grace period (2024)

A period of time during which a debtor is not required to make payments on a debt or will not be charged a fee. For example, most credit cards offer a grace period of 20 to 30 days before interest is charged on purchases; as long as you pay your bill in full within the grace period, you won't owe any interest. Similarly, many student loans offer a grace period for at least a few months after graduation, so new graduates don't have to start repaying their loans right away. A grace period is also typically included in mortgage and insurance contracts. During this period no late fees will be charged, and the delay will not result in default or cancellation of the loan or contract. In practice, the exact time will be noted in the contract if the loan or agreement has a grace period. The grace period was established by theCredit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, which was enacted to protect consumers’ rights. The act includesa provisionthat requires credit card issuers to give a grace period of at least 21 days for the borrower to repay the charge without incurring any interest charges on the purchase. Any contract with a grace period will also include an explanation of what will happen if no payment is made at the end of the grace period. Penalties may include late payment fees, punitive interest rate hikes, or cancellation of credit lines.

[Last updated in February of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]

grace period (2024)

FAQs

What is grace period days? ›

What is a Grace Period (Credit) A grace period (credit) is the number of days between a consumer's credit card statement date and payment due date when interest does not accrue.

What is a grace period example? ›

For example, if your billing cycle ends on the first of each month and your bill is due on the 22nd of the month, your grace period is 21 days.

What is the meaning of grace time? ›

: a period of time beyond a due date during which a financial obligation may be met without penalty or cancellation.

What is the point of a grace period? ›

A credit card grace period occurs when you completely pay off your previous statement balance by the due date. When you do this, you can carry a balance for any purchases during the next billing cycle and you won't be charged any interest. You prove to the bank that you're good for the money you borrow from them.

What is considered a grace period? ›

A grace period is the period between the end of a billing cycle and the date your payment is due. During this time, you may not be charged interest as long as you pay your balance in full by the due date.

How do you explain grace period? ›

What is a Grace Period? A Grace Period is a period of time that may refer to a type of insurance policy in which a premium payment is made late or skipped, but coverage remains in effect. The grace period allows the insurance policyholder to make the payment without any penalty or extra fees.

Why does grace period mean? ›

A grace period allows a borrower or insurance customer to delay payment for a short period of time beyond the due date. During this period no late fees are charged, and the delay cannot result in default or cancellation of the loan or contract.

What is the grace period rule? ›

A grace period is a period immediately after the deadline for an obligation during which a late fee, or other action that would have been taken as a result of failing to meet the deadline, is waived provided that the obligation is satisfied during the grace period.

Is a grace period good or bad? ›

When your credit card is in a grace period, you won't get charged interest on purchases until after your due date. If you pay your credit card statement balance in full by the due date every month, your grace period continually renews, and you will never pay interest on purchases.

Which is the best definition of a grace period? ›

A grace period is an interval during which interest and fees don't accrue on money you borrow. A credit card grace period runs from the end of a billing cycle to its payment due date. A mortgage grace period is the number of days late you can make payment without penalty.

What is the meaning of grace period in life? ›

The grace period is the period following the due date during which a payment is permitted without penalty. In life insurance, a grace period is the amount of time you have after you miss a premium payment to make up that payment.

What is the full meaning of grace? ›

approval or kindness, especially (in the Christian religion) that is freely given by God to all humans: divine grace Betty believed that it was through divine grace that her husband had recovered from his illness. by the grace of God formal.

What happens in grace period? ›

The grace period in life insurance policy is essentially an extension of your regular premium payment mode (monthly, quarterly, biannual or annual). Therefore, the policyholder is not penalized for premiums paid during the grace period. Some deductions may be made.

How important is grace period? ›

Grace periods are important because they give people an opportunity to pay their bills without being charged additional fees or interest.

What is the law of grace period? ›

A period of time during which a debtor is not required to make payments on a debt or will not be charged a fee. For example, most credit cards offer a grace period of 20 to 30 days before interest is charged on purchases; as long as you pay your bill in full within the grace period, you won't owe any interest.

What is day grace period? ›

A grace period is a set length of time after the due date during which payment may be made without penalty. A grace period, typically of 15 days, is commonly included in mortgage loan and insurance contracts. 1.

How many days are allowed as grace days? ›

In arriving at the maturity date three days, known as days of grace, must be added to the date on which the period of credit expires instrument is payable.

What is the meaning of grace of days? ›

days permitted by custom for payment of a promissory note, bill of exchange, etc, after it falls due.

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