American Express is known for providing excellent benefits and rewards to its cardmembers, but one feature that often goes unnoticed is the Pay It Plan It financing options. These options allow cardmembers to manage their payments in a way that suits their financial situation, whether they need to pay off a small purchase under $100 or finance a larger purchase over a period of months.
One of the key commandments for travel credit cards, as advised by The Points Guy (TPG), is to pay off your balance in full every month. However, there are times when unexpected expenses or financial setbacks may make it difficult to do so. In these instances, having the flexibility to pay off your bills over time can be a lifesaver.
American Express offers two main payment plans for eligible cardmembers: Pay It and Plan It. Pay It is designed for smaller payments under $100, allowing cardholders to make partial payments throughout the month to reduce their current balance. On the other hand, Plan It is geared towards larger purchases of $100 or more, enabling cardmembers to split the cost into monthly payment plans with a fixed fee.
With Pay It, cardmembers can easily pay off smaller charges under $100 by simply tapping on the Pay It button next to the transaction in the Amex app. This option allows for more flexibility in managing payments and can help cardholders stay on top of their finances without accruing interest on smaller purchases.
Plan It, on the other hand, offers a way to finance larger purchases over a period of months without incurring interest charges. Cardmembers can select a plan duration ranging from three months to 24 months, with a fixed monthly fee applied to each month until the balance is paid off. This option provides cardholders with the flexibility to make large purchases and pay them off gradually, without the burden of high interest rates.
One of the key benefits of the Plan It feature is that cardmembers can pay off the plan early without any penalties. This gives them the flexibility to manage their payments according to their financial situation and save money by paying off the balance sooner.
While using the Pay It and Plan It options can help cardmembers manage their payments more effectively, it’s important to consider whether these financing options are worth it in the long run. For cardholders who need to make large purchases and want to avoid interest charges, Plan It can be a great option. However, if you know you’re about to make a large purchase and want to pay it off over time, getting a credit card with a 0% intro APR may be a more cost-effective solution.
In conclusion, American Express Pay It Plan It financing options provide cardmembers with the flexibility to manage their payments in a way that suits their financial needs. Whether you need to pay off a small purchase or finance a larger one over time, these options can help you stay on top of your finances and avoid high interest charges. By understanding how Pay It and Plan It work and weighing the benefits against the costs, cardmembers can make informed decisions about how to manage their payments effectively.