What happens if you miss one mortgage payment?

Missing one mortgage payment triggers a late fee after the 15-day grace period. Credit bureau reporting begins at 30 days past due — not at the end of the grace period. If you contact your servicer before the 30-day mark, you may be able to arrange a repayment plan or deferral before any credit impact occurs.

How long before a missed mortgage payment affects your credit score?

Most servicers report a payment as late to credit bureaus only after it is 30 days past the due date. One 30-day late mortgage payment can reduce a credit score by 60 to 110 points depending on your starting score and credit history.

What is the grace period on a mortgage payment?

Most mortgages have a 15-day grace period. If you pay within 15 days of the due date, no late fee is charged and nothing is reported to credit bureaus. After 15 days a late fee applies, typically 3 to 6 percent of the monthly principal and interest payment.

Can you catch up after missing one mortgage payment?

Yes. Missing one payment is manageable if you act quickly. Options include paying the missed amount plus the late fee, asking your servicer for a one-time deferral, or requesting a repayment plan that spreads the arrears over 3 to 6 months. Contact your servicer before 30 days past due for the most options.

Should I call my servicer if I missed a mortgage payment?

Yes — call as soon as possible. Servicers have early-hardship programs for borrowers who contact them proactively before or right after missing a payment. The window between day 16 and day 29 is particularly important — your credit has not yet been reported, but you have already demonstrated the issue. Ask specifically about a one-time deferral, repayment plan, or temporary forbearance.

Payment stress

Missed one mortgage payment — what happens next?

Missing one mortgage payment does not immediately mean foreclosure or permanent credit damage. But it does start a clock. The most important thing to know: your credit is not reported late until 30 days past the due date — which means you have a real window to act before any long-term harm occurs.

Last reviewed: May 2026 · About this site

The critical window: Days 16 through 29 after your due date. Your credit has not been reported yet, but your grace period has ended. This is the best time to call your servicer and arrange a resolution.

Free private tool

Check your Mortgage Stress Score

Answer a few private questions about your payment, income, reserves, and mortgage situation. See whether your risk looks low, moderate, or high — and which next steps may fit your situation.

Check my free score →

Free · Private · No lender calls · No phone number required

The day-by-day timeline after missing a payment

Days 1–15: grace period, no consequences yet

Most mortgage agreements include a 15-day grace period. If you pay within those 15 days — including weekends and holidays as typically adjusted — no late fee is charged and nothing appears on your credit report. Many homeowners use this window when a paycheck is delayed.

Day 16: late fee charged

After the grace period ends, a late fee is automatically added to your balance. Late fees are typically 3% to 6% of the monthly principal and interest payment. On a $2,000/month payment, that is $60 to $120. The fee does not appear on your credit report — it simply accumulates on your account balance.

Days 16–29: the most important window

This is when your actions matter most. Your credit has not been damaged yet, but the clock is ticking. During this window, call your servicer and explain the situation. Options that may be available include a one-time payment extension, a deferral of the missed payment to the end of your loan, or immediate catch-up payment (principal + fee).

Day 30: credit bureau reporting begins

When a payment is 30 days past the original due date, your servicer is legally permitted to report the delinquency to the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. One 30-day late mortgage payment can reduce a FICO score by 60 to 110 points, depending on your starting score and prior history. Borrowers with higher credit scores see larger drops. The impact is greatest in the first 12 to 24 months and fades gradually over 7 years.

Day 45: written hardship notice required

Federal regulations require your servicer to send you a written notice by day 45 of delinquency. This notice must include information about available loss-mitigation options and a list of HUD-approved housing counselors in your area. Read this notice carefully — it contains deadlines for responding.

Days 60–89: compounding costs, narrowing options

At 60 days past due, you have two missed payments plus two late fees. Catching up now requires paying all arrears. Some repayment plan options may no longer be available at this stage. Refinancing also becomes harder — most lenders require no missed payments in the prior 12 months.

Day 90+: formal default

At 90 days past due, your loan enters formal default. Your servicer is required to assign you a single point of contact for loss mitigation. Foreclosure notice preparation may begin in some states. Your options narrow significantly, though loan modification may still be available. For the complete timeline beyond this point, see our guide on what happens if you stop paying your mortgage.

What to do right now if you missed a payment

Step 1: Call your servicer today

Do not wait for them to contact you. Call the number on your mortgage statement. Have your loan number ready. Say specifically: "I missed my payment this month and I want to discuss options." Ask what they can offer, get any arrangement confirmed in writing, and keep a record of the call (date, time, representative name).

Step 2: Ask about a one-time deferral

Many servicers offer a payment deferral for borrowers with a single missed payment and no recent delinquency history. The missed payment is moved to the end of your loan term. This is one of the cleanest resolutions because it does not increase your monthly payment and does not add to your balance in the same way as a repayment plan.

Step 3: Request a repayment plan if deferral is not available

A repayment plan spreads the missed payment (plus the late fee) over the next 3 to 6 months, adding a portion on top of each regular payment. Confirm the plan in writing before agreeing, and ask how it will be reported to credit bureaus.

Step 4: Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor if needed

If you are unsure how to navigate the conversation with your servicer, a HUD-approved housing counselor can review your situation, help you prepare, and in some cases communicate with the servicer on your behalf. This service is usually free. Find a counselor at hud.gov/housingcounseling.

How one missed payment affects different loan types

FHA loans

FHA servicers must follow HUD loss-mitigation rules before pursuing foreclosure. More hardship options may be available earlier than with conventional loans.

VA loans

VA servicers are required to explore all reasonable alternatives before foreclosure. The VA also has a Loan Technician program that can intervene on behalf of borrowers.

Conventional loans

Follow standard servicer rules. Grace period is typically 15 days. Credit reporting begins at 30 days. Repayment plans and deferrals are available at the servicer's discretion.

USDA loans

USDA rural development loans have specific deferral and modification programs. Contact your servicer and mention your loan type when requesting options.

Understand your full mortgage risk

One missed payment is one signal. Your Mortgage Stress Score combines it with payment burden, equity, loan type, and urgency to show where you actually stand.

Check my free score →

Sources