A credit card grace period is the time between the end of your billing cycle and your payment due date. During this period, you can pay off your full balance without paying any interest. It’s one of the best features of credit cards — but it only works if you know how to use it correctly.
✅ 5 Things to Know About Grace Periods:
- It typically lasts 21 to 25 days after the billing cycle ends. If you pay your balance in full within this time, you won’t be charged interest.
- You must pay 100% of the balance, not just the minimum payment. Paying only part of it means interest starts building on the remaining amount.
- If you carry a balance, your next purchases won’t have a grace period — interest applies immediately.
- Cash advances don’t qualify — they start charging interest right away, no matter what.
- Treat the grace period as a free loan window — use it smartly and you’ll never pay extra.
👉 A grace period is a gift — but only if you pay your balance on time and in full.