How long do missed payments stay on your credit report?

Missing a loan or credit card payment can feel upsetting, but you're not alone. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. What matters is what happens next.

A missed payment doesn’t just vanish—you'll find it on your credit file. That can affect your chances of borrowing again.

In this guide, we explain how long missed payments stay on your credit report. You can also learn what damage they can do and how to improve your credit after things go wrong. Let’s explore.

What is a missed payment and how is it recorded?

When you pay late—even by just a few days—your lender may report it as a missed or late payment. Usually:

• Payments more than 30 days overdue are reported to credit reference agencies, such as Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion.
• The missed date and amount show on your credit file, flagged as late or missed payments.
• Lenders include this information to show how well you manage money.

Late payments can be recorded weekly or monthly, depending on the lender. They note each missed instalment separately.

How long do missed payments stay on your credit report?

In the UK, most missed payments remain on your credit report for up to 6 years.

• Each missed payment stays for 6 years from the date it was first reported.
• Even after the debt is paid, the record stays in your file.
• After 6 years, it drops off automatically.

That means a problem today stays visible for a long time. But over time, newer good credit habits become more important.

What effect does a missed payment have on my credit score?

Missed payments can hurt your credit in a few ways:

• Lower score: Lenders view missed or late payments as a sign you might struggle to repay.
• Harder to borrow: Lenders may refuse or offer you less money, or charge higher interest because of the risk.
• Visible history: Future lenders can see the missed payment for 6 years, even if you paid it back later.

However, the more on-time payments you make after the missed one, the less impact it has over time.

Will a paid-off debt remove the missed payment?

No. Paying the debt or instalment off doesn’t erase the missed payment.

• The record stays on your credit file for 6 years.
• Your file may show a zero balance or a note saying the debt is paid.
• The fact you missed a payment remains, and can still affect interest rates or approvals.

That’s why rebuilding your credit is much more than just paying off debts. To learn more, read our complete guide to credit scores.

Can I remove a missed payment sooner?

It’s rare. You can only remove it early if:

• There was a mistake in how the payment was reported.
• The lender agrees to remove or adjust it before it becomes a formal default.

However, once it's on your report correctly, you usually have to wait the full 6 years. You can contact the lender or credit agency to challenge errors. However, honest late payments usually remain for the full time.

Does the impact fade over time?

Yes. If you miss a payment and then follow up with many years of on-time payments, the missed mark becomes less important.

• Credit scoring systems look at your recent habits more than old ones.
• A single missed payment a few years ago isn’t weighed as heavily if everything else is spot on.

So while it stays on your file, your new habits help rebuild trust fast. To learn more, read our guide on how to manage debt effectively.

How will missed payments affect my secured loan application?

If you’ve missed a payment in the past, you might worry that it ruins your chance of getting a secured loan—but that’s not always true. A common myth is that bad credit automatically means rejection, especially when your home is involved. In reality, it depends on your full financial picture and the lender’s approach.

Secured loans are based not only on your credit history. They are also based on the equity in your property, your income, and your ability to repay. While high-street banks may say no if they see missed payments on your file, specialist lenders look at more than just your credit score.

We understand that life happens. What we want to see is:

• How recent the missed payment was
• Whether it was a one-off mistake or part of a longer pattern of problems.
• How you responded—did you clear the account? Was it resolved quickly?
• Your current financial stability—we’ll review your income, spending, and existing debts.
• How much equity you have in your home

So even if you’ve had missed payments, you could still be eligible for a secured loan. You may be able to borrow a set amount and repay it over time, just like other loans—but with the added condition that your home could be at risk if you don’t keep up with payments.

How do I improve my credit after missed payments?

1. Set up direct debits to never miss a payment.
2. Pay bills in full and on time—even small ones like mobile or utilities build a positive history.
3. Get on the electoral roll—this shows lenders your address and adds trust to your file.
4. Use credit responsibly—small credit cards or loans that you can repay each month help prove good habits.
5. Check your credit report regularly—fix errors by contacting credit agencies. To learn more, read our guide: How can I check my credit score?
6. Keep applications few and far between—a lot of applications make lenders concerned. To learn more, read our guide: Does applying for a loan affect your credit score?

Over time, these steps help your score rise and heal the effects of missed payments.

Conclusion

Missed payments can feel like a setback. They stay on your credit report for up to 6 years. They also can affect your ability to get new credit. However, they don’t have to stop your progress.

If you’re back on track and need help funding home improvements or debt consolidation, a missed payment doesn’t mean a firm no. It just means we’ll take a closer look to see how we can help.

Call us free on 0800 980 6273,, or use our online enquiry form. We’ll talk through your secured loan options, even if your credit record isn’t perfect.

THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON YOUR HOME, THE LENDER MAY REPOSSESS IT.