Statement balance vs. current balance
Your current balance is everything you owe right now. Your statement balance is the amount frozen on the cutoff date, and it’s the number interest and “pay in full” are based on.
Pay the statement balance in full by the due date to avoid purchase interest.
Common questions
What is the difference between statement balance and current balance?
The statement balance is the amount frozen on your closing date - what the bill actually asks for. The current balance is everything you owe right now, including purchases made after the statement closed. The current balance is usually higher, and the difference is simply this cycle so far.
Which balance do I pay to avoid interest?
Pay the statement balance in full by the due date. That is the number your grace period is measured against, so clearing it keeps new purchases interest-free. Paying the current balance does no harm and lowers reported utilization, but it is not what avoids interest.
Why is my current balance higher than my statement balance?
Because you have spent since the statement closed. Those purchases belong to the next cycle and are not due yet. If the current balance is lower instead, a payment or refund posted after the statement closed - you may still owe the statement amount to keep the grace period.