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When financial aid like scholarships and grants comes up short, federal student loans can help bridge the gap.

Unsubsidized Direct Loans may be offered to undergraduate and graduate students in a financial aid package.

Subsidized Direct Loans may be offered to undergrads only, and have benefits in terms of who pays the interest during certain periods.

When a college sends an aid offer, the student must indicate which financial aid to accept. Here, we’re looking at Unsubsidized Direct Student Loans and how they can help you pay for college.

What Is an Unsubsidized Student Loan?

The Department of Education provides Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loans as one of four options under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. (Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, and Direct Consolidation Loans are the other types.)

Unsubsidized loans provide undergraduate and graduate-level students with a fixed-rate financing option to help fund their college education.

Unlike Direct Subsidized Loans, unsubsidized student loans are not based on financial need. This means that any student may receive unsubsidized loan funding, as long as it meets the Department of Education’s general eligibility requirements.

How Do Unsubsidized Student Loans Work?

If you’re eligible for Direct Unsubsidized Student Loans, the amount you’re offered for the academic year is determined by your school, based on its cost of attendance minus other financial aid you’ve received (such as scholarships, grants, work-study, and subsidized loans).

You will need to complete entrance counseling to ensure you understand the terms and your obligation to repay the loan. Then you’ll sign a master promissory note stating that you agree to the loan terms.

The government will send the loan funds directly to your school. Your institution will then apply the money toward any unpaid charges on your school account, including tuition, fees, room, and board.

Any remaining money will then be sent to you. For example, if you were approved for $3,800 in unsubsidized loans but only $3,000 was applied to your education costs, the school will send the remaining $800 to you.

The Education Department’s Federal Student Aid office recommends accepting grants and scholarships first, then work-study, then loans. And it advises accepting a subsidized loan before an unsubsidized loan, and an unsubsidized loan before a PLUS loan.

A Matter of Interest

As soon as any student loan is disbursed, it starts accruing interest. For federal student loans and most private student loans, you can defer payments until after your grace period, which is the first six months of leaving school or dropping below half-time status.

Here’s the kicker: With a subsidized student loan, the government pays the interest while you’re in school and during your grace period and any hardship deferment.

With an unsubsidized federal student loan or private student loan, unpaid interest that accrues will be added into your loan’s principal balance when you start repayment.

Pros and Cons of Unsubsidized Student Loans

Although unsubsidized student loans offer many benefits, there are also some downsides to know.

Applying for Unsubsidized Student Loans

Applying for federal financial aid starts with the FAFSA^® — the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Students seeking aid complete the FAFSA each year.

Where to Apply

Applying for the FAFSA can be done at studentaid.gov, or you can print out a paper FAFSA and mail it.

Based on the information you included in your FAFSA, each school that you listed will determine your financial aid offer, including whether you’re eligible for an unsubsidized loan.

Typical Application Requirements

You must have an enrollment status of at least half-time to be eligible for a Direct Loan. You must also be enrolled in a degree- or certificate-granting program at a school that participates in the Direct Loan Program.

The Department of Education has general requirements to be eligible for federal aid. Applicants must:

•   Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen

•   Have a Social Security number

•   Prove that they qualify for a college education

•   Maintain satisfactory academic progress

•   Sign a certification statement

In the certification statement, you’ll need to confirm that you aren’t currently in default on a federal student loan and don’t owe money on a federal grant, and affirm that you’ll only use aid funds toward educational costs.

How Long Will You Have to Wait?

After submitting your FAFSA, it can take the Department of Education three to five days to process your application. If you submitted your FAFSA by mail, processing can take up to 10 days.

Once you’ve told your school which financial aid you want to accept, loan disbursement timelines vary. Generally, first-time borrowers have up to a 30-day waiting period before they receive their funds. Other borrowers may receive funding up to 10 days before the start of the semester.

How Much Can You Borrow?

There are annual limits to how much in combined subsidized and unsubsidized loans you can borrow. These limits are defined based on the year you are in school and whether you’re a dependent or independent student.

Here’s an overview of combined subsidized and unsubsidized loan limits per year for undergraduate students:

Graduate students are automatically considered independent and have an annual limit of $20,500 for unsubsidized loans (they cannot receive subsidized loans).

There are also student loan maximum lifetime amounts.

Subsidized vs Unsubsidized Student Loans

Another type of loan available through the Direct Loan Program is a subsidized loan. Here’s a quick comparison of subsidized vs. unsubsidized loans.

Alternatives to Unsubsidized Student Loans

Unsubsidized student loans are just one type of financial support students can consider for their education. Here are some alternatives.

Subsidized Loans

Direct Subsidized Loans are fixed-rate loans available to undergraduate students. As discussed, borrowers are only responsible for the interest charges that accrue while the loan is actively in repayment.

Scholarships and Grants

In addition to accessing potential scholarships, grants, and loans through the FAFSA, students can seek financial aid from other entities.

Scholarships and grants for college may be found through your state or city. Businesses, nonprofits, community groups, and professional associations often sponsor scholarships or grants, too. The opportunities may be based on need or merit.

Private Student Loans

Private lenders like banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions offer private student loans. Some schools and states also have their own student loan programs.

Private student loan lenders require borrowers, or cosigners, to meet certain credit thresholds, and some offer fixed or variable interest rates. Many lenders offer pre-qualification without a hard credit inquiry.

Private student loans can be a convenient financing option for students who are either ineligible for federal aid or have maxed out their federal student loan options. One need-to-know: Private student loans are not eligible for federal programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness and income-driven repayment.

SoFi Private Student Loan Rates

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 are unsubsidized loan eligibility requirements?

To be eligible for a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, undergraduate and graduate students must be enrolled at least half-time at a qualifying school. They must also meet the basic eligibility requirements for federal aid, including being a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, having a Social Security number, and completing the FAFSA.

How long does it take to receive a Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

Loan disbursement for first-time borrowers can take up to 30 days after the first day of enrollment. For others, disbursement takes place within 10 days before classes start.

What is the maximum amount of unsubsidized loans you can borrow?

Dependent students can borrow a maximum of $5,500 and $6,500 per year during their first and second academic years, respectively. Students in their third year of school and beyond can borrow an annual maximum of $7,500. The aggregate loan limit for dependent students is $31,000 in combined subsidized and unsubsidized loans.

Graduate or professional students may receive up to $20,500 per year in unsubsidized loans. Their aggregate loan limit is $138,500 (which includes all federal student loans received for undergraduate study).

Photo credit: iStock/LPETTET

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

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SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

When you’ve maxed out on your card — or reached your credit card spending limit — it can have a negative impact on your finances. Here’s a closer look at what happens if you max out on a credit card and how it can affect your credit score, as well as how to prevent maxing out your card or bounce back if you already have.

When Is a Credit Card Maxed Out?

So, what is a maxed out credit card? Maxing out on a credit card simply means that you’ve reached the credit limit on your credit card. For instance, if you have a $20,000 credit limit on a card, and your balance hits that $20,000 mark, it’s maxed out. As such, you may not be able to put any more purchases on that card.

Recommended: What Is a Charge Card

What Happens If You Max Out Your Credit Card?

There are a number of financial impacts of a maxed-out credit card. For starters, your card will likely get declined if you try to make a purchase. This is because rather than overdrafting a credit card, your credit card is typically just turned down (though in some cases, you could instead face fees for exceeding the limit, and the charge will go through).

Additionally, you could end up paying quite a bit in interest if you can’t pay off your entire statement balance in full. Plus, it could take you a long time to pay off your balance, further increasing the interest you pay over time. Your minimum payment due may also increase, depending on how it’s calculated by your issuer.

A maxed-out credit card also means that your credit score will take a hit. That’s because your credit utilization — how much of your available credit you’re using — makes up 30% of your credit score. If you’re maxing out a credit card, it looks as if you’re overextended financially, which signals to lenders that you’re a risk.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due

Guide to Prevent Maxing Out Your Credit Card

To avoid maxing out on your credit card, here are some steps to take:

•  Establish an emergency fund: Without an emergency fund, you’ll likely resort to using your credit card in a pinch, which could lead you to max out your credit card. To avoid ending up in this situation, aim to stash away at least three to six months of living expenses. If that seems like a tall order, start with one month of living expenses, and go from there.

•  Keep tabs on your spending: A golden rule of using a credit card responsibly is to check your credit card statements to monitor usage. Aim to check your balance at least once a week, if not more frequently.

•  Know how much of your credit you’re utilizing: Another of the golden credit card rules is to know what a reasonable balance to keep is and how much of your credit card is being utilized at any given time. For instance, if 30% is the maximum amount you’d like to maintain on your card, and your credit limit is $5,000, then $1,500 is the highest balance you should aim to carry. Many financial experts advise keeping to no more than 30% or, better still, 10% of your credit limit.

•  Request an increase to your credit limit: If you increase your credit limit, it would lower your credit use. However, keep in mind that you also run the risk of racking up a higher credit bill. When considering requesting a credit limit increase, you’ll want to make sure you won’t end up simply spending more.

How Maxed-Out Credit Cards Can Affect Your Credit Score

If you’re wondering if it is bad to max out your credit card, know that it absolutely can have a negative impact on your credit score due to how credit cards work.

When you carry a high balance on a card, it drives up your credit utilization ratio, which can drag down your score. It’s generally recommended to keep the amount of your total credit you’re using at no more than 30%, preferably closer to 10%. If your cards are all maxed out, your ratio is closer to 100%.

However, you can save your score from the negative effects of a maxed-out credit card if you can pay off the balance in full before the statement period closes. If you do this, the maxed-out balance would not get reported to the credit bureaus. That will also help you avoid interest on credit cards.

Tips on Bouncing Back from a Maxed-Out Credit Card

If you’ve hit your credit card spending limit, it is possible to recover. Here are some tips for how to bounce back from what happens when you max out your credit card.

Consider a Balance Transfer Card

Transferring your existing balance to a balance transfer card with a 0% APR interest rate could help you save money on interest. However, you’ll need to have a plan in place to pay off the balance in full before the interest rate kicks in and you’re back in the same place once again. Also note that balance transfer fees may apply, which are generally 3% to 5% of the amount you’re transferring. Also make sure you understand how a balance transfer can impact your credit, as you will likely have a hard inquiry temporarily lowering your score.

Request Help

If you’re really struggling to keep your credit card spending down or are having trouble making payments, consider working with a professional. A credit counselor or nonprofit credit counseling organization can sit down with you to learn about your debt situation and the state of your finances. From there, they can suggest a game plan to help you manage your debt.

Consider Personal Loans

Another way to bounce back from maxing out on a credit card is to take out a personal loan to pay off your credit card debt. This might make sense financially if you qualify for a lower interest rate with the loan than you have on your credit cards. It could also simplify the payment process by rolling all your debts into a single loan.

The Takeaway

If you’ve hit your spending limit on your credit cards, it can negatively impact your credit score and translate to paying more in interest over time. While it’s best to avoid, should you max out on your cards, there are ways to recover and rebuild your credit.

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 happens if I max out my credit card but pay in full?

If you max out your credit card but pay off your balance in full before the statement period ends, your credit utilization ratio won’t be impacted. In turn, it won’t have a negative impact on your score.

Can I still use my card after reaching the credit limit?

After you’ve reached the credit limit on your card, you generally won’t be able to make purchases on it. Your card won’t go through, and transactions will be declined. In some cases, however, your transaction may go through and you’ll instead owe a fee.

Is it bad to max out your credit card?

Hitting the spending limit on your credit card can have a negative financial impact. First, it can bump up your credit utilization ratio, which can bring down your credit score. It also could equate to a higher monthly minimum payment, and more interest paid over time. Plus, you likely won’t be able to put any more purchases on that card.

How can maxing out your credit card affect your credit score?

When you hit the spending limit on a card and don’t pay it off before the statement period ends, it impacts your credit utilization ratio, which makes up 30% of your credit score. In turn, your credit score will take a hit. On the flip side, decreasing the balances on your card can help build your score by lowering your credit utilization.

Photo credit: iStock/nensuria

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.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

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A secured credit card can help you establish credit for the first time or build your credit if you’ve damaged yours with missed payments, defaults, or bankruptcy. While secured credit cards offer many of the same advantages as traditional credit cards, they do have some limitations.

Eventually, those who start out with a secured card may want to switch to a traditional credit card. Here’s a closer look at how to transition from a secured credit card to an unsecured card.

What Is A Secured Credit Card?

A secured credit card requires that you put down a cash deposit, which serves as collateral for the charges you make with the card. Usually, the amount of the deposit is the same as your credit limit. So if you deposit $1,000, you’ll be able to borrow up to that amount.

If you miss payments, the bank can cover their losses by drawing on money from the deposit. That said, making on-time payments is just as important with secured credit cards as it is with traditional cards, especially if you are using the secured card to build credit.

As with traditional credit cards, secured cards require that you make a minimum monthly payment. Beyond that, you can carry a balance from month to month, but you will be charged interest on that balance. Pay your balance off in full each month to avoid interest payments.

Recommended: Differences Between a Secured and Unsecured Credit Card

Benefits of Secured Credit Cards

Secured credit cards offer users and banks a number of advantages.

Easier to Qualify

Because secured cards require users to put down a deposit, banks are taking on relatively little risk. As a result, it can be much easier to qualify for a secured card than it would be a traditional credit card.

Can Help Build Credit

If you have no credit or poor credit, it can be difficult to get approved for credit cards or loans. Making small purchases regularly with a secured card and paying off your bill in full and on time can help you establish credit or rebuild your credit.

If you’re looking to build credit, you may also consider becoming an authorized user on a credit card.

Convenience

You can use secured credit cards anywhere traditional cards are accepted. Secured credit cards allow you to shop in person or online without carrying cash around with you. It’s also difficult to accrue too much debt because you’re limited by the amount of your deposit.

Drawbacks of Secured Credit Cards

Alongside the benefits offered by secured cards, there are limitations to be aware of.

Coming Up With the Deposit

In order to get a secured card, you will have to come up with the cash that will serve as your deposit. That may require you to save for a period of time before you apply.

Once you deposit that cash, you can’t access it while your secured card is in use. That said, your deposit is refundable when you close the account or convert your secured credit card to an unsecured card.

Higher APR

The annual percentage rate (APR) is the interest rate you’re charged when you carry a balance on your card. Secured credit cards may offer higher interest rates than traditional cards, which can end up costing you more money if you carry a balance.

Spending Is Limited

Most credit cards, whether they’re secured or unsecured, have spending limits. For a secured credit card, your limit will depend on the size of the deposit you make, which will typically range from $200 to $2,000. If you’ve only deposited $1,000 and need to replace your transmission for $1,800, you won’t be able to put the repair on your card.

In comparison, the average credit limit across all cards is upwards of $30,000, according to a recent report from the credit reporting bureau Experian®.

What Is an Unsecured Credit Card?

An unsecured credit card is a traditional credit card that does not require a deposit as collateral. Instead, your credit limit is determined based on your creditworthiness. If you fail to pay off your credit card, your card company can send your bill to a collections agency, and your credit score will take a hit.

There are a variety of types of credit cards to choose from when it comes to unsecured cards, including rewards cards and balance transfer cards.

When You Might Keep Your Secured Credit Card Open

The biggest reasons to keep your secured credit card open have to do with the potential implications closing the account can have for your credit score.

For one, closing an account may result in a dip in your credit score. Additionally, closing the account may decrease the age of your credit history, another factor that goes into determining your credit score.

When You Might Upgrade to an Unsecured Credit Card

You may consider upgrading to a traditional, unsecured card if you’re able to manage a secured card responsibly and are looking for a lower APR or a higher credit limit. Ultimately, making the move requires that your credit is in decent shape.

To do so, it’s important that you stick to credit card rules. That includes being sure that you’re not in the habit of overspending, you’re able to pay your bills on time and in full, and you can keep your total purchases lower than your available credit. Experts suggest keeping your total balance at 30% or less of your available credit.

However, whether you can change a secured credit card to unsecured will also depend on your credit card issuer. Not all card companies offer unsecured options that you can upgrade to. In those cases, you’ll need to apply for a new card.

Guide to Upgrading from a Secured Card to Unsecured Credit Card

If you’re looking to upgrade to an unsecured card, make sure you’re following these steps.

Monitor Your Credit Score

Many credit cards require that you have at least a good credit score to qualify. That means, you’ll need a FICO® score of 670 or higher. Not only are you more likely to qualify for a card with a higher score, you’ll also be more likely to secure more favorable terms and lower interest rates.

If you’re considering trying to convert a secured credit card to an unsecured card, monitor your credit score regularly. You might check with your card issuer to see if they offer you free access to your credit score.

Making the Minimum Monthly Payment

Getting approved for a change from a secured credit card to an unsecured credit card requires displaying responsible credit card behavior. Ideally, you’d avoid interest payments by paying off your credit card in full every month. But if that’s not possible, be sure you are making at least your minimum monthly payment, as payment history is one of the biggest determinants of your credit score. On-time payments are a big part of using a credit card responsibly.

Managing All Your Accounts Responsibly

Before opening an unsecured credit card, make sure you’re able to make other debt payments on time as well. This includes student loans, car payments, or a mortgage. If you’re not displaying good credit behavior elsewhere, that will show up on your credit report and potentially hurt your chances of qualifying for an unsecured credit card.

Limiting the Number of Credit Accounts You Open

Opening new accounts requires a hard inquiry, which will result in a temporary dip in your credit score. Additionally, if you open too many new accounts in a short period of time, it can lower the average age of your credit accounts, which is another factor that influences your credit score.

Ideally, you’ll avoid activities that will cause your credit score to drop as you’re trying to work toward being able to qualify for a secured credit card. A better score will improve your chances of getting approved.

Recommended: Does Applying For a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score

The Takeaway

A secured card is an important tool for building or rebuilding credit. However, once you’ve established healthy credit card habits and good credit score, it may serve you to switch from a secured to unsecured credit card.

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

Can I upgrade my secured credit card to unsecured?

Some lenders will allow you to change a secured credit card to an unsecured card. However, others will require that you apply for a new card.

How long does it take to convert a secured credit card to an unsecured one?

To move from a secured credit card to an unsecured one can take anywhere from several months to a couple of years. How long it takes will depend on the credit card issuer’s policies as well as what your credit score was when you opened the account.

Does converting a secured credit card to an unsecured card hurt your credit score?

Closing your secured card to open a traditional credit card may cause your credit score to take a temporary dip. However, you shouldn’t notice a huge impact.

Do all credit card issuers allow the conversion from a secured to unsecured card?

Not all credit card issuers will convert a secured card to an unsecured card. More often than not, you’ll have to close your secured account and open a brand new card.

Photo credit: iStock/Ridofranz

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.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

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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Your credit card’s grace period is the length of time that starts at the end of your billing cycle and ends when your payment is due. During this period, you may not have to pay interest on your balance — as long as you pay it off in full by your payment due date.

While a lot of credit cards have a grace period, not all of them do. Here’s a look at how grace periods on credit cards work and how you can take full advantage of them.

What Is the Grace Period on a Credit Card?

Credit cards allow you to borrow money over the course of a one-month billing cycle, during which you may not need to pay interest. The end of your credit card billing cycle is also called your statement date. That’s when your monthly credit card statement is sent to you in the mail or becomes available online. Credit card payments are due on the payment due date, about three weeks later. The time in between these dates is what’s known as the grace period.

During this time, you won’t be charged any interest on the purchases that you made during the billing cycle. However, because of how credit card payments work, you must pay off your credit card balance in full by your payment due date in order to avoid interest payments. At the very least, you must make your minimum payment, and you’ll then owe interest on whatever balance you carry into the next month.

Recommended: What Is a Charge Card?

How Credit Card Billing Cycles and Grace Periods Work

Grace periods on credit cards are different from the grace period for other loan products. For example, the grace period for a mortgage lasts about 15 days. If your payment is due on the first of the month, you’d have until mid-month to make your payment before it’s considered late and you’re charged potential late fees.

This is not how credit card grace periods work. The grace period for revolving credit — which is what a credit card is — comes before the payment due date. As such, credit card grace periods don’t protect you from late fees. Rather, they give you a period of time in which you can avoid interest payments.

If you miss the date when credit card payments are due, your payment is considered late. Late payments may trigger penalties, and they can have a negative effect on your credit score if they’re reported to the credit reporting bureaus.

Limits on Credit Card Grace Periods

Credit card companies are not required to offer their customers a grace period. However, many of them choose to do so.

Federal law requires credit card companies to send you a bill within 21 days of the payment due date, meaning you’ll get at least three weeks’ notice of how much you owe for your previous billing cycle (after the credit card closing date). However, the amount of time you’ll have for your grace period will vary by lender.

Credit card grace periods typically only apply to purchases. That means if you’ve used your credit card for a cash advance, for example, you’ll have to start paying interest on the date of the cash advance transaction.

Recommended: Tips for Using a Credit Card Responsibly

How Long Is the Typical Grace Period for a Credit Card?

Typically, grace periods last at least 21 days and up to 25 days.

You can find out how long your grace period is by checking your cardholder agreement. The length of your grace period should be listed alongside fees and your annual percentage rate (APR). You can also call your credit card company and ask them directly.

You may also have a longer grace period for special promotions. Those can be as long as 55 days.

What Types of Transactions Are Eligible for Credit Card Grace Periods?

As mentioned above, generally only purchase transactions are eligible for the credit card grace period. Cash advances — which allow you to borrow a certain amount of money against your line of credit — typically are not eligible. They will start accruing interest the day you make the transaction.

Similarly, if you transfer a balance from one credit card to another, you’ll start to accrue interest on that balance immediately. The only exception is if you have a balance transfer credit card with a 0% introductory rate for a period of time. If you pay off the balance during that period, you won’t owe interest. However, interest will accrue on whatever remains of your balance at the end of that period.

Taking Maximum Advantage of Your Credit Card’s Grace Period

If you pay off your credit card bill in full each month, you’ll avoid accruing credit card interest. Even carrying a small balance will disrupt your grace periods. If you do, you’ll owe interest on the remaining amount, and all of the new purchases that you make in the next billing cycle will accrue interest immediately as well.

To take full advantage of your credit card’s grace period, plan your purchases accordingly to ensure you’re able to pay your bills in full and on time. For example, if you’re going to make a large purchase, you may want to do so close to the first day of your billing cycle. That way, you’ll have the full cycle (about four weeks), plus your grace period (about three weeks), to pay off your purchase without owing any interest.

Can You Lose Your Credit Card’s Grace Period?

It is possible to lose your credit card grace period if you don’t make on-time payments in full each month by the payment due date. If you lose your grace period, you’ll be charged interest on the remaining portion of your balance. In the new billing cycle, you’ll also owe interest on any new purchases on the day the transaction takes place. This can lead to you falling into a debt cycle, which isn’t easy to get out of. (It’s wise to educate yourself on what happens to credit card debt when you die, too.)

Luckily, issuers usually restore grace periods once you’ve paid your outstanding balance and are back to making full on-time payments for a month or two.

The Takeaway

Your credit card grace period is an important tool that can save you money on interest if you pay off your balance in full each month. If you don’t pay your balance in full each month, you could lose this privilege temporarily. As such, you’d end up owing interest on your previous remaining balance and any new purchases.

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 the grace period for credit card payments after the due date?

Credit card grace periods occur before the payment due date. Payments made after that date are considered late. After the due date, cardholders will owe interest on their balance. Further, they may lose their grace period until they can pay their balance off in full for one or two months.

What happens if you are one day late on a credit card payment?

Being one day late on a credit card payment can still trigger late fees, interest, and potentially the loss of your grace period. Late payments may also be reported to the credit reporting bureaus, which can have a negative impact on your credit score.

What is the typical grace period for a credit card?

Federal law requires that credit card companies provide your bill at least 21 days before your next payment due date. The length of the grace period can vary depending on the credit card issuer, though they typically last 21 to 25 days.

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A statute of limitations is a state law that limits the period during which a creditor or debt collector can bring action in court to enforce a contract, such as a loan agreement or note. This means a creditor may not be allowed to sue a borrower in court to force them to pay a debt after the period has expired.

However, the statute of limitations on debt isn’t a wait-it-out solution that simply erases debt once it’s been owed for a few years. There may still be consequences to failing to pay back debts once the statute of limitations for debts has expired — and statutes of limitations don’t apply to some debts, including federal student loans. Here’s what you should know about statutes of limitations on debt.

What Is The Statute of Limitations on Debt?

Essentially, a statute of limitations on debt puts a time restriction on how long a creditor or debt collector is able to sue a borrower in state court to enforce the loan agreement and force them to repay the outstanding debts. In practice, this means that if a borrower chooses not to pay a debt, after the statute of limitation runs out, the creditor or debt collector doesn’t have a legal remedy to force them to pay.

To be clear, just because the statute of limitations has expired, it doesn’t mean that the borrower no longer owes the money, even though it does mean that the lender may not be able to take them to court for non-payment. The borrower will continue to owe the money borrowed, and their non-payment could be reported to the credit bureaus, which would then remain on the report for as long as allowed under the applicable credit reporting time limit. (For further evidence of how long debt can stick around, you might consider what happens to credit card debt when you die.)

Statutes of limitations don’t apply to all debts. They don’t, for example, apply to federal student loans. Federal student loans that are in default may be collected through wage or tax refund garnishment without a court order.

How Long Until a Debt Expires?

The length of the statute of limitations is determined by state law. State statutes of limitations on debt typically vary from three years to more than 10 years, depending on the type of debt and when the contract was entered into.

Figuring out exactly which state’s laws your debt falls under isn’t always as simple as you might imagine. The applicable statute of limitations may be determined by the state you live in, the state you lived in when you first took on the debt, or even the state where the lender or debt collector is located. The lender may even have included a clause in the contract you signed mandating that the debt is governed by a specific state’s laws.

One commonality in every state’s statutes of limitations on debt is that the “clock” does not start ticking until the borrower’s last activity on the relevant account. Say, for example, that you made a payment on a credit card two years ago and then entered into a payment plan with the debt collector last year but never made any subsequent payments. In that case, the statute of limitations clock would start on the date that you entered into the payment plan.

In this example, simply entering into a payment plan counts as “activity” on the account. This can make it confusing to determine if the statute of limitations has expired on your old debts, especially if you haven’t made a payment in a long time.

It may be possible to find out what the statute of limitations is by contacting the lender or debt collector and asking for verification of the debt. Remember that agreeing to make a payment, entering a payment plan, or otherwise taking any action on the account — including simply acknowledging the debt — may restart the statute of limitations.

After the statute of limitations on the debt has expired, the debt is considered time-barred.

Types of Debt

As mentioned, the length of the statute of limitations on debt can vary depending on the type of debt it is. To know which timeline applies, it helps to understand the different types of debt.

Written Contract

A written contract is an agreement that is signed in writing by both you and the creditor. This contract must include the terms of the loan, such as how much the loan is for and how much monthly payments are.

Oral Contract

An oral contract is bound by verbal agreement — there is no written contract involved. In other words, you said you would pay back the money, but did not sign any paperwork.

Promissory Notes

Promissory notes are written agreements in which you agree to pay back the amount of money by a certain date, in agreed upon installments and at a set interest rate. Examples of promissory notes are student loan agreements and mortgages.

Open-Ended Accounts

Open-ended accounts include credit cards and lines of credit. With an open-ended account, you can repeatedly borrow funds up to the agreed upon credit limit. Upon repayment, you can then borrow money again.

Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection

Each state has its own statute of limitations on debt collection. Here’s a breakdown of the varying timelines by state:

Statutes of limitations on certain old debts may prevent creditors or debt collectors from suing you to recover what you owe. However, it’s important to realize that debt statutes of limitations don’t protect you from creditors or debt collectors continuing to attempt to collect payments on the time-barred debt, such as in the case of credit card default. Remember, you still owe that money, whether or not the debt is time-barred. The statute of limitations merely prevents a lender or debt collector from pursuing legal action against you indefinitely.

Debt collectors may continue to contact you about your debt. But under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, debt collectors cannot sue or threaten to sue you for a time-barred debt. (Note that this act applies only to debt collectors and not to the original lenders.)

Some debt collectors, however, may still try to take you to court on a time-barred debt. If you receive notice of a lawsuit about a debt you believe is time-barred, you may wish to consult an attorney about your legal rights and resolution strategies.

Disputing Time-Barred Debt With Debt Collectors

If a debt collector is contacting you to attempt to collect on a debt that you know is time-barred and you don’t intend to pay the debt, you can request that the debt collector stop contacting you.

One option is to write a letter stating that the debt is time-barred and you no longer wish to be contacted about the money owed. If you’re unsure, it may be possible to state that you would like to dispute the debt and want verification that the debt is not time-barred. If the debt is sold to another debt collector, it may be necessary to repeat this process with the new collection agency.

Remember, even though a collector can’t force you to pay the debt once the statute of limitations expires, there may still be consequences for non-payment. For one, your original creditor may continue to contact you through the mail and by phone.

Additionally, most unpaid debts can be listed on your credit report for seven years, which may negatively affect your credit score. That means that failing to pay a debt may impact your ability to buy a car, rent a house, or take out new credit cards, even if that debt is time-barred.

Statute of Limitations on Student Loan Debt

Statutes of limitations don’t apply to federal student loan debt. If you default on your federal student loan, your wages or tax refunds may be garnished.

If you have federal student loan debt, you may consider managing your student loans through consolidating or refinancing. This can help you decrease your loan term or secure a lower interest rate.

Borrowers who hold only federal student loans may be able to consolidate their student loans with the federal government to simplify their payments.

Those with a combination of both private and federal student loans might consider student loan refinancing to get a new interest rate and/or loan term. Depending on an individual’s financial circumstances, refinancing can potentially result in a lower monthly payment (though it may also mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan).

All borrowers with federal loans should keep in mind that refinancing federal loans can mean relinquishing certain benefits, like forbearance and income-based repayment options.

Statute of Limitations on Credit Card Debt

The statute of limitations on credit card debts can generally range anywhere from three years to 10 years, depending on the state. However, the laws in the state in which you live aren’t necessarily what dictates your credit card statute of limitations. Many of the top credit issuers name a specific state whose laws apply in the credit card agreement.

How Long Does the Statute of Limitations on Credit Card Debt Last?

Here’s a look at how long can credit card debt be collected through court proceedings for each state in the U.S.:

Effects of the Statute of Limitations on Your Credit Report

The statute of limitations on credit card debt doesn’t have an impact on what appears on your credit report. Even if the credit card statute of limitations has passed, your debt can still appear on your credit report, underscoring the importance of using a credit card responsibly.

Unpaid debts typically remain on your credit report for seven years, during which time they’ll negatively impact your credit (though its effect can wane over time). So, for instance, if the state laws of Delaware apply to your credit card debt, your statute of limitations would be four years. Your unpaid debt would remain on your credit report for another three years after that period elapsed.

This is why it’s important to consider solutions, such as negotiating credit card debt settlement or credit card debt forgiveness, rather than just waiting for the clock to run out.

How to Know If a Debt Is Time-Barred

To determine if a debt is time-barred — meaning the statute of limitations has passed — the first step is figuring out the last date of activity on the account. This generally means your last payment on the account, though in some cases it can even include a promise to make a payment, such as saying you’d soon work on paying off $10,000 in credit card debt.

You can find out when you made your last payment on the account by pulling your credit report, which you can access at no cost once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Once you have that information in hand, you can take a look at state statutes of limitation laws. Keep in mind that it might not be your state’s laws that apply. If you’re looking for the statute of limitations for credit card debt, for instance, check your credit card’s terms and conditions to see which state’s laws apply.

Figuring out all of the relevant information isn’t always easy. If you’re unsure or have any questions, consider contacting a debt collections lawyer, who should be able to assist with answers to all your credit card debt questions.

What to Do If You Are Sued Over a Time-Barred Debt

Even if you know a debt is time-barred, it’s important to take action if you’re sued over it. You’ll need to verify that the statute of limitations has indeed passed, and you’ll need to come forward with that information. It may be helpful to work with an attorney to help you respond appropriately and avoid any missteps.

If you do end up going to court, it’s critical to show up. The judge will dismiss your case as long as you can prove that the debt is indeed time-barred. However, if you don’t show up, you will lose the case.

How to Verify Whether You Owe the Debt

If you’re not sure whether a debt you’ve been contacted about is yours, you can ask the debt collector for verification. Request the debt collector’s name, the company’s name, address and phone number, and a professional license number. Also ask that the company mail you a validation notice, which will include the name of the creditor seeking payment and the amount you owe. This notice must be sent within five days of when the debt collector contacted you.

If, upon receiving the validation notice, you do not recognize the debt is yours, you can send the debt collector a letter of dispute. You must do so within 30 days.

The Takeaway

Statutes of limitations on debt create limits for how long debt collectors are able to sue borrowers in a court of law. These limits vary by state but are often between three to 10 or more years. Once the statute of limitations on a debt has expired, the debt is considered time-barred. However, any action the borrower takes on the account has the potential to restart the statute of limitations clock.

While borrowing money can leave you in a stressful situation where you’re waiting for the clock to run out, it can also help you build your credit profile and access new financial opportunities.

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 I still owe a debt after the statute of limitations has passed?

Yes. The statute of limitations passing simply means that the creditor cannot take legal action to recoup the debt. Your debt will still remain, and it can continue to affect your credit.

Can a debt collector contact me after the statute of limitations has passed?

Yes, a debt collector can still contact you after the statute of limitations on debt passes as there isn’t a statute of limitations on debt collection. However, you do have the right to request that they stop contacting you. You can make this request by sending a cease communications letter.

Additionally, if you believe the contact is in violation of provisions in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act — such as if they are harassing or threatening you — then you can file a complaint by contacting your local attorney general’s office, the Federal Trade Commission, or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

When does the statute of limitations commence?

The clock starts ticking on the statute of limitations on the last date of activity on the account. This generally means your last payment on the account, but it also could be when you last used the account, entered into a payment agreement, or made a promise to make a payment.

After the statute of limitations has passed, how do I remove debt from my credit report?

Even if the statute of limitations has already passed, debt will remain on your credit report for seven years. At this point, it should automatically drop off your report. If, for some reason, it does not, then you can dispute the information with the credit bureau.

What state’s laws on statute of limitations apply if I incur credit card debt in one state, then move to another state?

If you’re unsure of what the statute of limitations on credit card debt is, the first thing to do is to check your credit card agreement. Which state you live in may not have an impact, as many credit card companies dictate in the credit card agreement which state court will preside.

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.

This article is not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for advice.

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Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

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