Basic credit card question
 

I signed up for the citi aadvantage card that comes with a $100 statement credit if you buy something frm aa. I bought a $50 gift card on aa.com and did the required spending to get the sign up miles. Now my statement has closed with around $2500 and is due in a couple of weeks. But after the statement closed the $100 credit (for my aa.com purchase) posted. Do I need to pay the full statement amount to avoid interest or can I subtract the $100 credit and just pay ~$2400?

If I have to pay the full statement amount then I'll have a negative balance (-$100) and I'm trying to get spending in other cards. :)

Basic credit card question
 

call and find out =]
I'd guess they'd be fine with 2400 if they know about the $100

It's a credit, not a rebate. They'll expect you to at least charge another $100 to the credit card. If you call an ask to have this waived, the only reason will be because you want to cut & run from this card.

At least buy another $100 in stuff on this card.

they do mail checks, we've gotten 'em
 

While I can't speak for Citibank and cannot guarantee you will enjoy the same experience, they have cut us a check twice, possibly three times, when we had a negative balance in recent years. In the 90s, we would actually pay ahead a few months but in this century they no longer seem to like to keep negative balances and if you don't spend it, they will send it back. Even if you don't ask for it, in our case. Enjoy.

Though I haven't had this particular experience, I agree with peachfront. I'd definitely pay the full statement balance, and just leave the negative balance. There isn't really much harm I can think of that would result from leaving it there. If they don't send you a check for the difference, you can use the card later when you're not working on a minimum spend.

I think I've read about Citibank doing this (though I may be mistaken and it was really another card/bank). Maybe read around this forum and on the threads about the Citi AA card.

I just got $85 deposited in my checking account after having an -$85 balance on my card (due to paying the annual fee before getting it removed). I'd pay the balance in full.

Just look at your total balance and pay that - it should include the $100 credit.