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The Daily Insight Hub

How much do credit cards charge for late payments?

Author

Emma Miller

Updated on January 23, 2026

Late payment fee: In most cases, you’ll be hit with a late payment fee. This fee is often up to $40. Penalty APR: A late payment can cause your interest rate to spike significantly higher than your regular purchase APR.

What happens if you make a late payment or go over your credit limit?

Account goes into default: If you go over your credit limit, your account may be considered in default. The credit issuer may then hike up your interest rate and reduce your credit limit. It may even cancel or suspend the card or increase the minimum requested payment.

Can I charge a 10% late fee?

Alternatively, you might charge a flat late fee, such as $10 for each day overdue, with a cap. If you charge no more than 10% per year, you probably won’t run afoul of your state’s statutes, but your client could challenge the fee amount in court if you charge more than a reasonable estimate of your actual losses.

What if I use all my credit limit?

While spending over your credit limit may provide short-term relief, it can cause long-term financial issues, including fees, debt and damage to your credit score. You should avoid maxing out your card and spending anywhere near your credit limit. Best practice is to try to maintain a low credit utilization rate.

What’s the maximum late fee you can charge on a credit card?

The Maximum Credit Card Late Fee. By law, credit card issuers are limited to what they can charge for a late fee. Credit card issuers can charge a maximum late fee of $25 the first time you’re late or up to $35 if you’ve been late on your payment within the past six months.

What’s the maximum late fee for a Discover credit card?

Pentagon Federal Credit Union, for example, charges a maximum $28 late fee. Navy Federal Credit Union charges up to $20. Some banks, such as Discover, will even forgive a cardholder’s first late payment. Others, such as Citi, waive fees altogether on select cards.

How much does it cost to pay a Citi credit card late fee?

Citi: $25 for the first late payment and $35 for subsequent late payments within the following six billing cycles. Late fees will not exceed your minimum payment due. Citi may waive your late payment fee; call customer service at 800-950-5114 to make the request. Best Rewards Credit Cards.

Can a credit card company waive a late fee?

Though many credit card companies will waive late fees, it’s in your best interest to avoid late payments and fees by paying at least the full minimum amount by the due date.