What really happens if you fall behind on your credit card
Missed a credit card payment and worried what comes next? This guide walks through what actually happens, what lenders can and cannot do, and the steps you can take to get back in control.
Falling behind on a credit card is more common than people admit. A missed payment does not make you a bad person or a lost cause, but it does have consequences if you ignore it. The good news is that UK rules give you rights and options, especially if you act early.
Below are clear answers to the questions people ask most when they start to struggle.
What happens if I miss one payment
If you miss a single credit card payment:
- Your lender will usually add a late payment fee (typically around £12).
- You may lose any 0% or promotional rate you had, and interest can jump to the standard APR.
- The missed payment can be reported to the credit reference agencies (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) after it is at least one full payment cycle late.
UK credit card lenders must follow rules set by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which require them to treat customers fairly and identify signs of financial difficulty. That includes repeated late or missed payments.
When does it hurt my credit score
A single late payment that is quickly caught up may have only a small impact, especially if you normally pay on time.
Your credit file will typically show:
- “1” in the payment status column if you are one payment behind,
- “2”, “3”, etc. if you fall further behind.
If you miss payments for several months and do not come to any arrangement, the account can be marked in default. A default is serious and usually stays on your credit file for six years, even if you later repay the debt.
Credit reference agencies and debt charities like StepChange explain that defaults make it harder and more expensive to get loans, mortgages, mobiles and even some jobs.
How long before the lender takes stronger action
The timeline can vary, but a typical pattern is:
- 0–2 months in arrears – Reminder letters, texts and calls. Late fees and extra interest are added.
- 3–6 months in arrears – Formal arrears notices and warnings that the account may default or be passed to a debt collection agency.
- After default – The account may be closed and the debt either collected by the original lender or sold to a debt purchaser.
Before taking court action, a creditor must usually send you a Letter of Claim giving you time to respond and setting out the details of what they say you owe.
Can they send bailiffs to my house
Not immediately, and not without a court process.
For a credit card debt, a lender cannot simply send bailiffs without:
- Getting a County Court Judgment (CCJ) against you, and
- You still not paying or keeping to a court ordered repayment.
Even then, bailiffs are only one of several enforcement options, and there are rules about what they can and cannot do (for example, they cannot force entry on a first visit for most consumer debts).
If a letter mentions bailiffs but you have never had a CCJ, get advice – wording is often designed to scare you into paying, but it may not reflect what they can legally do at that stage.
Will my credit card be frozen
If you fall behind and contact your lender, they may:
- Reduce or freeze interest and charges if you are in financial difficulty,
- Suspend further spending on the card while you work on a repayment plan,
- Agree a temporary reduced payment plan.
The FCA expects firms to consider these kinds of measures rather than simply demanding full payment when someone clearly cannot afford it.
What is a payment arrangement and is it bad
A payment arrangement is an informal agreement to pay a lower amount each month based on what you can afford.
Pros:
- Can stop things escalating towards default or court.
- Can reduce or sometimes stop interest and charges.
Cons:
- Your credit file will usually show that you are in an arrangement, which future lenders can see.
- It may still take a long time to clear the balance.
Debt charities often see arrangements as a useful short term tool, especially while you work out a fuller plan.
Should I use a debt charity or talk to the bank myself
You can do either, but you do not have to pay anyone for basic debt help.
Free, reputable help includes:
- StepChange Debt Charity
- National Debtline
- Citizens Advice
They can:
- Help you draw up a budget,
- Prioritise debts (for example, rent, council tax and energy arrears usually come before credit cards),
- Contact creditors on your behalf if you prefer.
If a company is charging you for “debt management” or presses you into an IVA or other formal solution quickly, be cautious and check them out first.
Will asking for help damage my credit file more
Simply asking for help does not, by itself, damage your credit record. What affects your file are:
- Missed payments,
- Reduced or token payments,
- Defaults and CCJs.
However, if you are already struggling, getting an affordable plan in place might reduce the long term damage compared with carrying on missing payments with no plan.
What if I genuinely cannot pay anything right now
If you have no spare income after essential bills, there are still options:
- A “breathing space” (Debt Respite Scheme) can give you temporary legal protection from most creditor action while you get advice and a plan in place.
- Charities can help you look at formal options such as a Debt Relief Order (DRO), bankruptcy or other solutions if your situation is more serious.
These are big decisions and come with serious consequences, so always get free, independent advice before choosing one.
Simple steps if you have just missed a payment
- Do not ignore it – open letters, read emails and check your online banking.
- Work out what you can realistically afford – list income and essential outgoings first.
- Contact your lender – explain briefly what has happened and ask about:
- Temporary reduced payments,
- Interest or fee freezes,
- Support for customers in financial difficulty.
- Get free advice – especially if you have more than one problem debt.
- Avoid taking on new credit to plug the gap – this often makes things worse later.
Bottom line
Falling behind on a credit card is stressful, but you are not powerless. Companies have rules they must follow, and there are clear steps you can take:
- Early contact usually leads to better outcomes.
- Free debt advice is widely available and far better than struggling alone.
- Most people can avoid court and bailiffs if they engage with their creditors and agree realistic payments.
The sooner you act, the more choices you have – and the easier it becomes to turn a scary letter into a manageable plan.
