Chase started a firestorm in 2008 when it increased the minimum payments on some accounts from 2% of the balance to 5%. This time the change should be much less noticeable, since it only substantially affects cardholders with smaller balances.
Beginning March 15, 2011, Chase minimum payments will be calculated with an absolute minimum of $25 on credit card accounts. Previously, minimum payments on smaller balances could drop to as little as $10. The higher floor will result in accelerated payoff for cards carrying just a few hundred dollars as a balance.
For everyone else, you can expect to pay 1% of your balance plus interest and late fees billed on that statement. That means that you can expect your balance to drop by at least 1% every month that you remain current on your account. A lower balance will also result in a lower minimum payment of approximately 1% the following month. Of course these assumptions are only true if you avoid new charges on your card while you are paying it off.
The minimum payment calculation is in line with what other card issuers are using, which is reinforced by regulatory “suggestion.” The difference of course is an escalation in how fast low balance cards are repaid.
Chase is actually well justified to make the change. Considering how much it costs to open an envelope and process a paper check, a $10 payment could net just $9 for the card issuer. By increasing this minimum requirement, Chase is reducing its payment processing costs. This reduction in the cost of doing business could in theory lead to lower costs being passed down to Chase customers. Since these costs are largely determined by a semi-competitive marketplace, the real winners will likely be Chase shareholders. Still, cardholders that drag out repayment of debt may find that they repay their balances much faster with the new requirements.
For cardholders unable to afford their current monthly payments, Chase provides assistance to those who are approved for benefits through a debt management program. Sometimes the reduction in interest allows for a monthly payment low enough even for tight budgets, allowing you to stay current, avoid falling behind and eliminate the debt over a few short years. Credit counseling can help you decide if a debt management program is a good fit. For those looking for an even shorter shortcut, understand that Chase does not work with debt settlement companies.
Long is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Industrial Relations. He subsequently received his Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. His Certificate in Financial Planning was issued by Florida State University.
Long has achieved the Accredited Credit Counselor and Accredited Financial Counselor certifications through the Association for Financial Counseling, Planning and Education. Long originally achieved the Certified Credit Counselor designation through the National Institute for Financial Education.
In addition to years of nonprofit leadership, Long has been an innovator in the field of volunteer tax return preparation programs. He assists volunteer associations and nonprofit organizations who seek to integrate credit counseling and asset-building programs with free personal income tax preparation. His approach to using free credit reports as both an incentive and a screening tool for placement into asset-building programs has been shared with members of the National Community Tax Coalition, the EITC-Carolinas Initiative of MDC, Inc. and nonprofit groups across the Carolinas.
Long assists members of our armed forces in the Carolinas, Iowa, Rhode Island, Georgia and Germany with financial readiness. Please support our Soldiers, Marines, Airmen and Sailors!
Favorite quote:
"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."
Thomas Jefferson
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