Late payment can have a significant impact on an individual’s credit score. It can make obtaining loans and Credit Cards from lenders with favorable interest rates and terms difficult. It can even hike Credit Card interest rates. Late payments get recorded on your credit report, making qualifying for better deals more challenging.
If your payment is due over a month, your credit score can decrease by as much as 100 points. A late payment recorded on your credit report can remain for up to seven years. It can affect your future loan eligibility and interest rates. However, your credit score will improve if you consistently pay your outstanding dues on time. It will decrease the impact on your credit report.
Avoid paying late
Late payments can be avoided using several methods. These include opting for auto-debit facilities for your bank Credit Cards, setting up reminders, and paying weekly.
An auto-debit facility automatically deducts the outstanding amount or minimum amount from your bank account on a specific date every month.
Setting reminders and payments weekly can help you pay your bills on time. However, several reasons might lead to delayed payments, such as insufficient funds, postal delays, and confusion about the due date.
Hence, it is essential to be mindful of these situations and take precautions to avoid late payments. A missed bill payment will have consequences like fines, interest rate hikes, and damage to credit score.
Reasons to avoid paying late
You should only pay your Credit Card bill on time to avoid late fee charges. The Credit Card company can impose a late fee if you pay after the due date. The fee can vary depending on the issuer and your account terms. If you miss payments continuously, the late penalties can mount up, leading to accumulating debt.
Your Credit Card interest rates may go up if you make late payments. A typical promotional period for Credit Card providers is six to twelve months. However, the card issuer can cancel the promotional rate and charge the standard interest rate on your unpaid balance if you miss even one payment. It may raise your Credit Card balance’s interest rate, making it more challenging to pay off your debt.
How to reduce the adverse effects of late payment?
Follow these procedures to lessen the adverse effects of late payment:
As soon as you can, pay at least the bare minimum. It is best to deliver as quickly as possible. Your payment might only appear on your credit record if it is 30 days past due. Paying the minimum amount as soon as possible might lessen the harm.
Contact your Credit Card issuer and attempt to negotiate your payment. Your issuer may waive the late fee if this is your first late payment. Some cards automatically waive the first late payment, while others have no late payment fees. If your card does not have these features, contact customer service via phone or live chat and inquire about a waived fee.
Ensure you remember to make timely payments. Create a strategy to pay off the debt entirely or start a periodic payment scheme. Timely payments are essential to preserve a good credit score and avoid further penalties.
Also Read: How is Interest Charged on a Credit Card
To Wrap It Up
Late fines, higher interest rates, and a lowered credit score are just a few severe repercussions of paying bills late. Avoiding late payments and taking the required steps are essential to pay your bills on time.
Furthermore, maintaining a good credit score and avoiding additional fees and interest charges can simplify getting loans and Credit Cards from lenders. Thus, follow the above-mentioned steps and avoid late payments on your Credit Card bills.
