Billing Cycle: What You Need to Know About Its Legal Definition

Definition & Meaning

The term billing cycle refers to the specific period during which a service provider generates a statement for billing purposes. According to the Truth in Lending Regulations, this cycle must be consistent and cannot exceed three months. A billing cycle is considered equal if the number of days does not vary by more than four days from the scheduled date of the periodic statement.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

For instance, if a credit card company issues statements every 30 days, the billing cycle is 30 days. If they decide to change it to 31 days, they must ensure that future statements do not vary by more than four days from the established cycle. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Difference
Billing Period The time span for which charges are calculated. Billing cycle is a specific type of billing period with regulatory requirements.
Payment Cycle The interval between payments due. Payment cycle refers to payment schedules, while billing cycle refers to statement generation.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are dealing with billing cycles, ensure you understand your billing statements and payment schedules. If you have concerns or need to manage your billing effectively, consider using US Legal Forms to access templates that can help you navigate your obligations. For complex issues, seeking professional legal advice may be necessary.

Quick facts

Attribute Details
Typical Length Up to 90 days
Variability Must not exceed four days
Regulating Body Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

A billing cycle is the interval between billing statements, typically up to 90 days.