Late payments on your credit report: what to do

How late payments are reported, how long they stay, and your options if one is wrong or if you need to recover.

When a late payment is reported

Lenders generally report a payment as late once it is 30 or more days past due. A payment a few days late may bring a fee, but usually is not reported to the bureaus.

How long it stays

A late payment can stay on your report for up to seven years. Its effect on your score usually fades over time, especially as you add months of on-time payments.

If the late payment is wrong

If you paid on time, or the dates or amounts are wrong, dispute it with the bureau and send proof, such as a bank statement showing the payment. You can also dispute directly with the lender.

If it is accurate

An accurate late payment usually stays. Bring the account current right away, set up autopay for at least the minimum, and keep paying on time. Some people write a polite "goodwill" letter asking the lender to remove it; lenders do not have to agree.