Is it a big deal to miss a credit card payment or two?

Missing a credit card payment or two is becoming a lot more expensive than it used to be, reports Robert McKinley president of CardWeb Inc. An industry tracking service in Pennsylvania. Those who make their payments on time are among the average who pay 18.75 interest, the highest in the last seven years. If you miss a payment or two "punitive" or high risk rates kick in boosting interest costs between 25 -32.6 percent. One bank imposes a higher rate if you miss a payment on ANY lender’s card - not just the one it issued. Platinum card holders get hit with the highest penalties if they slip up. The penalty on their card for late payment or exceeding their credit limit is 31% over the industry average. The high-risk interest rates that many banks charge are near or above limits set by Missouri and Kansas usury laws. Borrowers in both states must pay them anyway - because the limits apply only to cards issued by banks within their respective borders, regulators say.

Written by:
Sandra McKinnon, Consumer & Family Economics Specialist, University of Missouri-Columbia, University Outreach and Extension

Cynthia E. Crawford, Ph.D., Consumer & Family Economics Specialist, University of Missouri-Columbia, University Outreach & Extension

Last update: Tuesday, July 05, 2005