Yes, Penalty Charges Apply
• Missing your payment due date results in penalty fees.
• Penalties are added in the next billing cycle automatically.
• Charges apply even if you miss the minimum due amount.
• The fees are in addition to regular interest on the balance.
• Repeated misses may lead to card suspension or downgrade.
Late Payment Fee Details
• Late payment charges vary by outstanding amount.
• Typically range from ₹100 to ₹1,000 or more.
• Higher the unpaid bill, higher the late fee charged.
• Most banks display fee slabs in their credit card terms.
• Fees are subject to GST as per government regulations.
Interest Accrual Alongside Penalty
• Interest continues to apply on unpaid dues daily.
• The grace period is lost until full payment is made.
• New purchases attract interest from the transaction date.
• This increases the overall repayment burden quickly.
• Compound interest worsens the balance if left unpaid.
Impact on Credit Score
• Late payments are reported to credit bureaus.
• Even a single missed due date can reduce your score.
• A history of missed payments shows financial irresponsibility.
• A lower credit score affects future loans and card eligibility.
• Timely repayments help maintain a strong credit profile.
How to Avoid Penalty Charges
• Set auto-debit for at least the minimum due amount.
• Use reminders or banking app alerts to track due dates.
• Pay early if your billing cycle falls near holidays or weekends.
• Always aim to pay the full balance to avoid both fees and interest.
• Review your statement every month for pending amounts.
