What happens if I don't pay my credit card bill in full?

@cornelius.fay 

If you don't pay your credit card bill in full, there are several consequences that you may face:

1. Interest Charges: Credit card companies typically charge high interest rates on balances not paid in full. This means you will accumulate interest on the unpaid amount, increasing the total amount you owe over time.
2. Late Payment Fees: Missing or making a late payment will likely result in fees imposed by the credit card issuer. These fees can vary but may range from a fixed amount to a percentage of the unpaid balance.
3. Negative Impact on Credit Score: Failing to pay your credit card bill can negatively impact your credit score. Payment history is a significant factor in determining your creditworthiness, so missing payments or carrying a high balance can lower your score.
4. Reduced Credit Limit: If you consistently fail to pay your credit card bill, the card issuer may lower your credit limit or even suspend your card to mitigate the risk of non-payment.
5. Collection Agencies and Legal Actions: If you continue to neglect paying your credit card bill, the issuer may send your account to a collection agency. This can result in aggressive debt collection efforts, phone calls, and possibly legal actions to recover the debt.

It's important to remember that paying your credit card bill in full and on time is the best practice to maintain a healthy credit score and avoid unnecessary fees and financial troubles.

@cornelius.fay 

In addition to the consequences mentioned above, not paying your credit card bill in full can also lead to a cycle of debt. If you only make minimum payments, you'll continue to accumulate interest and it may take a long time to pay off your balance.

Moreover, consistently not paying your credit card bill can damage your relationship with the credit card issuer. This could result in the card issuer closing your account or denying further credit increases or new credit card applications.

It's important to communicate with your credit card issuer if you are experiencing financial difficulties. They may be able to offer options such as a payment plan or temporary relief.