Staying on top of credit card payments is important, but manually tracking due dates can be a hassle. The 15/3 rule is one way to avoid late fees, but it’s not a real financial strategy, just a temporary fix.
In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of the 15/3 rule and show you alternatives to managing your payments effortlessly.
What is the 15/3 Rule?
The 15/3 rule is a payment strategy in which you make two payments on your monthly credit card. You’ll make one payment 15 days before your due date and another payment 3 days before to ensure you don’t miss a payment.
This rule mainly helps people who have trouble staying on top of their credit card due dates and want a system to avoid late fees. Making two payments might sound helpful for managing cash flow, but it doesn’t impact your credit score or reduce any interest charges.
Think of it as a reminder system for anyone who might forget their due dates. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t fix the root problems of financial disorganization or overspending. By using the 15/3 rule, you’re still manually managing your payments instead of taking advantage of more efficient, automated systems.
Advantages of the 15/3 Rule
While the 15/3 rule has limitations, it does offer some benefits for people who struggle to manage their credit card payments. Let’s look at two key advantages of this payment strategy.
1. It’s a temporary fix for disorganization
The 15/3 rule provides a simple framework if you struggle to keep track of due dates. By breaking your payment into two parts each month, you create a rhythm easier to remember than a monthly due date.
For example, if your credit card payment is due on the 30th of each month, you’ll make your first payment on the 15th, when you might receive a mid-month paycheck. Then, the second payment three days before the due date serves as your final chance to avoid any late fees.
This structure creates two clear checkpoints each month. You’ll start thinking about your credit card bill twice monthly instead of scrambling at the last minute. Plus, making that first payment early often motivates you to stay on track for the second one. While this method won’t fix deeper financial issues, it allows you to develop better long-term habits.
2. It helps avoid late fees
The biggest benefit of the 15/3 rule is ensuring that at least a portion of your credit card bill gets paid before the due date, protecting you from costly penalties. Credit card companies charge anywhere from $30 to $40 per missed payment, adding up to hundreds of dollars in unnecessary fees throughout the year.
Making two separate payments creates a built-in safety system for your monthly bills. That first payment 15 days before the due date covers part of your balance, while the second payment three days before the deadline ensures you clear any remaining amount. For people who haven’t set up automation yet, this manual system provides a reliable way to avoid those expensive late fees each month.
Limitations of the 15/3 Rule
While some people turn to the 15/3 rule as a quick fix, it has several significant drawbacks that limit its effectiveness as a long-term financial strategy.
1. It doesn’t impact your credit score
While it might make sense to some that more payments could lower your score faster, it doesn’t boost it. Credit scores rely primarily on on-time payments, credit utilization, the length of your credit history, new inquiries, and your overall credit mix. Splitting your payment into two chunks doesn’t change any of these factors.
For instance, if you pay half on the 15th and the rest near the due date, the credit bureaus still see it as one complete payment cycle. So, while you might avoid a late fee, your credit score remains unaffected.
The best way to improve your credit score with the 15/3 rule is to pay more than your minimum payments. That’ll reduce your balance quicker and increase your credit score.
If you want some tips on managing and improving your credit score, check out my articles:
2. It’s not a long-term solution
This rule may serve as a temporary fix for disorganization, but it does little to address the root causes of financial instability. It might work for a while if you only need a reminder to avoid a late payment. However, if you have several credit cards and try to remember two payment dates for each one, mistakes become much more likely.
The constant need to manually track each payment is not practical when your schedule is hectic. Over time, this method does not help you manage overspending or develop better budgeting habits. A system that automates payments and encourages thoughtful spending will serve you much better in the long run.
3. It doesn’t address high interest rates
Even if you successfully avoid late fees with the 15/3 rule, high interest rates are still problematic if you’ve racked up a lot of debt. Dividing your payment into two parts does nothing to change the fact that interest is calculated on your outstanding amount.
For example, if you only make the minimum payments in two installments, interest charges will still be applied to the full balance. This means you could remain trapped in expensive debt for years, regardless of the split payment schedule.
A Better Approach to Staying on Top of Payments
There is a smarter way to keep track of your payments that avoids the pitfalls of the 15/3 rule. Instead of relying on a temporary fix, consider methods that simplify your financial routine and help you build lasting habits.
Automate your credit card payments
Setting up autopay makes your credit card payments automatically happen each month. This removes the need to manually track due dates and reduces the risk of missing a payment. Many banks offer options to pay the full balance, the minimum required, or even a custom amount. This flexibility allows you to choose what works best with your budget.
Automation is one of the most important tools for building a Rich Life. If you want a little more information about the why behind it, read my article, Automate Your Finances Using Technology and Psychology.
Build better financial habits
Getting control of your spending solves the root cause of payment anxiety. Understanding your cash flow means you’ll always know how much you can spend each month. Here are several powerful habits that can transform your financial health:
- Track every dollar for 30 days to understand your spending patterns and identify areas where money slips unnoticed.
- Review monthly recurring subscriptions to identify and cancel unused services, streaming platforms, or memberships that no longer serve you.
- Set spending alerts on your credit cards to catch unusual activity early and maintain a clear picture of your monthly expenses.
- If it helps organize your money, try the envelope system, which allows you to keep your money divided into different envelopes for different purposes.
This awareness transforms automated payments from a source of stress into a natural part of your financial system. You won’t need tricks like the 15/3 rule because you’ll have confidence in covering your monthly bills. You can also read my guide, Smart Money Habits: 8 Ways to Grow Your Savings Fast, for more information about building better money habits.
Example of when spending habits get out of control
Meet James and LaKiesha. They’re a couple who’ve struggled with getting their finances under control. They’ve filed for bankruptcy twice and keep finding themselves where they started. Their story illustrates how easy it is to fall into poor spending habits without a proper system.
During one conversation about a simple Target shopping trip, LaKiesha admitted to spending $50 on unplanned items despite already being in six debt figures. Even with a shopping list and items pre-bought online, impulse purchases kept derailing their financial progress. These small spending decisions, multiplied over time, led to over $100,000 in discretionary debt, much of it on credit cards for items they couldn’t afford.
[00:12:57] Ramit: The irresponsible and unreasonable one. Now, let’s just tie this all up with a bow. LaKiesha, how much debt have you been in in your life as an adult?
[00:13:07] LaKiesha: In the six figures, including student loans.
[00:13:09] Ramit: Over $100,000 of debt? Correct?
[00:13:12] LaKiesha: Yes.
[00:13:13] Ramit: Okay. And some of that was purely discretionary. You charged stuff up on credit cards. You bought stuff you couldn’t afford. Correct?
[00:13:19] LaKiesha: Yes.
[00:13:19] Ramit: Okay. And when you went to Target, you had a list. You already had the stuff pre-bought. You went in there. You dropped 50 bucks on stuff that you probably did not need. Correct?
[00:13:29] LaKiesha: Yes.
[00:13:30] Ramit: And are you still in debt right now?
[00:13:32] LaKiesha: Yes.
Fortunately for LaKiesha, James, and anyone else in a similar situation, it’s never too late to get control of spending habits. By implementing automated payments and budget plans, anyone can break free from the cycle of overspending. The key lies in acknowledging current habits and taking concrete steps to build better ones. With the right tools and mindset, significant financial change becomes possible.
Use my Conscious Spending Plan to save money
The Conscious Spending Plan organizes your money into four key categories: fixed costs, investments, savings, and guilt-free spending.
Your fixed costs should take up 50-60% of your take-home pay, covering essentials like rent, utilities, and insurance. Dedicate 10% to investments for your future through vehicles like your 401(k) and Roth IRA. Set aside 5-10% for savings goals and emergencies. The remaining 20-35% goes to guilt-free spending on things you enjoy.
Unlike traditional budgets that focus only on restrictions, the CSP helps you cut spending on things you don’t value while freeing up money for what matters most. Following this framework lets you know exactly where your money goes each month and feel confident about your spending decisions.
My CSP will help you cut out mercilessly on the things you don’t value so that you can spend on the things you enjoy. Download it right on your device here:
Why Automation is a Smarter Choice
Automation transforms how you handle credit card payments by removing common barriers to financial success. Here’s why automated systems consistently outperform manual payment methods.
Eliminates human error
The best part about automation is that it completely removes human error from your payment system. Life gets busy, and even the most organized people occasionally forget due dates or make mistakes when scheduling payments. By setting up autopay, you never have to worry about these slip-ups again. Some credit card companies even reward consistent, on-time automated payments with interest rate reductions, putting more money back in your pocket over time.
Saves time and reduces stress
Manually making payments every month takes significant time, especially when you’re juggling multiple credit cards. Automation means fewer tasks to track and remember each month, freeing up your energy for other aspects of your finances. Instead of dealing with small administrative tasks like checking due dates, you can focus on bigger financial goals that move the needle.
When payments are automated, financial planning becomes easier because you always know precisely when and how much is being paid.
Works better with financial awareness
Financial success comes from combining smart systems with good habits. When you set up automation, you’ll still want to keep an eye on your spending and maintain healthy account balances. This simple combination gives you the best of both worlds.
You stay connected to your money without getting bogged down in day-to-day payment management. Plus, regular account monitoring helps quickly catch unusual charges, keeping your finances secure and on track.
How to Get Started With Automation
If you’ve never automated your finances, you might be confused about where to start and how to do it properly. Here’s your roadmap to financial automation.
Set up autopay on your credit cards
Setting up automatic payments only takes a few minutes and protects you from costly late fees. Most major credit card companies offer simple online tools to establish autopay. Here’s a breakdown of what the process looks like:
- Log into your credit card account and navigate the payment settings or billing section.
- Choose your preferred payment amount: minimum payment, statement balance, or a custom amount.
- Select which bank account you want to link for automatic payments.
- Pick your monthly payment date, ideally a few days after your paycheck arrives.
- Confirm your settings and activate autopay.
Review if your bank account has sufficient funds to cover these automated payments. Consider setting up account alerts to notify you of upcoming payments or low balances for extra peace of mind.
If you can’t figure it out or want extra help, call the number on the back of your credit card, ask to speak to a representative, and have them walk you through it. Most credit card companies are happy to help with something like this.
Track your spending regularly
Automation doesn’t mean ignoring your finances. Check your statements periodically to verify all transactions are accurate and match your spending patterns. Review your monthly spending to ensure it aligns with your budget and make adjustments if needed. Most importantly, set up alerts through your bank to notify you of upcoming payments, large transactions, or low-balance warnings.
Align automation with your CSP
Your automated payment system works best when it supports your overall financial strategy. Here are three key steps to integrate automation with your Conscious Spending Plan:
- Sync payment dates with your income schedule to maintain a steady cash flow.
- Set up separate automated transfers for your savings and investment goals.
- Review your automation setup quarterly to ensure it still matches your financial priorities.
Combining smart automation with conscious spending habits creates a powerful system for financial success. This approach eliminates the stress of manual payments while keeping you in control of your money. Start implementing these strategies today and read my Conscious Spending Basics (a guide to achieving your Rich Life). You’ll never need stopgap measures like the 15/3 rule again.
