What happens if you miss a credit card payment?
Here’s how to minimize (and prevent) the damage of missing a payment.
5 min read
Nov 15, 2024
Brooklyn Lowery
Senior Editor, Credit Cards
EXPERTISE
- Rewards credit cards
- Family finances
- Building credit
- Credit card debt
- Credit card comparisons
EDUCATION
- Auburn University, Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
- Middle Tennessee State University, Master of Arts in English
There is a right card for you. The first step to finding it is taking stock of where you’ve come from financially and where you want to go. There's no one card that's perfect for every person, but there is a perfect card for every person.
— Brooklyn Lowery
About the author
Brooklyn Lowery is a Senior Editor on the Bankrate credit cards education team, where she focuses on helping everyday consumers leverage credit cards as powerful tools in their personal finance toolbox.
Brooklyn brings more than 20 years of journalism experience to her role, including writing and editing a wide variety of content from human interest pieces to government/political news and more. Prior to Bankrate, Brooklyn spent more than seven years as editor of CardRatings where she developed a deep passion for all things credit cards rewards and personal finance education. She has provided expert commentary on credit cards, card rewards and personal finance for numerous outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Kiplinger, Forbes and many others.
Brooklyn lives in Indianapolis. In her spare time, she enjoys dreaming of and planning her family’s next rewards travel adventure, playing with her two kids, taking nightly walks, tending her plants (indoors and out) or exploring the city with her husband. She’s a 2004 graduate of Auburn University and remains an avid Auburn Tigers fan as well as a diehard Boston Red Sox devotee.
Find Brooklyn beyond Bankrate
The Wall Street Journal talks to Brooklyn about first credit cards
Brooklyn explains when to use a credit vs. debit card to Real Simple
Brooklyn joins Soar Payments for its PayPod Podcast
Nasdaq TradeTalks interviews Brooklyn about credit card trends and political affiliation
Brooklyn wants you to know
Using a balance transfer as an interest free loan so I could complete a kitchen remodel. Taking my family on fantastic vacations for free or much less than the cash value. Knowing my credit profile is strong and I have access to the best financial opportunities and terms. These and more are reasons I’m passionate about helping consumers understand how to build credit and use credit cards responsibly so they can truly go to work for you.
Brooklyn's recommended readings
5 ways to build credit with no credit history
Chase Ultimate Rewards guide
How to choose a cash back credit card
There is a right card for you. The first step to finding it is taking stock of where you’ve come from financially and where you want to go. There's no one card that's perfect for every person, but there is a perfect card for every person.
— Brooklyn Lowery
Brooklyn's latest articles
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Maximize your credit card rewards: How playing the field can pay off
The best way to maximize rewards is by playing the field, using different cards to your advantage and being “disloyal!”
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Best credit card rewards programs in 2024
Read Bankrate’s list of the best credit card rewards programs for 2023.
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What Capital One’s acquisition of Discover could mean for consumers
How could Capital One’s acquisition of Discover impact consumer finances?
3 min read Feb 20, 2024 -
Prepaid cards vs. debit cards
Debit cards and prepaid cards can be used similarly, but debit cards tend to have fewer fees.
6 min read Jan 05, 2024 -
The best credit card deals of 2024
The right credit card deal can make holding a card even more valuable.
8 min read Dec 22, 2023 -
Best credit cards for families
The best credit cards for families include travel, cash back and other options.
5 min read Dec 07, 2023 -
How credit card companies make money
Credit card companies make money in a variety of ways.
5 min read Nov 30, 2023
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Do balance transfers hurt your credit score?
Create a debt repayment plan to get more out of your balance transfer card.
9 min read Sep 06, 2024 -
Seasons of expenses: How 3 families manage their seasonal costs
Certain seasons can put a strain on your budget, especially if you have kids.
7 min read Sep 06, 2024 -
How to pay off credit card debt
Any of these techniques can work. You just have to make a choice and stick with it.
7 min read Sep 05, 2024 -
Survey: 1 in 3 holiday shoppers are shortening their wish lists to spend less this year
Let’s say you’re walking through the mall during the holiday season and pass 10 shoppers. New Bankrate data shows that about three of those holiday shoppers (33 percent) plan to spend less on holiday [...]
5 min read Sep 05, 2024 -
Is the Discover it Balance Transfer card worth it?
For consumers looking to pay down existing debt, while also earning cash back rewards, the Discover it Balance Transfer card is a solid choice.
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Best rotating category credit cards
Max out your rewards with rotating bonus category credit cards.
5 min read Sep 02, 2024 -
How to choose a student credit card
Learn how to choose a credit card for college students and what to look for.
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Pros and cons of a balance transfer
Balance transfers are useful tools in wiping out high APR debt with responsible use.
7 min read Aug 30, 2024