If you don’t make a payment by the agreed date, that month is marked as a missed payment and the account is recorded as in arrears for that period.
A missed payment can lower your credit score because it shows you didn’t meet your repayment terms, signalling to lenders that you may be struggling to manage your commitments.
How long a missed payment stays on your report
A missed payment usually stays on your credit report for up to six years from the month it happened - even if you catch up later. The impact is strongest when the marker is new and fades over time as you return to making on-time payments.
Why lenders care
Lenders don’t know your personal situation - they rely on what your credit report shows. Recent missed payments suggest a higher risk of late repayment, so you may see lower approval odds, smaller credit limits, or higher interest rates until your record stabilises.
What to do next
• Catch up as soon as possible. Make the missed payment quickly to stop further late-payment markers.
• Set up safeguards. Use Direct Debits or reminders to avoid missing future payments.
•Keep your credit use low. Lower balances are easier to manage and repay on time.
• Pause new applications. Wait until you’re back to regular on-time payments before applying for more credit.
• Think there’s an error? Ask your lender to review their records first. If it’s not fixed, you can raise a dispute to have it corrected.
Helpful to know
• Several missed payments in a row can lead to a default, which is a more serious marker.
• If you’ve agreed a temporary payment plan, your report may still show some negative markers - ask your lender how they’ll record this.
• Missed payment markers can appear on any type of credit account, including credit cards, loans, mobile contracts, and utilities.
The bottom line
A missed payment is a strong negative signal, but it’s not permanent. Getting back to consistent, on-time payments - and seeking help if you need it - allows your score to recover steadily as the marker ages.
A missed payment can lower your credit score because it shows you didn’t meet your repayment terms, signalling to lenders that you may be struggling to manage your commitments.
How long a missed payment stays on your report
A missed payment usually stays on your credit report for up to six years from the month it happened - even if you catch up later. The impact is strongest when the marker is new and fades over time as you return to making on-time payments.
Why lenders care
Lenders don’t know your personal situation - they rely on what your credit report shows. Recent missed payments suggest a higher risk of late repayment, so you may see lower approval odds, smaller credit limits, or higher interest rates until your record stabilises.
What to do next
• Catch up as soon as possible. Make the missed payment quickly to stop further late-payment markers.
• Set up safeguards. Use Direct Debits or reminders to avoid missing future payments.
•Keep your credit use low. Lower balances are easier to manage and repay on time.
• Pause new applications. Wait until you’re back to regular on-time payments before applying for more credit.
• Think there’s an error? Ask your lender to review their records first. If it’s not fixed, you can raise a dispute to have it corrected.
Helpful to know
• Several missed payments in a row can lead to a default, which is a more serious marker.
• If you’ve agreed a temporary payment plan, your report may still show some negative markers - ask your lender how they’ll record this.
• Missed payment markers can appear on any type of credit account, including credit cards, loans, mobile contracts, and utilities.
The bottom line
A missed payment is a strong negative signal, but it’s not permanent. Getting back to consistent, on-time payments - and seeking help if you need it - allows your score to recover steadily as the marker ages.