Timely payments are critical for establishing and maintaining good credit.
You must send at least the minimum amount due each month by the due date, but it's always a good idea to send more than the minimum amount. Because every dollar you send above the minimum helps pay down your balance faster. This means you pay less in finance charges. To help keep your credit account in good standing, you must make sure that your payment arrives by the due date indicated on your statement. To avoid late charges, send your payments early enough to allow time for mail delivery.