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GUIDE · CREDIT CARDS

Can't Pay Your Card Bill?

What to do first, and what happens next.

Photo: Lotus Head / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5)

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§ 1 · CREDIT CARDS

Call Before It's Due

Ask for the hardship team. Many issuers can cut your rate or payment for a while.

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§ 2 · CREDIT CARDS

Pay the Minimum

The minimum keeps you current: no late mark on your credit report.

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§ 3 · CREDIT CARDS

The 30-Day Line

Issuers usually report a late payment once you're 30 days behind.

Photo: Claudio Elias / Wikimedia Commons (public domain)

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§ 4 · CREDIT CARDS

Protect Essentials

Rent, utilities, food and medicine come first. The CFPB says the same.

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§ 5 · CREDIT CARDS

Skip Payday Loans

Their fees can equal very high yearly rates and often make things worse.

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§ 6 · CREDIT CARDS

Free Counseling

Nonprofit counselors can set up a debt management plan for you.

Photo: U.S. National Archives / Wikimedia Commons (public domain)

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§ 7 · CREDIT CARDS

Penalty APR Risk

At 60 days late, your issuer may raise the rate on your balance.

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§ 8 · CREDIT CARDS

Charge-Off at 180

Around 180 days late, the debt is usually charged off. You still owe it.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (public domain)

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§ 9 · CREDIT CARDS

Know Your Rights

Collectors can't threaten you and generally can't call over 7 times in 7 days.

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Thanks for Reading

What happens at 30, 60 and 180 days, and how to get help, in our full guide.

Photos: Wikimedia Commons (credits on each page)