One missed payment usually means a late fee of up to £12, interest carrying on as normal, and a missed-payment mark on your credit file that stays for six years. Pay it as soon as you can and it normally ends there; it's only a run of missed payments that leads to a default and, eventually, court.
The first few days
Nothing dramatic happens straight away. Your card provider will usually email, text or write to remind you. If you pay the minimum now, you've limited the damage to the fee and a few days' extra interest.
Do now: pay at least the minimum, then set up a direct debit for at least the minimum so it can't happen again.
On your next statement
- A late fee. MoneyHelper says card providers can charge a default fee of up to £12 each time you miss or are late with a payment. Citizens Advice says charges above £12 may be unfair and can be challenged.
- Interest keeps running. On a £2,000 balance at 24.9% APR, that's about £37 a month whether you pay or not.
- Your 0% deal may end. Many balance transfer and purchase deals can be withdrawn after a missed payment. Check your card's terms.
On your credit file
Lenders report the missed payment to the credit reference agencies. MoneyHelper says missed or late payments stay on your credit report for up to six years and can't be removed early if they're accurate. One late payment that you put right quickly matters much less to future lenders than several in a row.
If it becomes two or three months
Each missed month can bring another fee. Three months on that £2,000 card means up to £36 in fees plus about £114 in interest. The account may be frozen so you can't spend on it, and the provider will start chasing harder.
Do now: call them. Citizens Advice says if you can't afford the minimum, you can ask your provider to freeze interest and charges, pause payments while things improve, or agree a repayment plan you can afford. Have your budget ready to show them.
A default notice
For agreements covered by the Consumer Credit Act, which includes most credit cards, the provider must send a default notice before going further. It says what you've missed and gives you at least 14 days to pay it. If you make the missed payments within that time, they can't take further action on that notice.
If you don't, the account can be defaulted and closed, and the debt passed or sold to a collector. MoneyHelper says lenders can see a default for six years after it's recorded.
Court, as the last step
In England and Wales, before going to court the lender must send a letter of claim giving you 30 days to reply, and then the court sends a claim pack. If a county court judgment (CCJ) is made and you pay it in full within one month, it won't go on your credit report; otherwise it stays for six years. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own court processes, so check Citizens Advice for your nation.
Do now: never ignore a letter of claim or court papers. Even a small offer is better than none.
At a glance
| When | What can happen | Your best move |
|---|---|---|
| Days after | Reminder | Pay the minimum |
| Next statement | Fee up to £12, 0% deal may end, credit file mark | Set up a direct debit |
| 2 to 3 months | More fees, card frozen | Ask for a freeze or plan |
| Default notice | At least 14 days to catch up | Pay or get advice now |
| Letter of claim (England and Wales) | 30 days to reply | Reply, make an offer |
If you're missing payments because there isn't enough money each month, free advice from StepChange, National Debtline or Citizens Advice can help you deal with all your debts at once. They're listed on our financial resources page.
Once you're back on track, see how credit card minimum payments work and put your cards into the payoff calculator to see when you'll be clear. If you're also behind on an overdraft, read what happens if you can't pay back your overdraft.
Examples assume a £2,000 balance at 24.9% APR with monthly interest and a £12 fee per missed payment. Your provider's fees, terms and process may differ. This guide is general information, not financial advice.