What happens if I have a negative balance on my credit card?

Asked by: Ms. Isabell Mann V  |  Last update: April 27, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (16 votes)

It's possible to have a negative balance—also known as a credit balance—on a credit card. And if you do have a negative balance, don't worry. It just means that instead of owing money to your credit card company, your credit card company actually owes you.

Is it bad to have a negative balance on your credit card?

No. It has no effect on your credit, good or bad. It is reported as a $0 balance if you are negative.

What happens if I overpay my credit card balance?

Generally, your overpayment will appear as a credit in the form of a negative balance on your account. This negative balance will roll over towards any new charges you make or outstanding balances for the next month.

What happens when a credit card bill shows negative balance?

It means that you have a surplus amount on your card. You can check for the exact reason of the surplus with your card provider and use the negative balance for purchases. Why does my credit card show negative balance? It means that you either overpaid against your card or you have received some cash back or rewards.

How do I get my credit card out of negative balance?

Request a deposit: Check with your credit card issuer to see if you can request the negative balance amount to be deposited to your bank account. You can also ask for a check, money order or cash. Make a purchase: This is the easiest way to resolve a negative balance.

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Can negative balance affect credit score?

For example, if your account has a negative balance for too long (typically 60-90 days), it could be sent into collections. This would appear as a negative event on your credit history and lower your credit score. To avoid this, it's important to repay the overdrawn bank balance as soon as possible.

Can I put extra money on my credit card?

While you generally won't be penalized for overpayments, there are instances when a large overpayment may look suspicious and subsequently considered credit card fraud. In such cases, you may be alerted of fraud or asked to verify your payment and identity.

Can you get a refund if your credit card balance is negative?

If you have a negative balance and want the money back, you can make a written request to your credit card company for a refund. Your credit card company might also accept requests in person or over the phone.

Do you still have to pay if your credit card balance is zero?

A zero balance typically means you have no outstanding balance on the card. In many cases, that means you don't need to make a payment, and you won't incur any late fees or interest charges.

Can you overdraft a credit card?

It usually isn't possible to overdraft a credit card. Your card is typically declined if you try to charge above your credit limit. You may be able to go over the credit limit, but only if you opt in to over-limit fees.

What happens if I owe money on my credit card?

It can cause your credit score to plummet, making it harder to qualify for loans, credit cards or even rental agreements. The collection account can remain on your credit report for up to seven years from the date of the first missed payment, even if you eventually pay off the debt.

What does a negative balance mean?

A negative credit card balance means your card issuer owes you money; it doesn't affect your credit score. You could have a negative balance if you've overpaid your bill, received a refund, or redeemed credit card rewards as a statement credit.

What happens if I accidentally paid too much to my credit card?

If you've overpaid by a small amount, there's no need to fret. You can use the balance towards your next month's spending. However, if the credit remains untouched for six months, your credit card company is legally required to make an effort to return that money to you.

What happens if I pay off my credit card and then return something?

If you have paid your card down to a zero balance before receiving your refund, you will have a negative balance on your credit account — and any future purchases will be applied to the negative balance first.

What is a good credit score?

There are some differences around how the various data elements on a credit report factor into the score calculations. Although credit scoring models vary, generally, credit scores from 660 to 724 are considered good; 725 to 759 are considered very good; and 760 and up are considered excellent.

Can I transfer money from my credit card to my current account?

Transferring money from a credit card to a bank account comes with fees. Your bank will typically charge a small percentage of the amount you're transferring. Transfer fees are usually between 2.99% and 5%. If you're transferring large amounts or making regular transfers, the fees can soon add up.

Is closing a credit card with zero balance bad?

By closing a credit card account with zero balance, you're removing all of that card's available balance from the ratio, in turn, increasing your utilization percentage. The higher your balance-to-limit ratio, the more it can hurt your credit.

How to get 800 credit score?

Making on-time payments to creditors, keeping your credit utilization low, having a long credit history, maintaining a good mix of credit types, and occasionally applying for new credit lines are the factors that can get you into the 800 credit score club.

What happens if you just don't pay your credit card?

Action can be taken against you to collect the debt but you have the chance to avoid this. Credit cards are covered by the Consumer Credit Act (CCA). Your lender may get a county court judgment (CCJ) or use debt collection agencies if other ways to get you to pay fail.

What happens if you have a negative rewards balance?

As mentioned, most credit card rewards programs subtract rewards for returns and refunds, which can lead to a negative balance. However, the return won't impact your credit card account if you can secure a voucher or store credit instead of a refund. Many merchants are happy to issue a voucher instead of a refund.

Can negative accounts return on a credit report?

Damage to Your Credit Score

Almost any kind of account can be reinserted, including collection accounts, late payments, and accounts beyond the statute of limitations. And when these negative items reappear, they may omit your past dispute information.

What does a negative pending balance mean?

The pending balance shows the amount of sales and refunds that aren't yet settled by the card scheme or payment method. Positive balance: The funds will be transferred to the payable of the merchant account. Negative balance: the funds will be deducted from your the payable of the merchant account.

Can I add an extra amount to my credit card?

Is this possible? Yes, your bank can do that for you. It may increase the credit limit of your existing card if you make a request. This, of course, will depend on various factors, like your credit history, credit score and income.

What to do with a negative credit card balance?

What can I do with a negative credit card balance?
  1. Buy something. Or a few things. The cost of your purchases will be deducted from the negative balance first. ...
  2. Get a refund. Some issuers will deposit the negative balance amount into a bank account or send cash, a check or a money order.

What happens if I put more money than I owe on my credit card?

You can handle an overpaid credit card statement easily. That overpayment will subtract from your new charges, resulting in a lower statement balance. If you'd rather have the money back now, you can contact your card company and ask for a refund.