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Payment holiday for debt repayments

Credit card payment holidays

Taking a break from credit card payments can be helpful if you are struggling with your short-term financial situation. But, there are good reasons to avoid this until it is necessary.

You might be able to apply for Breathing Space

If you are eligible, you could get Breathing Space. This means the people you owe will not be able to add interest or fees to your debts, or take enforcement action, for up to 60 days.

What is a credit card payment holiday?

A credit card payment holiday is when your provider lets you stop payments for a while. They may stop payments in full or partially.

A payment holiday is temporary. You still have to pay the full amount and any interest added during the break. This means it takes longer to pay off your credit card.

You should always keep paying your credit card if you can. This saves you money by avoiding extra interest.

Worried about your payment holidays ending? Find out what you can do.

Can I take another credit card payment holiday if I already had one?

Credit card payment holidays can be helpful. But you may need more support.

Free and impartial debt advice can help.

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How do I apply for a credit card payment holiday?

The process of applying for a credit card payment holiday usually works like this:

1. Speak to your lender first

Do not stop making minimum payments without speaking to your provider.


  • The provider and credit reference agencies count this as a missed payment
  • Missed payments are recorded on your credit file
  • Several missed payments put your account at risk of defaulting

2. Request a credit card payment holiday

You may be able to request a payment holiday if you are going through financial difficulties and have spoken to your provider.

3. Your provider makes a decision based on your situation

They may ask you to provide evidence of your financial difficulty and complete an affordability test. They will use this evidence to make a decision.

What happens at the end of my credit card payment holiday?

Card providers should find out if customers can afford to restart payments at the end of a payment holiday.

Your provider should contact you to agree a plan for how you will repay the missed payments. Your minimum payments will rise if you take a payment holiday because of interest added during that time.

Let your provider know if you cannot afford to start payments again. They can give you some options.

Can my provider cancel my credit card if I take a payment holiday?

Your provider can cancel your credit card at any time. Let them know if you depend on your card for essential bills or payments.

I am behind on credit card payments. Can I apply for a payment holiday?

You may be able to get a credit card payment holiday if you are behind on payments.

Contact your provider to discuss the options.

Does a credit card payment break affect my credit rating?

A payment holiday is not marked as a missed payment on your credit file.

But, credit files are not the only way that lenders decide whether to lend to you.

Speak to your provider if you are worried about your credit score.

What other options do I have apart from a credit card payment freeze?

Consider the following options if you are struggling with payments:


  • A debt consolidation loan. This may be a cheaper than relying on your credit card
  • Find a credit card with a better deal. This depends on your credit rating. You may find a credit card that offers you a lower interest rate that you can transfer your balance to

What if I cannot pay my credit card this month?

Speak to your provider If you cannot pay your credit card this month.

Credit card payment holidays can help if you are dealing with short-term financial difficulties.

But, they will allow interest to build up while the holiday is in place. For this reason you should not take one unless it is necessary.

Answer 5 quick questions to find out what you should do next.

Be honest – this will just be between us, and we will not record any of the answers you give.

Do you use credit, loans or an overdraft until your wages or benefits come in?

Have you been making minimum repayments on debts or even missing repayments on them?

Have you received any charges for late payments, or fees for your overdraft recently?

Are you currently using credit cards to cover your repayments?

Have you been using credit to pay your household bills? Or have you fallen behind on paying them?

Things are looking pretty good

No need to worry, things are looking pretty good

From what you have told us, you do not have a debt problem.

Make sure you keep on top of your money. You can use ourbudgeting guidesto get started. This will help if you are falling behind with payments.

If you′re worried about money, don′t wait to come back to us forfree and impartial debt advice. We are here to help you whenever you need us.

Get debt help now

You should act now to avoid bigger problems later

From what you have told us, you may have a debt problem. No need to worry, there is a lot you can do. And taking action now means you start to sort it out quicker.

You can get debt advice online at any time. We will not share your details with anyone.

Get debt help now

Or, if you are not ready to get help right now, use ourbudgeting guides.

It looks like you need help with your debts

From what you have told us, your debt has become a problem. You may be worried about this, but we can help you.

Get debt advice online at any time. We will not share your details with anyone.

We will help you to create a budget. This will show you how much you can afford to pay towards your debts. We will also help you deal with the people you owe. And we will recommend ways to start to sort out your debt.

We are here for you online 24/7. If you need to stop and come back later, that is fine.

Get debt help now

You need help with your debts

From what you have told us, your debt sounds a big problem. You are probably worried about this. We can help you.

Get debt advice online now. You can switch to the phone if you want to talk with someone. Either way, we will not share your details with anyone.

We will help you to create a budget, which will show you how much you can afford to pay towards your debts. We will also help you deal with the people you owe money to. And we recommend ways to start to sort out your debt.

We are here for you online 24/7. If you need to stop and come back later, that is fine.

Get debt help now

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