Late payment

cosmic_girl

Hey folks, would be grateful for some advice. We've had a bereavement in the family recently that was completely unexpected and has knocked is all for six really. I've obviously been somewhat preoccupied with everything going on and forgot to make payment to credit card. Due date was yesterday and I made a faster payment online this morning at about 3am.

I've never had a late payment in my life and am pretty annoyed at myself for making this error. I phoned card company this morning to apologise and explain the situation and also notify them that payment has now been made. Lady on the phone was exteemely nice and said that she would arrange to reverse any late payment fee if there is one applied (nothing showing at time of phone all). I was jut wondering if anyone has experience of this and could advise if this will show on my credit file? I have no late payments at all an am now a tad worried as I was hoping to buy a house at some point next year. Kinda of worried that his will have a negative effect now.

Any advice would be greatly received.

Thank you x

YorkshireBoy

Some providers don't report late payments so long as they're received before the next statement is produced. Is it the LTSB card in your signature? Hopefully someone will have first hand experience of them and post a reply.

But going forward, direct debits don't forget to make payments on your behalf, should you be ill, hospitalised, without internet access, or pre-occupied with other life events. Perhaps you should set one up as an insurance policy?

lisyloo

I suspect you'll be ok, but why not sign up for noddle.co.uk
It's the third Credit Reference Agency (Call Credit) after Equifax and Experian but it's completely free and you can keep checking your account on-line (updated once per month).
You could also get statutory reports (£2) from Experian and Equifax but if the account you want to check is available on-line for free then there really is no need. Personally I do not recommend the free traisl which can be more hassle than their worth for the sake of £2. Don't bother with scores either, they are just made up numbers.

I would also suggest you consider Direct Debit.
What has happened is compeltely understandable but it's not impossible that something similar could happen in future or you just forget.

OneMansMoney

Thanks for this information. I recently signed up to experian and found it most interesting. I'm going to check out the totally free service.:j

cosmic_girl

Thanks for the replies. I know I could kick myself. I am usually really organised about such things. Direct debit might be a good idea actually, just in case. It's actually a Flybe card that I have. I've got online access to equifax so will keep an eye on that. Fingers crossed it might be ok :O If something is placed on my file, would that pose a problem when I apply for a mortgage next year? Thanks again x

Experian_company_representative

Sorry to hear about your loss. Most lenders allow a grace period of 7-10 days before registering late payments with credit reference agencies, so hopefully you'll be fine. But keep an eye on your report just in case. If a late payment does appear you can ask the lender to remove it. If they refuse you can add a short note to your report to explain what happened.

James Jones

Gromitt

When I forget to pay my Nationwide CC a couple of years ago, they sent me a letter saying it was overdue and that a £12 charge would be taken. The letter also said they would give me a further 7 days from the date of the letter to make a payment, so in total, about 20 days past the 'due date'.

cosmic_girl

Thanks again for the replies. I sent an email to Flybe explaining the situation and received confirmation back that there will be no late payment fee and no detrimental information recorded with CRA's. Such a relief and a lesson learned. Direct debit set up just in case. Thanks again x

sharpy2010

Experian_company_representative wrote: »

If they refuse you can add a short note to your report to explain what happened.

James Jones

And if you do that, then every single time you apply for credit it will have to be looked at manually by an underwriter, which can be a huge inconvenience, as you'll never be able to get instant credit.

Experian_company_representative

Good point, but if it turns a 'no' into a 'yes' it may be worth a small delay.

James Jones

sharpy2010

True enough, all depends on whether the individual wants to get credit immediately or not. It will be a good solution for some, and not for others :-)