Glossary Terms

Grace Period

Grace Period
Reviewed by Melissa Cook
Updated January 30, 2023

A grace period is a specified period of time after the due date of a payment during which a borrower can make the payment without incurring any additional charges or penalties. This period is typically found in loan agreements, credit card agreements, and other financial contracts.

In the case of loans, the grace period typically begins after the due date for a loan payment and lasts for a certain number of days. During this time, the borrower is still responsible for making the payment, but they will not be charged any late fees or penalties if they pay within the grace period. 

This can provide some flexibility for borrowers who may have difficulty making payments on time, but still allows them to avoid additional charges.

In credit card agreements, the grace period is the time between the close of a billing cycle and the date the payment is due. During this time, cardholders can make purchases and not be charged interest on those purchases, as long as they pay their balance in full by the due date. 

If the cardholder does not pay the balance in full, interest will be charged on the remaining balance from the date of each purchase.

Grace periods can also be found in other financial contracts such as insurance policies, where it may refer to the time during which an insured person can cancel the policy without penalty.

In general, a grace period is a useful tool for borrowers as it allows them some extra time to make payments without incurring additional charges. 

However, it is important for borrowers to understand that the grace period does not relieve them of their obligation to make payments and that they will still be responsible for paying the full amount of the loan or credit card balance. It is also important to understand that missing payments during the grace period can negatively affect credit scores. 

It is always recommended to stay on top of your payments and make them on time to avoid any penalties and maintain a good credit score.For more information on how to pay off your debt, speak with an Americor Debt Specialist today.