Once statement hits, you can PIF at any time before the due date. If you don't PIF and let some balance roll over to the next month, then that's when you're carrying a balance and will be charged interest accordingly (if you're not on a zero percent promo). Any new charges after statement cut won't be reported until the next statement cuts, so you're good to keep using that card.
Well it *will* add to that $500 balance, but it won't change your minimum due or the statement balance due. So say you're at $500 and run up another $300 by the 28th, in order to PIF you still only need to pay the $500 from the last statement. The new $300 in charges won't show up until next statement. Hope that makes sense.
@RaeC wrote:
@OmarGB9 wrote:
Well it *will* add to that $500 balance, but it won't change your minimum due or the statement balance due. So say you're at $500 and run up another $300 by the 28th, in order to PIF you still only need to pay the $500 from the last statement. The new $300 in charges won't show up until next statement. Hope that makes sense.It does, yes! That's exactly what I was wondering; if whatever I add to my current balance that is due on the 28th will also be due the 28th or if it will be April's balance due. Does that mean when I pay the $500 balance that is currently due, will it reflect a $0 balance when reported to the CRAs or will my add'l balance be shown?
Well no, paying the $500 from last statement will be considered PIF, and you avoid interest charges, but $0 wouldn't be reported unless you pay off your entire balance on the card before the next statement cut. So using the same example, say you PIF (the $500) by the 28th, then a few days later the statement cuts, your new statement balance would be $300, which is what would be reported to the CRAs and the total amount you have to pay by the next due date, so April 28, in order to be considered PIF and not get charged interest. 
@RaeC wrote:I hope the question makes sense. I'm trying to make sure that I use my CCs wisely and was curious about how best to use them.
Once my statement generates, should I cease activity with it once I hit my desired util it until it's PIF? I don't want to carry a balance. I've heard conflicting things; some say to pay all cards in full, but leave one with a small balance, others say pay in full every month.
Basically what I'm asking that if my statement generates on the 5th, is due on the 28th and I've hit my 'spending' limit with the card -- should I stop all activity with it, pay it in full, and then only begin to use again when the new statement generates?
Thanks in advance!
OP, let's try a specific example. If you start with a $500 on one statement, that amount reports to the credit bureaus. If you make additional charges during the month after that statement prints, those new amounts are not instantly updated to the credit bureau.
The timing of your Payment In Full of the $500 is set up so it will reduce your account balance by the $500 if you pay it on time. Then, what reports are the new charges you made during the month, after the last statement cut off date.
