Will an HSBC credit card late payment automatically affect my credit rating?

joshdean84

Hi.

Through my own disorganisation, I was 2 days late paying my HSBC credit card bill. The payment was due on May 7. When I logged into my Internet banking today (May 9) I noticed a late fee of £12 had been applied yesterday (May 8). I had wrongly thought the payment was due later. I made the payment today (May 9).

Does anyone know if this will be automatically reported to the credit reference agencies as a late payment? Or is there some leeway? For example, I was 4 days late paying my O2 bill a few years ago, and this was never reported on my file.

I called HSBC, who put me on hold, then came back and said they couldn't tell me and that I'd have to visit a branch.

Yes, I know I should establish a DD...

Thanks

geekonthepc

As far as I'm aware, late payments don't generally get reported to CRAs as long as you are still paying your bills. Credit companies generally aren't bothered if you're late from time to time - they'd rather make £12 profit from your disorganisation. Really wouldn't worry too much. Just try not to make a habit of it - a DD really would be your best option.

geekonthepc

In fact, if this is just a one off and you haven't done it already, I'd call HSBC, humbly apologise for the late payment and assure them it won't happen again. You could set up a DD and ask, out of goodwill, if they'll refund your fee.

PhenoM

It is was less than 5-7 days, it won't be on your file, don't worry.

joshdean84

Thanks guys, I appreciate the advice.

The_Boss

PhenoM wrote: »

It is was less than 5-7 days, it won't be on your file, don't worry.

Not true. I was a day late on my Lloyds Credit card. The payment appeared 2 days later, so three days late in total. This was reported to the CRAs and I also rightly received a late payment fee. This was almost four years ago and I still kick myself about it (my only account infringement ever) every time I see my credit file.

The_Boss

joshdean84 wrote: »

Thanks guys, I appreciate the advice.

How did you pay? Was it a FASTER payment direct from your bank account? If not, then payment might not show til after the weekend.