How Missed Payments Affect Your Credit Score UK - And How Long They Stay

6th Jul 2025

Your credit report is more than just a list of numbers - it’s a reflection of how you manage your finances. From applying for a mortgage to securing a mobile phone contract, your credit score plays an important role in whether lenders decide to say “yes” or “no.”

One of the most common issues that can damage your credit file is missed payments. But how exactly do they affect you, and how long do they remain on your record?

If you’re unsure about your credit standing, tools like Credit Check Online make it simple to check your credit score and understand what lenders see.

What Happens When You Miss a Payment?

Missing a payment can happen to anyone - whether you forgot a due date, experienced an unexpected expense, or simply overlooked a bill. However, even a single missed payment can have serious consequences:

·       Reporting to Credit Reference Agencies : Lenders typically report missed payments to credit reference agencies (like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) once your account is 30 days overdue. This means your credit history will show that payment as late.

·       Immediate Credit Score Impact : Your credit score can drop noticeably. A higher starting score often sees a steeper decline. If you’ve worked hard to build good credit, even one missed payment can feel like a big setback.

·       Late Fees and Extra Interest : Most lenders will also charge a late payment fee and may increase your interest rate, making the debt more expensive over time.

·       Difficulty Accessing New Credit : Missed payments signal to lenders that you might struggle to manage commitments. This can lead to declined applications or higher interest offers if you apply for credit in the future.

How Long Do Missed Payments Stay on Your Credit Report?

In the UK, missed payments remain on your credit report for six years from the date of the missed payment - even if you pay the overdue balance shortly afterwards.

Here’s a simple timeline of how it works:

0–29 Days Late: You may get reminder letters or phone calls, and late fees could apply, but in most cases, payments within this window won’t be recorded as missed on your credit report.

30–59 Days Late: Once you pass 30 days overdue, lenders will usually report the payment as late. This is when you’ll see it appear in your credit history check UK report.

60–89 Days Late: Lenders are likely to consider your account seriously overdue. At this stage, your credit score takes a more significant hit.

90+ Days Late: If you continue to miss payments, your account can be marked as in arrears or even defaulted. A default stays on your credit report for six years and has a much larger negative impact.

6 Years: Regardless of whether you bring the account current, the record of the late or defaulted payment will remain visible to anyone who does a credit score check or credit history check UK for six years.

How Much Can a Missed Payment Lower My Credit Score?

While there’s no exact figure - because each credit reference agency calculates scores differently - here are some general guidelines:

·       A single missed payment could lower your score by 50–100 points.

·       Several missed payments or defaults will have a more severe impact.

·       The more recent the missed payment, the more it affects your chances of getting approved for new credit.

This is why it’s so important to check your credit report history regularly. Early awareness helps you spot issues before they get worse.

How to Recover from a Missed Payment?

The good news is that you can rebuild your credit score over time. Here’s how:

1: Pay the Overdue Amount Quickly: Bringing your account up to date stops further damage and shows lenders you’re taking responsibility.

2: Set Up Direct Debits: Automatic payments can help you avoid accidental late payments in the future.

3: Check Your Credit Report Often: Use a free credit score checker like Credit Check Online to see your score and monitor your audit trail, and to make sure your payment status is correct.

4: Add a Notice of Correction: If there was a genuine reason (such as redundancy or illness), you can ask the credit reference agency to add a short note to your report explaining your circumstances. This doesn’t remove the missed payment, but it provides context to lenders.

5: Build a Positive Payment History: Going forward, make all payments on time. Over months and years, this will gradually improve your score.

6: Avoid Applying for Too Much Credit: Multiple applications can further reduce your score. If you’ve had a missed payment recently, focus first on stabilising your current accounts.

Why Checking Your Credit Score Matters?

Knowing your credit status provides essential insight when you seek a loan or want to lease an apartment or establish utility services. A credit score check in the UK enables you to:

·       Check how lenders perceive you.

·       Spot any errors or fraudulent activity.

·       Identify the specific areas which require improvement.

A reliable tool such as Credit Check Online allows users to access their credit score along with historical credit report information and ongoing monitoring of changes from a single platform.

Take Control of Your Credit Today

Missed payments can feel overwhelming, but remember: they don’t define your financial future. The sooner you act, the sooner you can start rebuilding your credit.

Don’t wait until you’re applying for a mortgage or a car loan to discover an old late payment damaging your score. Be proactive – check your credit score right now to determine your current situation and make plans for the future.

Whether you want to:

• ·       Check your credit score UK-wide
• ·       Use a free credit score checker
• ·       Review your credit history check UK
• ·       Get guidance on improving your credit

It all starts with one click.

Check Your Credit Score Now

Your financial health matters. Take control and stay informed with Credit Check Online.