Grace Period

By Minh Tong Reviewed by Melissa Cook Updated Jan 30, 2023
Grace Period

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.


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Minh Tong

Minh leverages decades of experience in marketing, sales management and technology to provide high-level advice and lead new initiatives. Minh has a Bachelor of Science in Business/Managerial Economics from University of California at Irvine. He brings over 20 years of sales and executive management experience to the company and his responsibilities include customer service improvement, professional development, and carrying out communications and marketing. Originally from the east coast, Minh resides in southern California and enjoys spending time with his family, going to the beach, and playing a variety of sports.