Here's What Happens if You're Late on Your Credit Card Payment

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• When you're late on a credit card payment, you'll be charged a late fee.
• Card issuers sometimes waive late fees, especially your first late fee, if you contact them and ask.
• A late payment won't affect your credit score unless it's 30 days or more late, but consequences become more severe the longer you wait.

It's always recommended to pay your bills on time, and that includes your credit card bill. But sometimes it slips your mind, and you realize with a sinking feeling that you were supposed to make your payment days ago.

The good news is that there's usually nothing to worry about, especially if this is your first time being late on your credit card payment. Still, it helps to know what's going to happen in this situation and how you can best manage it with your credit cards.