Late Payment
A payment not received by the due date. Payments 30 or more days past due are reported to credit bureaus and can significantly lower your FICO score. The later the payment (30, 60, 90+ days), the greater the negative impact. Late payments remain on your credit report for seven years.
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- Full credit & FICO® glossary
Browse all defined terms by category.
- Payment History
The most heavily weighted factor in your FICO score, accounting for 35% of the calculation. Reflects whether you've paid your bills on time. Late payments, collections, bankruptcies, and charge-offs all negatively affect this factor.
- Delinquency
Failure to make a payment by its due date. A 30-day delinquency means you're 30 or more days past due. Delinquencies are reported to credit bureaus and can significantly lower your FICO score. The date of first delinquency starts the clock on the 7-year reporting period for negative items.
Frequently Asked Questions About Late Payment
What does Late Payment mean?
A payment not received by the due date. Payments 30 or more days past due are reported to credit bureaus and can significantly lower your FICO score. The later the payment (30, 60, 90+ days), the greater the negative impact. Late payments remain on your credit report for seven years.
Is Late Payment important for my FICO® score?
Understanding Late Payment helps you manage your credit profile more effectively, which in turn supports a stronger FICO® score.