Different card issuers have different rules for determining when they charge interest. In general, once a card issuer begins to charge interest it will continue to do so until it receives your payment.  This means that if you have been carrying a balance, you will be charged interest – sometimes called “residual interest” – from the time your bill was sent to you until the time your payment is received by your card issuer.

Your cardholder agreement should tell you the rules your card issuer applies. You should be able to find a copy of the agreement on your card issuer’s website, and you can request a copy from your card issuer if it is not there.

Still have questions about credit cards?

Whether you’re shopping for a new card or getting a handle on an existing one, here are the resources you need to manage your credit cards.