In order to avoid any late charges, make sure that at least the minimum due amount, as stated on your monthly statement, reaches the credit card issuer by the due date. The due date is the date by which your payment should be received by the credit card issuer, not the date by which it should be paid. Therefore, make your payments several business days before the specified due date. Late payments have negative effects on your credit history, even if your entire outstanding balance is later paid in full. Credit card issuers and other lenders request your credit reports from credit bureaus to check your credit history. Too many late payments recorded on your credit report could make it harder for you to qualify for any kind of loan or credit card in the future.