Many Maryland area residents have a credit card. In fact, it is estimated that the average American has at least 4 credit cards. Although most Maryland residents understand the importance of paying these credit card bills each month there are times when it becomes impossible. A job loss, major medical event, or an accident can affect whether a person can make their credit card payment. A person may wonder what happens if they stop paying their credit card.
Not paying a credit card bill can be serious. Although the terms of each credit card are different, this is the general progression.
Late fee
When a person hasn’t made a credit card payment by the due date their credit card company will add a late fee. Each time a payment is missed there will be another late fee and these can add up quickly.
Delinquency
When a person is more than 30 days past due on their credit card, they will be reported to the credit bureaus. A late payment can significantly affect a person’s credit score which can be detrimental to their financial situation. After 60 days of not paying a credit card bill a person will probably start getting many phone calls from the credit card company. Their credit card will also be turned off
Charge-off
When a person hasn’t made a credit card payment for a period of time or worked out an arrangement with the credit card company the credit card company will write the debt off as a loss. The debt will be sold to a collections company and the IRS will want a person to pay taxes on that debt. This will have detrimental effects on a person’s credit score.
Seeking out help
An attorney who specializes in bankruptcy can help a person who is facing credit card debt that they cannot pay. An attorney can advise their client on what their options may be with the credit card debt and if bankruptcy may be a good option in order to make a fresh start.