1. Don’t Ignore the Problem
The worst thing you can do is avoid the issue. Skipping a credit card payment without taking any action can lead to:
- Late fees
- Increased interest rates (penalty APR)
- A negative mark on your credit report
- Lower credit score
Facing the issue head-on may feel uncomfortable, but it gives you the best chance of minimizing the damage.
2. Review Your Finances
Before calling your credit card company, take a close look at your financial situation. Ask yourself:
- How much can I realistically pay right now?
- Is this a temporary setback or a long-term issue?
- Are there other upcoming bills that I need to prioritize?
Knowing your numbers will help you negotiate or create a plan that works.
3. Contact Your Credit Card Issuer ASAP
But contact your credit card provider as soon you realize that you’ll have a problem making a payment. Believe it or not, many credit card companies have incentives to work with you — especially if you’ve been a good customer in the past. Here’s what you can ask for:
- A payment extension: Some issuers may give you a few extra days or waive the late fee.
- Hardship programs: In cases of illness, job loss, or other hardships, credit card companies often have relief options.
- Lower interest rate: Temporarily reducing your APR can ease the burden of accumulating interest.
4. Pay What You Can
Even if you can’t pay the full balance, try to make at least the minimum payment. This will:
- Prevent your account from being reported as delinquent
- Help you avoid additional penalties
- Keep your credit score from taking a big hit
If the full minimum payment isn’t possible, send any amount you can afford. Something is always better than nothing.
5. Understand the Consequences
If you miss a payment entirely, here’s what you can expect:
- Late fee: Typically around $30–$40
- Increased interest rate: Your interest could skyrocket to 29.99% or more
- Credit report impact: After 30 days, your missed payment gets reported to credit bureaus and can stay on your credit report for up to seven years
Knowing the stakes helps motivate a proactive approach.
6. Consider a Balance Transfer or Personal Loan
If you foresee ongoing difficulty paying your balance, you may want to consider debt restructuring options:
- Balance transfer card: Some credit cards offer 0% APR on balance transfers for 12–18 months. This gives you time to pay down the debt interest-free.
- Personal loan: You may be able to consolidate your credit card debt into a lower-interest installment loan with fixed payments.
These options can provide breathing room, but make sure to understand the fees and terms before proceeding.
7. Seek Professional Help
If your debt seems unbearable, you’re not alone. A non-profit credit counselor can walk you through options. They might suggest a Debt Management Plan (DMP), which can reduce your interest rates and combine your payments.
- A few one-stop shopping places that are reputable:
- National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA)
- Financial Counseling Association of America
8. Plan to Avoid It in the Future
Once you’ve dealt with the immediate crisis, take time to prevent it from happening again. Consider:
- Creating an emergency fund
- Tracking your spending
- Using credit cards more strategically
- Setting up reminders or automatic payments
Mistakes happen, but building better habits going forward can keep your finances on track.
Final Thoughts
Forgetting a credit card payment can seem terrifying, but it doesn’t have to upend your financial life. Acting quickly, communicating with your lender and making even partial payments can go a long way in mitigating the consequences. Keep in mind, this is a setback—not a failure. However, with the appropriate program and support, you can bounce back and return even stronger.