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Credit Score: How a single late payment can impact your score

24 December, 2024 | 17:46 IST

One missed credit card payment might seem like a small slip-up — an honest mistake or a minor oversight. But, in the world of finance, that single late payment can have a ripple effect, crashing your credit score and your credibility. To lenders, it's more than just a tardy payment — it's a red flag that signals financial indiscipline.

While it's difficult to pinpoint the exact impact of a single late payment, it generally starts affecting your credit score as soon as it’s reported to the credit bureaus.

In India, credit scores range from 300 to 900, with a score between 750 and 900 considered ideal. Individuals within this range are more likely to receive favourable loan terms, including lower interest rates and higher chances of approval.

A dip in your credit score due to a delayed payment can have long-term consequences, particularly when it comes to borrowing money in the future. You can check your credit score for free on the Moneycontrol app and website. Moneycontrol users can also apply for loans up to Rs 15 lakhs through the app and website in a completely digital process. The interest rates start at as low as 12% per annum.

Let's take a closer look at how the timing of missed payments can impact your credit score and your financial prospects.

The ripple effect of payment delays:

  • 7-day late payment: A late payment of just 7 days doesn’t have a dramatic impact on your credit score. But if the credit bureau records the delay, it can still cause a slight dip in your score. To avoid this, it's always best to make sure your EMIs and credit card bills are paid on time.
  • Less than 30 days late: Even a late payment of less than 30 days can have negative consequences. In some cases, a delay of just 15 days can cause a drop of 50-100 points on your credit score.
  • 30-day delay: When a payment is delayed by 30 days, the impact on your credit score becomes more significant. Such a delay can lower your score by 90-110 points, making it crucial to ensure timely payments.
  • 60-day delay: If a payment is overdue for more than 60 days, creditors typically report it as delinquent to the credit bureaus. A delay of 60 days could result in a substantial drop of around 130-150 points in your credit score.
  • 90-day delay: Payments that are overdue for more than 90 days are considered a severe delinquency. At this stage, the damage to your credit score can be significant and long-lasting, with lasting consequences for your ability to secure future credit.
  • More than 120 days late: When payments are delayed beyond 120 days, the consequences are even more severe. Such defaults can permanently damage your credit score, making it extremely difficult to secure loans or credit in the future.

How to avoid late payments and save your credit score?

There are situations where a late payment might be unavoidable, such as during medical emergencies or job loss. But following the tips below can help you avoid such delays:

  • Automatic payments: One of the most common reasons people miss payments is simple forgetfulness. Setting up automatic payments for credit card bills or loan repayments ensures that payments are made on time, even if you forget the due date.
  • Use alarms and reminders: Setting alarms or using reminder apps is another effective way to stay on top of payment due dates. These tools can reduce the chances of missing a payment, helping you stay organized and punctual.
  • Customise your due date: Some lenders allow you to adjust your payment due date to align with when your salary is credited. This can ensure you have sufficient funds available and can make your repayments without stress.
  • Create an emergency fund: Building an emergency fund is essential to manage unexpected expenses. With a financial cushion in place, you won’t have to choose between paying off a loan and covering an urgent expense.
  • Talk to lenders: If you anticipate difficulty in making a payment on time, it’s wise to reach out to your lender in advance. Many lenders are willing to work with borrowers by offering temporary adjustments or alternative solutions to ease the situation.

In addition to these tips, practicing financial discipline and maintaining a realistic budget can help prevent late payments. By having a clear understanding of your income and expenses, you can prioritise essential bills and avoid falling behind.

ALSO READ: What is the average credit score in India and how to improve your credit score

Conclusion

To sum up, late payments can have a significant negative impact on your credit score, harming both your creditworthiness and overall financial health. The longer the delay, the more severe the consequences. If you do miss a payment deadline, it’s essential to monitor your credit score regularly. You can check your credit score on the official credit bureau websites, or use platforms like Moneycontrol, which also offer free access to your credit score. On the Moneycontrol app and website, you can also explore personal loan offers up to Rs 15 lakhs that are offered in partnership with top lenders in the industry.

Disclaimer

This piece/article was written by an external partner and does not reflect the work of Moneycontrol's editorial team. It may include references to products and services offered by Moneycontrol.
Fintech

About the Author

Fintech

Stay updated on the latest personal finance trends, with a focus on products like credit cards, credit score, personal loans, fixed deposits, and more

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