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Sometimes, it’s not always possible to pay off large purchases at once. That’s why having a credit card with flexible payment options can come in handy. While credit cards with flexible payment options often make it attractive to pay early, they usually give you extra time to pay off eligible purchases.
Typically, these are cards that offer an incentive — like bonus rewards — to pay off purchases, but also let you pay later if you wish.
Flexible payments are usually most useful in two respects:
American Express is the largest provider of cards with flexible payment options. If you want flexible payment options for a personal card, consider a card from the provider.
You may qualify for Pay Over Time, also known as “Pay it Plan it.” This program lets you pay for select purchases over several months. Typically, your account must have been open and in good standing for at least 12 months.
You’ll find more flexible payment options for Amex business cards, such as:
Here’s a primer on Amex’s three options for flexible-payment shopping, which include Pay Over Time, Plum Card benefits and Amazon bonus rewards.
Pay Over Time is available for select Amex personal and business cards, which include:
Please note: All information about the American Express Green cards has been collected independently by Finder and these cards are not available through this site.
With Pay Over Time, you can pay off eligible purchases over $100 beyond your statement due date.
There are two flexible-payment plans to choose from:
You can change between Direct and Select by calling the number on the back of your card.
Just like with a normal credit card balance, you’ll accrue interest on your Pay Over Time balance until you clear it.
And similarly to a card with a credit limit, there’s a dollar limit to your Pay Over Time balance. Amex may deem certain charges ineligible for Pay Over Time, even if they wouldn’t put you over your limit.
The Plum Card® from American Express is a charge card, so typically your card bill is due in full each month. However, the card has two special benefits that kick in after your statement closing date:
An effective 1.5% rewards rate is fairly common among business cards. But extra days to pay before accruing interest is a feature that sets The Plum Card® from American Express apart.
The Amazon cards’ payment flexibility revolves around their top bonus-reward categories.
Choose between two options with the Amazon Business American Express Card:
With the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card — which requires you to have an Amazon Prime or Business Prime membership — you can also choose between two options:
Because you, the primary cardholder, make payments on your account, you get the benefits of the flexible-payment options. Typically, your main choices revolve around earning rewards, saving on interest or getting more time to pay off purchases.
Cards with flexible payment options can give you extra time to pay off purchases or offer incentives for paying early. Many are cards offered by American Express.
A simple 2% cashback card that could benefit from extra features.
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A credit building card held back by fees.
A strong business hotel card for a surprisingly low price.
Build credit without the need for a credit history.
Earn up to 2.62% back depending on your Preferred Rewards membership.
Earn up to 6% back through your everyday spending.
We asked 7 financial experts what credit card they have in their wallet right now. Here’s the skinny.
Earn 1.5% back on your eligible business purchases.
