What Is a Late Payment?

A late payment occurs when you make a payment after the due date but before the billing cycle ends. This is a common issue for many borrowers, and while it may not immediately affect your credit score, it can lead to late fees and other penalties. It’s crucial to make your payment as soon as possible to avoid further complications.

What Is a Missed Payment?

A missed payment happens when you fail to make a payment during the entire billing cycle, typically 30 days. This is more severe than a late payment and will likely be reported to the credit bureaus, negatively impacting your credit score. Bringing your account back into good standing as soon as possible is essential to avoid additional consequences.

How Do Late Payments and Missed Payments Affect Your Credit?

The impact of late and missed payments on your credit score depends on how far behind you are on payments. A single missed payment can stay on your credit report for seven years, even if you catch up on your payments. Here’s a breakdown of the potential effects:

• Less than 30 days late: Generally, this will not affect your credit score as it is not reported to the credit bureaus.
• 30-plus days late: The impact varies based on your credit history. A single missed payment can cause a significant drop in your credit score if you have strong credit.
• 60-plus days late: Payments that are 60, 90, or 120 days late will have a more substantial impact, especially if you have multiple past-due accounts. Most creditors charge off accounts that are delinquent for six months, adding another derogatory entry to your credit report.

How to Avoid Late and Missed Payments

Preventing late and missed payments is crucial for maintaining a healthy credit score. Here are some tips to help you stay on track:

• Set up payment due date reminders on your phone or calendar.
• Enroll in autopay to ensure your payments are made on time.
• Maintain a strong budget and plan ahead for your debt payments.
• Revisit your budget if you experience a drop in income or new expenses.
• If you think you might miss a payment, contact your lender as soon as possible to see if they can work with you.

The Bottom Line

Late and missed payments can significantly impact your credit score, but there are steps you can take to remedy the situation and improve your credit going forward. Free credit monitoring services can help by alerting you to changes in your credit report, both good and bad.

At O1ne Mortgage, we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy credit score. If you need expert mortgage services or advice on managing your payments, don’t hesitate to call us at 213-732-3074. Our team of professionals is here to help you navigate your financial journey and achieve your homeownership goals.