When should I pay after I receive statement?

[dndandrea]

So now since my statement has reported my ~10% utilization, does it really matter when it's paid as long as it's before the due date? I was just going to pay it as soon as I got the statement every month so I wouldn't have to worry about it or get mixed up with the next cycle. Whatever my statement says is what is reported to the credit companies, not anything before or after correct? If that's the case i'm just going to pay these two bills off right now.

I forgot to mention, I just got my first two credit cards last month. This will be the first time making a payment, and that's why i'm asking this silly question!

[Burned2manybridgesB4]

All usage you don't want to show..pay before statement cut.

The percentage you do want to show...pay after you get the statement.

[dndandrea]

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@Burned2manybridgesB4 wrote:

All usage you don't want to show..pay before statement cut.

The percentage you do want to show...pay after you get the statement.

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Yes I understand this. I have a $1000 credit limit on the one card. I used it to pay about $600 worth of stuff, and paid $500 off of it a couple of weeks before the statement. My statement came and now I have a statement of $100 balance (~10% utilization like I wanted). Now since the new cycle has began and I received the statement, can I pay whenever? I have 30 days to pay it. Does it matter when I do at all? 

[Burned2manybridgesB4]

1st: you actually want to report under 10% (9 or less).

2nd: Pay your bill by the statement due date.

[dndandrea]

Ok so it doesnt matter when i pay any day between the statement cut and due date? My other statement cut is on April 8th and due on May 5th. Thanks

[Anonymous]

Nope. Just pay (at least the min) by the 5th.

[Anonymous]

It is far more important to not miss a payment (becomes part of your history), than it is to worry about utilization(only temporary).

I always pay at least minimum right after closing.   Then before due date, I pay the rest due (if any) to avoid any interest.   The habit of paying twice means I would have to forget twice in one month to miss a payment.   This greatly reduces the odds of a late payment.