Delinquent Account

So, you missed your credit card payment. Times were tough. It’s 30 days late. (Not really. You went on a bender of a shopping spree and spent your extra smackers on a sassy new outfit instead. Had to have those shoes, didn’t you?)

Your account is now officially delinquent. Problem: The lateness affects your credit score—and stays there for seven years.

First thing you’ll want to do is make a payment to bring your account to a current state. Next, you’ll want to make sure no future payments are late. It helps to show creditors that you have again become reliable. In addition, you can ask your credit card company to take delinquency off your report, though that probably won’t happen. If all else fails, there's always prayer.