AMEX Charge Card Payment question

[ucibaqt]

I was recently approved for a AMEX green card. I was honestly surprised that I was approved. I've searched the forums for payment information, but most of what I found was contradicting. When am I supposed to pay and have the balance report at 0. When the statement cuts, billing cycle closes, or the by due date on the statement?

Any help understanding charge card payments will be appreciated.

[AirlinerDudeB6]

There is lots of interpretation on here as to when you "should" pay by to get on Amex's good side. 

Personally, I have mine on auto-pay for day 25 and I never have to worry about it. 

Make sure you pay by the statement closing date and you will be fine. Just remember that the statement date varies by a couple days each month, so that's why I recommend the auto pay. 

[cashnocredit]

Let the balance report. Charge cards are different than credit cards. The balance that reports on a charge card has zero effect on the FICO scores that are used by creditors and there is no benefit to prepaying a charge card.

[ucibaqt]

Since I have a new card, a note pops up that I can only pay once the statement closes. Does that mean it will report a balance once the statement closes?

[ucibaqt]

Okay will do. Thanks for the help.

[AirlinerDudeB6]

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@ucibaqt wrote:

Since I have a new card, a note pops up that I can only pay once the statement closes. Does that mean it will report a balance once the statement closes?

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This happens for the first cycle when trying to pay through the website. 

Yes, the balance would report. But as mentioned above, there is no FICO impact. 

If you're that concerned about balance reporting, push the payment through your bank's online bill pay to amex. 

[creditFiend]

I have mine on auto pay also. Balance always report. Does not affect utilization. I love my Green. .