Credit card usage is rising rapidly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, fuelled by fintech innovations and growing financial awareness. While these cards offer convenience and flexibility, especially for daily expenses and emergencies, they also come with certain complexities. One such often-misunderstood aspect is the unbilled amount. Many users overlook this and end up either overspending or missing payments. Hence, you must read this blog because here, you’ll understand what the unbilled amount is and how to manage it smartly.
Table of Contents
What Is Unbilled Amount in Credit Cards and Why Does It Matter?
The unbilled amount is the total of all transactions made on your credit card after the statement generation date. These charges are not part of your latest bill but will reflect in the next billing cycle.
It matters because ignoring the unbilled amount can give you a false sense of your available credit. You might assume you have more spending room than you actually do. Monitoring this helps you stay within your credit limit and avoid late fees or interest on missed payments.
How to Check Your Unbilled Amount on a Credit Card?
Many credit card users overlook the unbilled amount, but it plays a vital role in managing your credit wisely. To maintain a healthy credit score, financial experts suggest keeping your credit utilisation ratio below 30% of your total limit. Since unbilled transactions still count toward this limit, tracking them regularly is essential to avoid overspending and stay in control of your finances. Here is how you can check your unbilled amount on a credit card:
1. Using NetBanking
You can log in to your bank’s NetBanking portal using your customer ID and password. Once you’re logged in, go to the credit card section. Select your card, and you’ll be able to see both the billed and unbilled amounts displayed separately.
2. Through Text Message Alerts
Most banks send SMS alerts after every credit card transaction. These alerts usually include details like the remaining credit limit and the unbilled amount. Ensure that your mobile number is updated with the bank to receive these messages.
3. Calling Customer Service
You can also call the customer care number provided on the back of your credit card. After verifying your details, the customer service executive can tell you the unbilled amount on your card.
4. Using ATMs
Some bank ATMs allow you to check your credit card details. Insert your credit card into the ATM, choose the ‘Credit Card Enquiry’ option, and select the option to view your unbilled amount.
5. Reviewing Credit Card Statements
Although the unbilled amount is not part of your current billing statement, some banks include a section that shows recent transactions made after the billing date. Reviewing this section can give you an estimate of your unbilled amount.
6. Checking the Mobile App
Most banks have mobile banking apps that show your credit card summary. When you open the app and go to the credit card section, you can view the billed amount, unbilled amount, and available credit limit all in one place.
What’s the Difference Between Unbilled Amount and Outstanding Amount?
Feature |
Unbilled Amount |
Outstanding Amount |
|
Definition |
Transactions made after the last billing cycle |
Total amount due as per the latest credit card statement |
|
Billing Status |
Not yet added to the current bill |
Already billed and due for payment |
|
Includes |
Only recent spends not yet billed |
Previous dues, fees, interest, and EMIs (if any) |
|
Shown In Statement |
Not shown in the latest statement |
Clearly mentioned in the latest statement |
|
Payment Due Date Impact |
Will be part of the next payment due |
Must be paid by the current due date |
Consequences of Not Paying Unbilled Amounts
Paying attention to unbilled amounts is just as crucial as clearing your billed dues. Ignoring them can lead to serious consequences, but paying them on time helps you avoid unnecessary penalties and damage to your credit health.
For example, if your billing date is the 10th of each month and you make a purchase on the 12th, that transaction will be unbilled until the next billing cycle. If you don’t account for this and spend further, you may exceed your credit limit or struggle to repay when it becomes due.
Here are the consequences of not managing unbilled amounts properly:
1. Accrued Interest
If you don’t pay the unbilled amount, interest will start accumulating from the date of the transaction. Over time, this can make the total cost much higher than expected.
2. Negative Impact on Credit Score
Missing payments can harm your credit score. Since the unbilled amount counts as an outstanding balance, failing to pay it on time can reflect poorly on your credit history.
3. Late Fees
Not paying your unbilled amount by the due date will result in late fees. These extra charges can add up quickly and increase your overall debt.
4. Reduced Credit Limit
If you leave unbilled amounts unpaid, some credit card companies may lower your credit limit or even cancel your card, making it harder to manage future expenses.
5. Legal Action
In extreme cases, if the balance remains unpaid for too long, the creditor may take legal action. This could lead to a lawsuit and severely damage your credit record.
Conclusion
Keeping track of your unbilled amounts is crucial for effective credit card management. By staying on top of these transactions, you can avoid unnecessary interest, fees, and potential damage to your credit score. Paying your unbilled amount on time ensures that you stay within your credit limit and maintain a good financial standing. Always be mindful of your spending and make sure to check your unbilled amount regularly to avoid any unpleasant surprises in your next statement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Is it necessary to pay the unbilled amount immediately?
No, you do not need to pay the unbilled amount immediately. It becomes due in your next billing cycle, but you can choose to pay it any time before your statement is generated to manage your credit utilisation.
2. Will my unbilled transactions incur interest?
Unbilled transactions do not incur interest until they appear on your statement. However, if you fail to pay your full statement balance by the due date, interest will be charged from the transaction date.
3. What happens if I exceed my credit limit due to unbilled transactions?
If your unbilled transactions push you over your credit limit, you may incur an over-limit fee, face transaction declines, and risk a lower credit score. The bank could also reduce your credit limit.
4. Can I make payments toward the unbilled amount before the billing cycle ends?
Yes, you can make an advance payment against your unbilled amount through netbanking, mobile app, or ATM. This reduces your pending balance before it is billed.
5. Will paying the unbilled amount improve my credit score?
Paying the unbilled amount lowers your credit utilisation ratio and shows responsible repayment behaviour, both of which can help improve your credit score.
6. Is the unbilled amount included in the minimum payment due?
No, the minimum payment due covers only the billed amount on your latest statement. Unbilled transactions are not counted until your next bill.
