Credit Q&A: Can I Change the Due Date on My Credit Card Bill?

Q: It’s a financial strain having to pay all of my monthly bills at the same time. Is it possible to change the due date on my credit card bill?

A: You can certainly ask to have the due date on your credit card bill changed and, in most cases, issuers will comply.

“Most of the major credit card issuers are open to this,” says Beverly Harzog, a credit card expert with Credit.com. “And most local banks and credit unions are very customer-service oriented, so don’t hesitate to ask. You might not always get the date changed, but the odds are in your favor, especially if you’ve been a great customer.”

Depending on your credit history, Harzog says you might even be able to get the date changed without any lag time, so customers who find themselves in a serious bind should try to call and see if they can get an extension, even if the monthly statement has already arrived in the mail.

Keep in mind, too, that many issuers will ask you if you are OK with the pre-set due date when you call to activate a new card, so those who find out their credit card payments are due at the same time as their rent, utilities or auto loan bill can (and should) specify a better day at the onset.

“As in all money matters, it's better to plan ahead,” Harzog says. “If you see a problem on the horizon, take action as soon as you can.”

Want to know what can and can't affect your credit score? Email your questions to editors@mainstreet.com.

—For the best rates on loans, bank accounts and credit cards, enter your ZIP code at BankingMyWay.com.