- Type of debt
- Unsecured
- Missed payments
- Fees, default notice and credit file impact
- FCA rules
- Lenders must treat customers in difficulty fairly
- Free help
- Several charities offer free advice
On this page
How credit card debt builds up
If you only make minimum payments, most of the money goes on interest and charges, so the balance falls slowly. Using one card to pay another, taking cash advances and missing payments all make it more expensive.
What happens if you miss payments
- You may be charged a late payment fee and lose any promotional interest rate.
- The lender can record missed payments on your credit file.
- It must send a default notice, giving you at least 14 days to fix the problem, before it can default the account.
- A defaulted account can be closed, passed to a debt collector or sold, and can lead to a court claim.
See our guide to dealing with debt collectors.
Talk to a free adviser first
An adviser can look at your whole budget, deal with creditors for you and explain which option suits you. Get free debt advice.
What your card company must do
FCA rules require lenders to treat customers in financial difficulty fairly. That can mean reducing or freezing interest, accepting lower payments for a time or allowing a payment arrangement, though it is not guaranteed.
There are also rules on persistent debt. If, over 18 months, you have paid more in interest, fees and charges than towards the balance, your lender must contact you. After 36 months it should offer ways to repay the debt in a reasonable time.
Your options
- Talk to your lender about a lower payment or a plan you can keep up.
- A debt management plan shares one payment among several creditors.
- An IVA suits larger debts with regular income.
- A debt relief order for low income and few assets.
- Breathing Space gives 60 days of protection while you get advice.
- A 0% balance transfer can help if you are eligible and can clear the debt in the offer period, but check the fee and the rate when it ends.
Be careful with consolidation loans, especially ones secured on your home, which put your home at risk.
First steps
- List each card, the balance, the interest rate and the minimum payment.
- Work out a budget. Our budgeting guide can help.
- Do not stop paying essentials to pay cards.
- Get free advice before you make a decision.
Frequently asked questions
Can I just stop paying my credit card?
You can, but it leads to defaults, charges and possibly a court claim. It is better to speak to your lender or an adviser first.
Will the lender freeze interest?
It may, particularly if you are in a formal arrangement, but there is no automatic right. Ask, and explain your situation.
Can the card company take me to court?
Yes. If you do not agree a plan, a lender or collector can start a county court claim. Respond to any claim by the deadline.
Can I ask for a copy of my credit agreement?
Yes. For many credit agreements you can ask the lender for a copy of the agreement and a statement. It is a useful check if you are unsure about a debt.
Will credit card debt go away after six years?
Not automatically. A debt can become unenforceable in court after the limitation period, but it does not disappear, and paying or admitting it can restart the clock. Get advice first.
This guide gives general information and is not personal advice. Rules and limits change, so check with a free adviser before acting. Last reviewed 11 November 2026.