I have run across the issue where the return for credit comes during the grace period. For example the statement closes on the 4th with a balance of $1000, and the payment is due the 25th. If an $300 item is returned on the 10th I can see it on the credit card website, but the amount due is still $1000 not the hoped for $700.
Most of the time any return credits have been a small percentage of the total bill, and I have paid the higher amount. In one case I did contact the bank to clarify the amount I had to pay. I was told to:
- Don't make the payment late, that will trigger fees and can change the interest rate.
- Make sure that the payment exceeds the minimum amount on the statement. Failure to pay the expected minimum can trigger fees.
- If the goal is to pay the balance each month in full then pay the billed amount minus the credit but then round up to the nearest $10.
Keep in mind if you use the card regularly the balance is never zero. If you use the card between the closing date and the due date, you will still have a balance on the day your payment is processed.