What is an unbilled amount on a Credit Card?

A Credit Card is a very popular transaction medium today. It offers both convenience and flexibility to users. To effectively manage a Credit Card, an individual needs to understand its terms. One such term is 'unbilled amount'. This article will address what an unbilled amount on a Credit Card is, how to check it and the consequences of not paying this amount.

What is the unbilled amount on a Credit Card?

Unbilled amount refers to those charges accrued on a card for a particular billing cycle that have not been billed at the time of making an entry. Such charges exist as outstanding. Here, the amount equals to the transaction amount incurred by you after the last statement was prepared or billed.

To understand the concept of an unbilled amount on a Credit Card, consider the following example: Your monthly Credit Card Statement will be due for payment by the 20^th of the following month. Transactions made on or after the 6^th day of each month are charged to the next billing cycle. However, only the cumulative total of all transactions post-last billing date, will reflect in your next bill. This accumulating balance up to the point of billing, is called ‘uncovered unbilled Credit Card amounts’. This understanding is important, so you can pay the right amount on time and avoid penalties or interest.

How to check unbilled amounts on Credit Cards?

Looking at your unbilled balance is important, if you want to manage your Credit Card efficiently. Most Credit Card issuers provide multiple ways to access this information:

1. Online Banking

Access the online banking channel or the mobile app for your Credit Card. This is where you will find your unbilled amount as well as other account information.

2. Customer Service

You may also call the customer service numbers of your Credit Card issuer regarding your unbilled amount. The charges include the amount in your account and any unsettled dues.

3. Monthly Statements

This is indicated under the ‘New Transactions Since Your Last Statement’ section or under a similar term to that effect, in your Credit Card statement for a particular month.

4. Text Alerts

Other than receiving statements, your bank will send text messages with the information.

iMobile Pay app for ICICI Bank Customers

ICICI Bank iMobile Pay app is a user-friendly application that enables you to view your unbilled amount easily.

You can effectively check your Credit Card's unbilled amount using these convenient options that Credit Card issuers provide. Monitoring unbilled amounts is important for responsible Credit Card management.

What are the consequences of not paying the unbilled amount on a Credit Card?

Failing to pay the unbilled amount on your Credit Card can have several consequences, including:

1. Accrued interest

The unbilled amount will usually start accumulating interest from the transaction date. If the unbilled amount is not settled, the overall cost can increase.

2. Negative impact on credit score

Defaulting in payments can also affect your credit rating as it can mean that you have an outstanding balance yet to be billed. Missed payments are reported by creditors, which can affect your credit score.

3. Late fees

Failure to settle the unbilled amount within the stipulated time will attract late payment fees, further increasing your expenses.

4. Reduced Credit Limit

With an outstanding unbilled balance, some Credit Card companies may lower your approved credit limit or terminate your card altogether.

5. Legal Action

The worst scenario is when the creditor decides to bring legal charges against you for non-payment. This can warrant a law suit and tarnish your credit record.

What is the difference between an unbilled and an outstanding amount on a Credit Card?

It is crucial to differentiate between the unbilled amount and the outstanding amount, as they serve different purposes:

Unbilled Amount

Unbilled amount refers to all the charges on your Credit Card during the current billing cycle, but not reflected in the statement. These amounts are unbilled charges, which are not part of the minimum payment calculation on your Credit Card.

Outstanding Amount

Outstanding amount refers to all of the last month’s billing cycle charges and any remaining balances due from prior months. By a particular date, you are required to pay the amount to avoid any possible interest or penalty.

Let us illustrate the difference between the unbilled amount and the outstanding amount:

Suppose your Credit Card billing cycle ends on the 15^th of the month. On the 10^th of the month, you spend Rs 20,000 on the card. This purchase will not be included in the current billing cycle, as it is made before the cycle ends. On the 20^th, you make another purchase of Rs 20,000.

• Unbilled Amount (as of the 15^th): Rs 20,000 (the purchase made on the 10th)
• Outstanding Amount (previous statement balance): Rs 0 (as you paid the previous month's balance in full)
• Outstanding Amount (current statement balance): Rs 10,000 (the purchase made on the 20^th)

In this example, the unbilled amount includes the Rs 20,000 purchase made before the billing cycle's end and the outstanding amount is Rs 10,000, reflecting the purchase made after the billing cycle ended.

Finally, to summarise, the unbilled amount refers to the amount which is yet to be billed. In comparison, an outstanding amount means that the amount is due or yet to be paid.

Conclusion

To manage a Credit Card responsibly, one must understand the concept of what an unbilled amount on a Credit Card is. It is important to monitor your unbilled amount frequently and settle any amount owed, to avoid interest charges. This will safeguard your credit score and reduce any unexpected financial consequences. Also, leverage the incredible benefits of Credit Cards offered by ICICI Bank, offering exclusive promotions and rewards that can further enhance your financial journey. By choosing an ICICI Bank Credit Card, you can manage your credit effectively and take advantage of exciting offers and discounts to make wiser financial decisions.