Quick AMEX question

[tinom1234]

Have had AMEX for a couple weeks and charged the $500 I needed to in order to get my 35K bonus miles. The statement will be cut on the 6th. Should I pay the entire balance off before the statement cuts, wait to pay the balance off until the statement cuts, or pay off $400 now and let the statement cut with a $100 balance?

Thanks!

M

[slap_happy]

since you already got to the threshold for the bonus the method of payment has no bearing on you getting the points, so pay as you wish

[09Lexie]

Whichever way makes you comfortable.

[brianjb]

If you're worried about it being reported, I suggest paying before the statement cuts. 

[TheConductor]

I set AutoPay on my Amex Zync  a year ago to pay on the due date every month, and then left it alone.

A year later, approved for $10k on BCP and a limit I have yet to ascertain on the SPG.

Unless your overall credit utlization is high, there's little to gain by making early payments or multiple payments per statement period.  There has even been some past evidence that Amex dislikes multiple payments.  Paying once a month, consistently on time, is what I would recommend.

Even if your overall utilization *is* high, I think it's better to focus your attention on reducing utilization as opposed to playing games with what balance reports when.  Unless you're apping for a mortgage next week there's nothing to gain from short-term adjustments in utilization,  Focus on the long term, use only a manageable fraction of your available credit, and you'll be fine.

[tinom1234]

My total utilization across all cards is 2%, and my utilization on my AMEX card would be 5%. I just want to make sure I'm in a good place with them to get my 3x CLI in October.