What happens if I don't pay my credit card bill?
Updated · CardKhoj Editorial Team
Short answer
If you miss the due date, the bank charges a late fee and interest on the full balance. After 3 days the missed payment is reported to credit bureaus and your CIBIL score drops. After about 90 days the account becomes a non-performing asset, the card is blocked, and the bank can start formal recovery.
Timeline of an unpaid bill
| Days past due | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1–3 days | Grace period under RBI rules — pay now and no late fee or bureau reporting. |
| After 3 days | Late payment fee (₹100–₹1,300 depending on balance) plus interest; reported as overdue to bureaus. |
| 30–60 days | Score falls sharply; card may be blocked; reminder calls begin. |
| 90+ days | Account classified as NPA; bank may send a legal notice or pass the account to a recovery agency. |
Your rights during recovery
- Recovery agents can contact you only between 8 am and 7 pm and must not threaten, harass or shame you.
- You can complain to the bank and then to the RBI Ombudsman through cms.rbi.org.in if rules are broken.
What to do if you can't pay
Call the bank before you default and ask to convert the dues into EMIs. Settlement should be the last resort — a “settled” status stays on your credit report for years. See settlement vs closure.
This answer is general information, not personalised financial or tax advice. Rules, rates and limits change — confirm with your bank, the RBI or a qualified adviser before making decisions.