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Whether it’s a personal loan EMI, a credit card bill, or a subscription fee, missing a due date can lead to more than just a temporary inconvenience. It can have lasting consequences on your financial health. Here's a closer look at what overdue payments are, why they happen, and how to avoid them.
An overdue payment refers to any financial obligation, like a loan repayment, credit card bill, or utility charge, that remains unpaid beyond its agreed-upon due date. For instance, if you miss your personal loan EMI, the unpaid amount becomes overdue and may start accruing late fees, additional interest, and could even trigger legal action if ignored for too long.
Overdue payments don’t always stem from negligence. Here are some common reasons:
Even a single missed payment can set off a chain reaction:
Lenders typically impose a late fee if you miss an EMI. Over time, these charges compound, increasing your debt burden.
For products like personal loans or credit cards, missed payments may lead to revised (higher) interest rates, making your overall repayment more expensive.
Overdue payments are reported to credit bureaus and can lower your credit score. This makes it harder to secure loans, get favourable rates, or even qualify for future credit.
If overdue payments persist, lenders may initiate recovery actions, ranging from collection agency involvement to court proceedings.
Here are practical steps you can take to stay on top of your repayments:
Use mobile apps or calendar alerts to track your due dates.
Auto-debit facilities ensure timely payments. With tools like IDFC FIRST Bank’s mobile app, you can schedule payments to avoid defaults entirely.
Use a loan dashboard or financial tracking tool to view all your obligations in one place. The FIRSTmoney dashboard offers a unified view of your loans and repayment dates.
If you anticipate a delay, inform your lender in advance. You may be eligible for an extension or a temporary restructure of your repayment plan.
Looking for more control over your loan repayments? FIRSTmoney by IDFC FIRST Bank offers:
Overdue payments can damage your credit profile, increase your financial burden, and affect your long-term borrowing power. But with a little planning, timely reminders, and smart financial tools like FIRSTmoney, you can stay in control and build a strong repayment track record.
The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject IDFC FIRST Bank or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. IDFC FIRST Bank shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.