I recently got a credit card with discover an was told that my statements would be due on the 4th if every month. But since I’m confused I’m not sure how it works, what does it mean when is like -100? My friend told me that it’s like free 100 credit for getting a card with them snd using her referral code. Which makes sense so does that mean that when my account says -# that means there’s like money I don’t need to pay? I need to pay when it’s in the positives? And also should I set up autopay? The main reason I’m typing these is because let’s say I buy something right now and i t’s almost gonna be the 4th of January; since the statement is due then and my purchases would ukd have to be processed and then even the process to pay with my debit card takes place would the purchase affect the bill? Make it late because of it processing? Or is it more like every purchase I make I have a month to pay it off? If so why do they give me a specific date like the 4th of every month?
Credit card statements can indeed be confusing when you're new to using them. Here is how it works:

1. Credit Balance: If your credit card statement shows a balance of -$100, it means you have a credit balance of $100. This could be due to a refund, a credit from the credit card issuer (like your $100 promotion), or an overpayment. In this scenario, you don't owe the credit card company anything. In fact, they owe you $100. You can use this in future purchases, or you can ask for a refund check. 

2. When to Pay: You only need to pay when your statement balance is positive. This means you have made purchases on your card that you now owe to the credit card company.

3. Autopay: Setting up autopay can be a good idea to avoid late payment fees. However, ensure you always have enough funds in your bank account to cover the autopay amount to avoid overdraft charges. 

4. Purchase Timing: If you make a purchase today and your statement is due on the 4th, this purchase will likely not appear on your current statement but on your next one. Credit card companies generally have a "grace period" between when your statement closes and when payment is due. Purchases made during this time will go on your next statement. 

5. Due Date: The due date is simply the day your payment is due for the purchases you made during your last billing cycle. This is typically about a month after your billing cycle ends.

6. Paying Off Purchases: You have until the due date to pay off your purchases without incurring any interest. If you don't pay off your purchases by the due date, you'll start accruing interest on your remaining balance.

Remember, it's always a good idea to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges and maintain a good credit score. If you have any other questions or need further clarification, don't hesitate to ask.
### Human
I recently got a credit card with discover an was told that my statements would be due on the 4th if every month. But since I’m confused I’m not sure how it works, what does it mean when is like -100? My friend told me that it’s like free 100 credit for getting a card with them snd using her referral code. Which makes sense so does that mean that when my account says -# that means there’s like money I don’t need to pay? I need to pay when it’s in the positives? And also should I set up autopay? The main reason I’m typing these is because let’s say I buy something right now and i t’s almost gonna be the 4th of January; since the statement is due then and my purchases would ukd have to be processed and then even the process to pay with my debit card takes place would the purchase affect the bill? Make it late because of it processing? Or is it more like every purchase I make I have a month to pay it off? If so why do they give me a specific date like the 4th of every month?

### Assistant
Credit card statements can indeed be confusing when you're new to using them. Here is how it works:

1. Credit Balance: If your credit card statement shows a balance of -$100, it means you have a credit balance of $100. This could be due to a refund, a credit from the credit card issuer (like your $100 promotion), or an overpayment. In this scenario, you don't owe the credit card company anything. In fact, they owe you $100. You can use this in future purchases, or you can ask for a refund check. 

2. When to Pay: You only need to pay when your statement balance is positive. This means you have made purchases on your card that you now owe to the credit card company.

3. Autopay: Setting up autopay can be a good idea to avoid late payment fees. However, ensure you always have enough funds in your bank account to cover the autopay amount to avoid overdraft charges. 

4. Purchase Timing: If you make a purchase today and your statement is due on the 4th, this purchase will likely not appear on your current statement but on your next one. Credit card companies generally have a "grace period" between when your statement closes and when payment is due. Purchases made during this time will go on your next statement. 

5. Due Date: The due date is simply the day your payment is due for the purchases you made during your last billing cycle. This is typically about a month after your billing cycle ends.

6. Paying Off Purchases: You have until the due date to pay off your purchases without incurring any interest. If you don't pay off your purchases by the due date, you'll start accruing interest on your remaining balance.

Remember, it's always a good idea to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges and maintain a good credit score. If you have any other questions or need further clarification, don't hesitate to ask.<eos_token>