After a payment is made to my credit card account, when does the bank have to make the additional credit available?
A credit card or other type of loan known as open-end credit, adjusts the available credit within your credit limit when you make payment on your account. However, the decision of when to replenish the available credit is up to the bank and, in some circumstances, a bank may delay replenishing a credit line. If the bank delays replenishing a credit line, it cannot charge an over-the-limit fee, even if the consumer has opted in to allow over-the-limit fees. Refer to your cardholder agreement for your bank's specific payment requirements.
If you are referring to a closed-end credit arrangement, then your payments simply reduce the outstanding balance—with no ability to charge other amounts to it.
To learn more about your particular account, consult with your bank.
Last Reviewed: April 2021
Please note: The terms "bank" and "banks" used in these answers generally refer to national banks, federal savings associations, and federal branches or agencies of foreign banking organizations that are regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). Find out if the OCC regulates your bank. Information provided on HelpWithMyBank.gov should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion of the OCC.