instance, if you buy a gift card for a particular restaurant or cafe chain, the funds are only spendable at that restaurant, not anywhere else. This type of gift card is also known as a closed-loop gift card.

Generic Gift Cards

Generic, or open-loop, gift cards can be used at a variety of retailers as long as they accept credit card payments from that specific payment card network. This type of gift card is offered by most major credit card networks, such as American Express, Visa, and MasterCard.

These cards are often reloadable, though there may be a fee to do so. Open-loop gift cards also often charge an activation fee when the card is purchased.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due

Can You Buy Gift Cards With a Credit Card?

Generally, it’s possible to buy a gift card with a credit card. Of course, whether you can do so will depend on whether the retailer allows credit card purchases and accepts payment from the consumer’s specific credit card network.

Some retailers may not allow you to buy a gift card with a credit card or they may place limits on purchases. This is because of fraud concerns, as the purchase of gift cards with stolen or counterfeit credit cards is common. These limitations generally apply to store-specific gift cards.

Recommended: What Is a Credit Card Chargeback

Things to Watch Out for When Buying Gift Cards With a Credit Card

Plenty of people buy gift cards with a credit card, especially when buying gift cards online. Even though it’s possible to buy a gift card with a credit card, there are some things worth looking out for when making this kind of purchase.

Can You Get Rewards for Purchasing Gift Cards With a Credit Card?

While some credit card issuers make it possible to earn rewards like cash back and miles when purchasing a gift card, other issuers don’t reward these purchases at all. For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express does not consider gift cards an eligible purchase for rewards. This may be something to keep in mind when applying for a credit card if you plan to purchase gift cards often.

To find out if you’ll earn rewards for buying a gift card with a credit card, check your credit card issuer’s terms for more details on how your credit card works.

Does Making a Gift Card Purchase Count as a Cash Advance?

Buying a gift card with a credit card can potentially cost consumers more than they realize. This is because some credit card issuers may view buying a gift card as taking a cash advance, particularly for open-loop cards.

Why is that a bad thing?

•   Credit card issuers charge interest and fees on cash advances, which is when a credit card allows the cardholder to borrow a set amount of cash as an advance.

•   Plus, interest starts accruing immediately on cash advances, with no grace period offered. Usually, interest only begins accruing if you make only the credit card minimum payment rather than paying off your balance in full.

•   Also note that the APR of a cash advance also can be higher than the purchase APR on a credit card and can add up quickly.

How to Avoid Cash Advances When Buying Gift Cards With Your Credit Card

Most people don’t realize that a gift card purchase with a credit card can count as a cash advance. Before buying a gift card with a credit card, it’s a good idea to double check what a credit card issuer’s policies are surrounding gift card purchases. You may be charged a higher interest rate, which can contribute to credit card debt.

If the card issuer does count the purchase of gift cards as a cash advance, then it can be wise to buy a gift card with cash or another card whenever possible. And if you do end up needing to buy a gift card with that credit card when you’re in a bind, know this: Your credit card’s cash advance limit may be different than your average credit card limit.

The Takeaway

It is often possible to buy gift cards with a credit card, and you may even earn rewards for doing so. However, it’s a good idea to learn the details before you buy as you might be charged as if you are accessing a cash advance. That can mean a higher APR assessed, and you may have a different limit, too. These are important points to know to make sure you are using your credit card responsibly.

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQ

Do credit card providers issue rewards for gift card purchases?

It’s possible with some credit cards to earn rewards points when purchasing a gift card. However, many credit card issuers don’t consider gift card purchases eligible for earning rewards (they deem them cash equivalents and ineligible). Double check the cardholder agreement for a specific card for details.

How can you avoid gift card scams?

Only buy gift cards from trusted retailers to help protect against gift cards scams. Avoid purchasing gift cards from online auction sites that offer discounts, as the gift cards they sell may be stolen or fake. It’s also a good idea to check for protective stickers on a gift card before buying it and to confirm that the gift card’s pin number isn’t showing. If you do spot an issue, get a different gift card.

Can you put money on a gift card with a credit card?

Yes, it is possible to add money to a gift card by using a credit card. It’s up to consumers to choose how much they want to add to a gift card. Retailers can offer gift cards that come in pre-set amounts like $50 or $100, or they may allow customers to add a custom amount to their gift card.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Photo credit: iStock/Tingting Ji
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Credit card networks provide the financial infrastructure for transactions, while credit card issuers are responsible for providing cards to consumers and managing their accounts. To put it another way, credit card networks facilitate transactions between merchants and credit card issuers, and credit card issuers pay for transactions on the cardholder’s behalf when they use their card.

Once you understand this difference, however, you may be confused by the fact that some credit card networks are also card issuers. To get a better understanding, keep reading for a closer look at the differences between a credit card network vs. issuer.

What Is a Credit Card Network?

Credit card networks create the digital infrastructure so merchants can facilitate transactions between themselves and the credit card issuers — meaning they’re key to how credit cards work. In order to facilitate these transactions, the credit card networks charge the merchants an interchange fee, also known as a swipe fee.

Here’s an example of how this works:

•   Say someone walks into a clothing store and uses their credit card to buy a pair of pants. They swipe or tap their credit card to make the purchase.

•   The store’s payment system will send the details of this transaction to the cardholder’s credit card network, which then relays the information to the credit card issuer.

•   The credit card issuer decides whether or not to approve the transaction.

•   The clothing store is alerted as to whether or not the transition was approved.

Essentially, credit card networks make it possible for businesses to accept credit cards as a form of payment, making them integral to what a credit card is. Credit card networks are also responsible for determining where certain credit cards are accepted, as not every merchant may accept all networks.

The Four Major Card Networks

The four major credit card networks that consumers are most likely to come across are:

•   American Express

•   Discover

•   Mastercard

•   Visa

All of these credit card networks have created their own digital infrastructure to facilitate transactions between credit card issuers and merchants. These four credit card networks are so commonly used that it’s possible to find a business almost anywhere in the U.S. that accepts one or more of the payment methods supported by these merchants.

When traveling and using a credit card internationally, it’s more common to come across Visa and Mastercard networks.

Now, for the detail mentioned above that can cause confusion: Two of these popular payment networks — American Express and Discover — are also credit card issuers. However, their offerings as a credit card network are separate from their credit card offerings as an issuer.

Does It Matter Which Card Network You Use?

Which credit card network someone can use depends on the type of credit card they have and whether the credit card network that supports that card is available via the merchant they are purchasing from. Most merchants in the U.S. work with all of the major networks who support the most popular credit cards, so it shouldn’t matter too much which credit card network you have when shopping domestically. When traveling abroad, however, it’s important to have cash on hand in case the credit card network options are more limited.

Merchants are the ones who are more likely to be affected by the credit card networks that they use. This is due to the fact that credit card networks determine how much the merchant will pay in processing fees in order to use their system.

Recommended: Charge Cards Advantages and Disadvantages

What Are Credit Card Issuers?

Credit card issuers are the financial institutions that create and manage credit cards. They’re responsible for approving applicants, determining cardholder rewards and fees, and setting credit limits and the APR on a credit card.

Essentially, credit card issuers manage the entire experience of using a credit card. Cardholders work with their credit card issuer when they need to get a new card after losing one, when they have to make their credit card minimum payment, or when they want to check their current card balance.

Credit card issuers can be banks, credit unions, fintech companies, or other types of financial institutions. Some of the biggest credit card issuers in the U.S. are:

•   American Express

•   Bank of America

•   Barclays

•   Capital One

•   Chase

•   Citi

•   Discover

•   Synchrony Bank

•   U.S. Bank

•   Wells Fargo

Credit Card Network vs Issuer: What Is the Difference?

Credit card issuers and credit card payment networks are easy to confuse. The main difference, as noted, is as follows:

•   Credit card networks facilitate payments between merchants and credit cards.

•   Credit card issuers create and manage credit cards for consumers. If you have an issue with your credit card — like in the instance you want to dispute a credit card charge or request a credit card chargeback — it’s the issuer you’d go to.

These are the main differences to be aware of when it comes to credit card networks vs. issuers, provided in chart form:

How Credit Card Networks and Issuers Work Together

Credit card networks and issuers need each other to function. Without a credit card network, consumers wouldn’t be able to use their card to shop with any merchants, and the credit card issuer’s product would go unused. Credit card networks create the infrastructure that allows merchants to accept credit cards as payment.

However, it’s up to the credit card issuers to approve or decline the transaction. The credit card issuer is also the one responsible for getting credit cards into consumers’ hands when they’re eligible and old enough to get a credit card, thus creating a need for the credit card networks’ services.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due

The Takeaway

A credit card network provides the financial infrastructure for cards and facilitates the transaction between the issuer and the merchant. The issuer is responsible for creating, offering, and managing consumers’ accounts. A couple of businesses are both credit card networks and issuers. Understanding the fine points of how credit cards operate can be an important part of your financial literacy and using credit responsibly.

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQ

What is a credit card network?

A credit card network is the party that creates the necessary infrastructure to process transactions between a credit card issuer and a merchant. In return for processing the transaction, the merchant pays the credit card network an interchange fee, which is how the credit card networks make money.

How do I know my credit card issuer?

To find out a credit card’s issuer, simply look at your credit card. There will be a string of numbers on the credit card, and the first six to eight digits represent the Bank Identification Number (BIN) or the Issuer Identification Number (IIN). The Issuer Identification Number identifies who the credit card issuer is.

Who is the largest credit card issuer?

The four largest credit card networks are American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa. Most merchants in the U.S. work with all four credit card networks. When traveling abroad, it’s more common to come across Visa and Mastercard networks.

Photo credit: iStock/Poike

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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In a nutshell, a credit card balance is the amount of money you owe to a credit card company from month to month. This is an important number to keep track of because if you don’t pay off your balance by the end of the billing cycle, you’ll owe interest. And, as you may know, credit cards usually have a high interest rate, which can lead to credit card debt.

That said, when you go to manage your credit card bill, you might get tripped up on the difference between your statement balance and your current balance. Read on to learn more about what each type of credit card balance is, how you can check yours, and whether carrying a balance affects your credit score.

What Is a Credit Card Balance?

A credit card balance is the amount of money you owe to your credit card company, as well as interest and any fees.

When you look at your credit card bill, you may see two balances posted: your current balance and your statement balance.

•   Your statement balance is the amount of money you owe from the previous billing cycle.

•   Your current balance, on the other hand, is how much you owe at this moment in time. This amount could be higher or lower than your statement balance, depending on whether you’ve paid your credit card bill, charged more items to your credit card, or requested a credit card chargeback.

But when your billing cycle closes with a balance, what does that mean? It depends on your card issuer. Many card issuers have a grace period between when the credit card billing cycle closes and when payment is due. That means, if you pay your statement balance in full when payment is due, you will not accrue interest on any of the charges billed from the previous cycle.

Recommended: Pros and Cons of a Charge Card

How Is a Credit Card Balance Calculated?

What does your credit card balance mean? It’s more than just whatever you’ve purchased during the previous month. A credit balance also consists of:

•   Any accrued interest

•   Late payment fees

•   Foreign transaction fees

•   Annual fees

•   Cash advances

•   Transfer fees

•   Any statement credits

•   Any payments made to the account

If you carry a balance, you’ll have to pay interest on the balance owed. The only exception is if you have a card with a 0% annual percentage rate, or APR, which is the interest rate charged when you carry a balance on your card. (This 0% might be a promotional or introductory rate, for example.)

But generally, your card will have a grace period, during which interest will not accrue on the balance.

Differences Between My Credit Card Balance and Statement Balance

The meaning of your credit card balance can vary depending on whether you’re discussing your statement balance or current balance.

•   Your statement balance is how much you owe at the end of the billing cycle.

•   Your current balance is a continuous tally of any credit card activity.

Here are some points to know about this:

•   You will have a due date by which you’ll need to pay your statement balance.

•   When your statement balance is paid, there may be activity on your balance as you continue to use your credit card throughout the month.

•   The charges made after your statement balance is available will show up on your next statement balance.

•   These charges, as well as any remaining amount from your statement balance, constitute your current balance.

Here’s the information on this topic in chart form:

Your Credit Card Balance and How It Affects Your Credit Score

Some people believe that carrying a balance may benefit their credit score, but that’s not true. Credit card companies do like to see credit card usage, but paying your balance in full is what can help your credit score.

One of the largest determinants of your credit score is your credit utilization ratio. This is the amount of money you’ve borrowed across credit cards compared to the amount of credit you have available. If you had a card with a credit card limit of $10,000 and you charged $3,000 on the card, for instance, your credit utilization ratio would be 30%.

In general, the lower your credit utilization ratio, the more helpful it is in building your score. It’s recommended to keep your credit utilization below 30%, though 10% is ideal. By paying off as much of your credit card balance as you can in a statement period, you’ll lower the amount of money you owe, thus decreasing your credit utilization ratio. This can be part of using a credit card responsibly.

How to Check Your Credit Card Balance

There are many ways to check your credit card balance. You can do so online, over the phone, through an app, or simply keep an eye out for monthly statements, which may be mailed to you or securely delivered through email.

Online

An easy way to check your credit card account balance is to go online to your card issuer’s website, where you can set up your online account. You can then log onto this account to check your balance, pay any bills, and otherwise perform any account maintenance.

As with any sensitive information, make sure you keep your user information secure.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due

Over the Phone

Your credit card company likely has a number that you can call to learn your balance, often from an automated voice that reads it off to you. It can also be helpful to know the number to your credit card company in case you want to dispute a credit card charge you don’t recognize or have questions about fees or anything else that appears on your statement, or have lost your card.

Through an App

Most credit card companies have an app in which you can check your credit card balance. The app also may offer additional features, such as a breakdown of spending and your most recent credit score.

Through Regular User Notifications

Depending on how you’ve set up your account, you may receive user notifications and statement balance updates through text message, email, or the mail, or a combination of all three.

Should You Carry a Credit Card Balance?

In general, carrying a credit card balance has the potential to hurt your finances and your credit score.

Sometimes, however, carrying a credit card balance can happen. Perhaps you had a big dental bill or had to buy a new refrigerator. Or maybe you used your card to pay for plane tickets for next summer’s vacation.

Here are some ways to potentially minimize the negative effects of carrying a balance if you end up in a situation where you need to do so:

•   Look for a card with low APR. The lower the APR, the less interest you’ll pay on purchases. A good APR is one that’s below the current average, though what’s considered competitive can also vary depending on the type of the card and the individual’s credit score and history.

•   Pay more than the minimum balance due. Even if you can’t pay the full balance, paying as much as you can above the credit card minimum payment will help keep your credit utilization ratio low. It will also minimize the amount of interest you’ll pay over time.

•   Make a budget. Look through your expenses and find ways to pay down the card over a set amount of time. (There are a variety of budgeting methods available; try a couple and see what works best for you.) Some cards may offer the option to pay off certain purchases in installments, at a different interest rate than the overall card.

•   Treat your credit card as you would cash. If you don’t have the money right now, don’t whip out your card. Using a debit card instead can help you stay within the bounds of your available funds.

The Takeaway

A credit card can be a powerful tool — but carrying a balance can make it harder to achieve financial goals. Keeping track of your current balance and making a plan to pay off your statement balance in full each month can be helpful. Doing so can allow you to make the most of your credit card and minimize credit card debt, which can be important money moves.

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQ

What does a negative balance mean on a credit card?

A negative balance means the card company owes you money. This might occur due to a statement credit, a return, or you overpaying your bill. A negative balance won’t affect your credit score. When you make a charge on your credit card, the negative balance will be used to cover the payment.

Is it good to carry a balance on a credit card?

No. While it is good to use a credit card regularly and pay it off on time as a means of building your credit history, carrying a balance won’t help your credit score. In fact, if you rack up too much of a balance that it increases your credit utilization ratio, it could hurt your credit score.

What happens if you cancel a credit card with a balance?

If you cancel a credit card with a balance, you’ll still be responsible for payments, interest, and card fees. There may be downsides to canceling the card, too. That’s because part of your credit score rests on how long you’ve had open accounts.

Can I transfer my credit card balance to another card?

Yes. This is called a balance transfer. In a balance transfer, you’ll put your current balance on a new credit card. This can save you money on interest if you’re moving your balance to a lower-interest card. However, be aware that there are balance transfer fees involved. Also, a balance transfer may affect your credit utilization ratio.

Can I make partial monthly payments instead of settling the entire balance?

You can. Paying more than the minimum each month can minimize the effect of interest and lower your credit utilization ratio. To avoid interest entirely, however, you’ll want to pay off your statement balance in full each month.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Photo credit: iStock/Roman Novitskii
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The dean’s list is a list of undergraduate students recognized for outstanding academic achievement in a given semester, quarter, or year. Each college and university has different dean’s list requirements, but students who finish the term with a high grade point average (GPA) and are in the top percentile of their class for academic performance can earn a spot on the dean’s list.

Not only is having the dean’s list award on your transcript a remarkable personal achievement, but it could also make a big impact on grad school admissions and future employers.

Dean’s List Meaning

The dean’s list is a scholarly award for undergraduate students who achieved high scholastic standing during the academic year. The award is released after each semester, quarter, or academic year and is typically based on a student’s GPA. However, specific dean’s list requirements will vary by institution and can change each term.

Dean’s List Requirements

Dean’s list requirements vary by college and can change each term, but there are typical conditions that a student must meet. To meet basic dean’s list requirements, students must:

•   Meet the minimum GPA requirements set by the school.

•   Be in the top percentile of their class for academic achievement.

•   Be taking a minimum number of credit hours. Most schools require students to be enrolled full-time, but some schools may include part-time students in the dean’s list.

•   Have zero incompletes, no shows, or late grades.

What GPA Is Needed to Make the Dean’s List?

While schools may base eligibility for the dean’s list on the student’s GPA, the award is comparative rather than absolute. The award is only given to the top percentile of students rather than everyone who earns a certain GPA. This means that the required GPA can change each semester based on the academic performance of the student body.

Students can strive for a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale and be taking a minimum of 12 credit hours, but this may be different depending on your school and your degree program. Check with your school to determine the minimum GPA requirement to make the dean’s list.

Recommended: How Much Does GPA Matter When Applying to College?

What Is the Benefit of Being on the Dean’s List?

Earning a spot on the dean’s list is one of the highest levels of recognition for academic achievement. Students who earn the award can enjoy a variety of benefits that can continue throughout their educational career and beyond.

Personal Achievement

Making it onto the dean’s list requires academic commitment and dedication. Being on the dean’s list means you’ve ranked in the top percentile amongst your peers, which will be noted on your school record and should be seen as a great personal achievement.

Prestige

Having your name on the dean’s list, especially for multiple terms, is one way to help you stand out from the crowd. The dean’s list award is a testament to your academic success and has traditionally been looked upon favorably by the school’s administration as well as by other students.

Recognition

Some schools recognize students who made it onto the dean’s list by posting students’ names on the school website and sometimes local publications. Outstanding academic performance can also help you build relationships with your professors, who may be able to write letters of recommendation and references later on.

Special Events

Because your GPA is ranked among the top of your class, you might receive invitations to special events. These are typically networking events with top company executives. Networking can allow you to form connections with other people in your field of study and open the door to possible employment opportunities.

Attract Prospective Employers

Some colleges may include your dean’s list award on your school transcript, and you can also attract potential employers by mentioning this award on your resume. However, employment website Indeed doesn’t recommend adding this achievement to your resume if you were only on the dean’s list for one or two semesters or inconsistently.

Even if you don’t include the dean’s list on your resume, prospective employers may still consider your GPA when making hiring decisions. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ Job Outlook 2022 Spring Update report, 43.5% of employers screen by GPA when making interviewing and hiring decisions.

Scholarships

While being on the dean’s list doesn’t guarantee any financial aid, a high GPA could make you eligible for merit scholarships. Merit-based scholarships typically use your GPA, test scores, leadership capabilities, and other factors to determine your eligibility.

Are There Any Student Loan Benefits When Getting on the Dean’s List?

There usually aren’t any financial perks for getting on the dean’s list with federal student loans or most private lenders. Some private lenders may offer a reward for a certain GPA, but most lenders typically only consider your GPA if it’s too low.

Your GPA could affect your eligibility for other types of financial aid, like scholarships and grants, though. You’re required to make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to meet the basic eligibility criteria for certain types of financial aid. A higher GPA also makes it easier for you to receive more financial aid.


💡 Quick Tip: You can fund your education with a low-rate, no-fee private student loan that covers all school-certified costs.

What Other Academic Awards Can You Earn in College?

The dean’s list isn’t the only academic award that you can earn in college. There are several other awards that are given to students in recognition of outstanding achievement and as a means to further encourage academic excellence. Here are a few academic awards for college students.

The Honors List

The honors list is similar to the dean’s list; however, it may have different GPA requirements — usually lower. For example, students may be eligible for a spot on the dean’s list if their GPA is 3.5 or higher, while students on the honors list have a GPA between 3.25 and 3.5.

The President’s List

Undergraduate students earn the president’s list award if they get straight A’s in college and earn a 4.0 GPA. Part-time and full-time students may be eligible for this award.

The Chancellor’s List

At schools that offer this award, the chancellor’s list is typically ranked slightly higher than the dean’s list. Both full-time and part-time undergraduate students may usually qualify for the chancellor’s list.

Ways to Pay for College

If you’re aiming to see your name on the dean’s list, financial stress can hinder your ability to succeed academically. According to Inside Higher Ed, 48% of students who experienced financial challenges while in school admitted they had difficulties focusing on their academics.

Luckily, there are options out there for prospective and current students who are struggling with how to pay for college. Here are a few options:

•   Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to see if you qualify for financial aid. Make sure to read our FAFSA Guide and fill this out as soon as possible because many colleges award money on a first-come, first-served basis.

•   Search for scholarships, which are a form of merit aid to help pay for tuition and other education expenses. There are thousands of available scholarships to students with some even offering a full-ride to a four-year institution.

•   Apply for grants. Grants are another form of financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. Students can apply for federal, state, or school grants.

•   Find a work-study position. The federal work-study program offers funds for part-time employment to help college students in financial need.

•   Look at student loans. If you are still struggling to afford school-related expenses after exhausting all other forms of financial aid, there are a variety of federal and private student loan options to help.

Recommended: FAFSA 101: How to Complete the FAFSA

The Takeaway

Students who make the dean’s list are recognized for outstanding academic achievement. Benefits include personal achievement, prestige, public recognition, the opportunity to attend special events, being granted scholarships, and standing out on job applications.

And, students who are less stressed financially tend to do better in school. Options for paying for college include scholarships, grants, federal student loans, and private student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

What GPA is required to get on the dean’s list?

The minimum GPA for the dean’s list varies by school and it can change every term. However, most schools require at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

What does it mean when you get on the dean’s list?

What it means to be on the dean’s list is that you’ve ranked in the top percentile of your class. The dean’s list is one of the highest levels of recognition for scholarly achievement.

What is the benefit of being on the dean’s list?

Earning a spot on the dean’s list comes with several benefits. Not only is it a prestigious award and a significant personal achievement, but you could be invited to special events, network with others in your field of study, and attract prospective employers.

Photo credit: iStock/Prostock-Studio

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It may be tempting to just make only the minimum payment on your credit card bill and put off paying the total amount until another time. However, only making your credit card minimum payment can cost you both in interest and your credit score. Plus, it can keep you in debt longer.

To avoid this predicament, here’s what you need to know about minimum credit card payments, as well as what you can do if making the minimum payment on your credit card is a challenge.

What Is a Credit Card Minimum Payment?

A credit card minimum payment is the lowest sum that you’re required to pay each credit card billing cycle. To avoid late fees or penalties, you must pay at least this amount.

If you don’t make the minimum payment amount, you could be charged a fee or, worse, your interest rate could increase, which is why it’s critical to understand this part of how credit cards work.

Creditors determine your minimum payment by using one of three different methods, which include:

•   A flat percentage of your total outstanding balance: Your minimum payment might be 1% to 3% of your balance. Thus, your minimum credit card payment will fluctuate monthly depending on your credit card balance at the time.

•   A percentage of your balance plus fees or interest that’s applied during that billing cycle: With this method, the credit card company may make your minimum payment equal to 1% of your revolving balance and then add any fees or the annual percentage rate (APR) charged within that billing cycle.

•   A flat rate: A creditor may apply a flat rate, perhaps $25 or $35, for your minimum payment.

Keep in mind that if your revolving balance is less than the minimum payment, your creditor will typically require you to pay the total amount. Because minimum credit card payment guidelines differ from creditor to creditor, you’ll want to get familiar with your credit card payment rules — ideally before you even apply for a credit card.

How Does a Minimum Payment Affect Your Credit Score?

Not only does paying the minimum payment on your credit card increase the amount you pay in interest, but it can also impact your credit score.

One of the factors that credit bureaus use to determine your credit score is your credit utilization ratio, which is the percentage of credit you’re using versus the amount you have available. A good rule of thumb is to keep your credit utilization ratio below 30% (better still, closer to 10%) so your credit won’t be affected.

For example, let’s suppose you have $15,000 of available credit. If your revolving credit card balance is $7,500 racked up from places that accept credit card payments. That means your credit utilization ratio is 50%, which exceeds the 30% threshold. If you’re only making the minimum credit card payments, your credit utilization ratio will stay beyond an acceptable rate for a more extended amount of time. Therefore, your credit score may dip.

To avoid this scenario, it’s wise to make more than the monthly minimum payment so you keep your credit utilization low. This is especially important if you have a limit that’s below the average credit card limit, as it will be easier for your credit utilization ratio to jump.

What to Do If You Cannot Afford Your Minimum Payment

Although you want to make more than your minimum credit card payment each month, you may find yourself in a situation where you can’t afford to do so. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ease this financial burden.

Stop Using Your Credit Card

If you’re trying to repay your credit card debt, it’s best not to add to it. This means that while you’re working to pay down your credit card balance, you should consider putting your credit card use on pause. If you continue to use your credit cards, you may feel like you’re never getting ahead. This can become a vicious debt cycle that can be challenging to break.

You can pause your use by putting your credit cards in a safe place where you don’t have access to them but also don’t risk them getting stolen. For example, you could put them in your family’s safe. This way, you can avoid the temptation of impulse buys.

Also, you may find it helpful to track your spending. This will allow you to see where your money is going and get a better handle on what costs might be busting your budget.

Reduce the Cost of Your Bills

Looking for ways to cut your expenses can free up extra cash to help you make your credit card minimum payments. You might start by saving on streaming services you’re not using, or consider putting a gym membership on hold until your credit card balance is repaid.

For example, if you have cable, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu, you may want to choose just one or two of these services to keep. Then, you can cancel the other subscriptions that you don’t need, saving you money and making it easier to meet your minimum payment on your credit card.

Consider Getting a Side Job to Earn Extra Income

Increasing the amount of money you have coming in also can help you accelerate your credit card debt repayment. Even bringing home an extra couple hundred dollars per month via a low-cost side hustle could help you make a significant dent in your credit card debt.

For example, if you’re handy, you could sign up for a service like TaskRabbit to help people tackle projects around their homes. Or, if you like to interact with a variety of people, you could consider driving for a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft.

Also, if you receive a financial windfall (say, extra money from a work bonus, tax refund, or a gift), you could put these funds to good use by making a larger credit card payment.

Call The Credit Card Company

In some cases, you may want to contact your credit card company if you cannot make the credit card minimum payment. You’ll want to explain why you can’t make the minimum payment and how much you can afford to pay.

Also, share with your credit card company when you can begin making regular payments again. Your credit card company would rather receive payment than no payment. So, by communicating with them, they might be willing to work with you while you repay your debt.

Explore Get-Out-Of-Debt Options

There are other options to help you get out of your credit card debt. For starters, debt consolidation is a get-out-of-debt strategy that can help you minimize your interest payments, helping you to repay your debt faster. With debt consolidation, you take out a loan with a fixed interest rate that you use to repay all of your other high-interest debts. Ideally, you want to find a financing option that can yield a lower interest rate.

How Paying Only the Credit Card Minimum Payment Costs You More

As you now know, it’s essential to make at least the credit card minimum payment. But making only the minimum payments each month can end up costing you more — even if you have a good APR for a credit card. When you carry a monthly credit card balance, the interest continues to accrue, which can keep you in a debt cycle.

To illustrate the cost of paying the minimum payment on the credit card only, let’s suppose your credit card has a 17% interest rate and you have a $3,000 revolving balance. If your credit card company has a $50 minimum payment requirement, it will take you 135 months to repay your debt. Additionally, you’ll end up paying roughly $3,743 in interest alone. This means you’ll spend a total of close to $7,000 to pay off a $3,000 bill.

Luckily, you don’t have to do all of this math yourself if you’re wondering how your credit card payments will impact the total amount you owe. Per the Credit CARD Act of 2009, credit card companies are required to put a minimum balance warning on each bill you receive to protect your interests.

Usually, credit card companies will communicate this warning with a table that provides a snapshot of the amount of time it will take to repay your balance if you only make the minimum payment. In some cases, the company may also provide a table that suggests the amount of time it will take to repay your debt if you make more than the minimum payment.

The Takeaway

If you want to avoid costly interest or a dip in your credit score, it’s wise to make more than your credit card minimum payment each month. An even better solution (if you can afford to do so) is to pay off your total credit card balance every month. This way, you can dodge high interest payments and keep your credit utilization ratio at a favorable rate.

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQ

What are your minimum payment rights?

As part of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act, creditors are legally required to illustrate how long it will take you to repay your debt if you make only the minimum payment. Also, they must provide a toll-free number that cardholders can call to get assistance with credit counseling or debt management. These requirements are designed to keep credit practices fair.

Does paying minimum due affect your credit score?

Yes, making a minimum payment can affect your credit score since it impacts your credit utilization ratio, a factor used to calculate your credit score. Credit utilization ratio is the percentage of credit you’ve used versus the amount you have available. So, if you continue to carry a high balance on your credit card, your credit utilization rate may be higher than recommended, which can impact your credit score.

What happens if I don’t pay my credit card for 5 years?

After just six months if you don’t pay your credit card, the credit card company is required to charge-off the account. This means they will close your account and write it off as a loss. However, you will still be responsible for repaying the outstanding balance either to your creditor or a third-party collections company.

Photo credit: iStock/MStudioImages

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

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