I typically push from my checking account bank's website -- except for issuers that give me immediate credit for the payment on their site (e.g. - Citi).
When I was in rebuild mode, I tried to strategically pay what I had, when I had it, with an eye towards lowering individual card utilization. I paid as frequently as five times a cycle.
Now that I'm in (what I'll call) 'strengthening' mode, I typically pay once a month, in full, either prior to or just after the statement cutting, to maintain AZEO status.
Once I'm in maintenance mode (and I'm getting close), I expect that I'll pay (in full) 2-3 days before the due date (i.e. - let the balance report, 'cause I really won't care what my score is, as long as it's above, say, 775).
I've never been comfortable with autopay, and don't use it for credit cards. (I will use if for utilities whose amount is predictable.) All you need is for there to be insufficient funds once, and you're tagged by both the card issuer and the bank.
@expatCanuckwrote:I typically push from my checking account bank's website -- except for issuers that give me immediate credit for the payment on their site (e.g. - Citi).
When I was in rebuild mode, I tried to strategically pay what I had, when I it, with an eye towards lowering individual card utilization. I paid as frequently as five times a cycle.
Now that I'm in (what I'll call) 'strengthening' mode, I typically pay once a month, in full, either prior to or just after the statement cutting, to maintain AZEO status.
Once I'm in maintenance mode (and I'm getting close), I expect that I'll pay (in full) 2-3 days before the due date (i.e. - let the balance report, 'cause I really won't care what my score is, as long as it's above, say, 775).
I've never been comfortable with autopay, and don't use it for credit cards. (I will use if for utilities whose amount is predictable.)
Since when are utilities predictable? Winter gas bill is high and electric is lower. Summer gas is a few dollars, and electric is through the roof.
I set up autopay through the credit card apps on my phone/computer. Not doing this a couple years ago is the sole reason I am not in the 700's right now. Cards I use rarely are payed off once a month if I use them. Heavy use cards that I use for rewards are payed off weekly from the same bank account. Every supplemental payment is made from the credit card app or site.
If I am in damage control I put small balances on all my cards and set up autopay so I get tons of payments reporting to improve payment history.
I only use AZEO if I am about to finance a large purchase but I will sometimes let large balances ride for a month or two as I move money around or pay off a bunch of cards. I have large balances on two cards right now but those will be gone in a month or two. I try to use each card at least once every 6 months or so.
