★ ★ ★
GUIDE · CREDIT CARDS
What to do first, and what happens next.
Photo: Lotus Head / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5)
★
§ 1 · CREDIT CARDS
Ask for the hardship team. Many issuers can cut your rate or payment for a while.
Photo: Raimond Spekking / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
★
§ 2 · CREDIT CARDS
The minimum keeps you current: no late mark on your credit report.
Photo: Chris Potter / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
★
§ 3 · CREDIT CARDS
Issuers usually report a late payment once you're 30 days behind.
Photo: Claudio Elias / Wikimedia Commons (public domain)
★
§ 4 · CREDIT CARDS
Rent, utilities, food and medicine come first. The CFPB says the same.
Photo: Infrogmation of New Orleans / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
★
§ 5 · CREDIT CARDS
Their fees can equal very high yearly rates and often make things worse.
Photo: Tony Webster / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
★
§ 6 · CREDIT CARDS
Nonprofit counselors can set up a debt management plan for you.
Photo: U.S. National Archives / Wikimedia Commons (public domain)
★
§ 7 · CREDIT CARDS
At 60 days late, your issuer may raise the rate on your balance.
Photo: Jim Evans / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
★
§ 8 · CREDIT CARDS
Around 180 days late, the debt is usually charged off. You still owe it.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (public domain)
★
§ 9 · CREDIT CARDS
Collectors can't threaten you and generally can't call over 7 times in 7 days.
Photo: G. Edward Johnson / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
★ ★ ★
What happens at 30, 60 and 180 days, and how to get help, in our full guide.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons (credits on each page)