Correct. I use YNAB as a system to ensure that every dollar of spending on my credit cards are backed by liquid cash. I'm not going to argue the merits or downs

Correct. I use YNAB as a system to ensure that every dollar of spending on my credit cards are backed by liquid cash. I'm not going to argue the merits or downsides of something like YNAB; use whatever suits you. But when that card statement balance comes due every month, it should make no difference because the cash was already deducted from my books when I made the charge.