What to Do If You Miss a UnionBank Credit Card Payment?

Missing a UnionBank Credit Card payment can happen to anyone — maybe you got busy, forgot the due date, or had unexpected expenses. Don’t panic! It’s not the end of the world, but you need to act fast to avoid bigger problems like interest, penalties, and credit score damage.

This guide will help you understand what happens when you miss a payment, what to do right away, and how to avoid it next time, especially if you’re new to using credit cards in the Philippines.

Why Missing a Payment Matters

Credit cards are a great financial tool, but they also come with responsibilities. When you miss a payment, UnionBank sees it as a sign that you may be struggling with debt — even if it’s just a one-time mistake.

If you’re a first-time credit card user, knowing what happens after a missed payment helps you act quickly and protect your financial health.

What Happens When You Miss a UnionBank Credit Card Payment

Let’s break down what usually happens after a missed due date:

Stage	What Happens	How It Affects You
Day After Due Date	Late payment is recorded. Interest and late payment fees begin to apply.	Your balance increases slightly.
7–14 Days Late	UnionBank sends reminders via text or email.	Your account is still active, but you must pay immediately.
30 Days Late	Your account becomes “past due.”	Your credit score drops; future applications may be affected.
60+ Days Late	Account may be temporarily frozen or referred for collection.	More penalties and serious credit damage.

The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to recover. That’s why it’s best to take action immediately once you realize you missed a payment.

Step-by-Step: What to Do After Missing a Payment

Step 1: Pay as Soon as Possible

Even if you can’t pay the full amount, pay at least the minimum due right away. This helps stop additional late fees and interest from piling up.

You can pay through:

UnionBank Online or mobile app
Over-the-counter at UnionBank branches
Authorized payment centers (like 7-Eleven or Bayad Center)

Step 2: Contact UnionBank Customer Service

If you think you’ll be late again or are struggling to pay, call UnionBank’s hotline right away. They may:

Waive your first late fee (if it’s your first offense)
Help you set up a payment plan
Explain how much interest you’ll be charged

Tip: Being proactive shows financial responsibility, which can help in future card applications or limit increases.

Step 3: Check Your Credit Card Statement

Review your latest billing statement to see:

Your minimum amount due
The due date
Any interest or penalty applied

Understanding how much you owe helps you plan repayment properly.

Step 4: Avoid Making Only the Minimum Payment Every Time

Paying only the minimum due might keep your account active, but the remaining balance continues to earn interest. Over time, you’ll pay much more than you originally borrowed.

To see how interest adds up, try this Credit Card Cost Calculator — it shows your total monthly payments, interest, and how long it takes to clear your debt.

Step 5: Build a Repayment Habit

If you missed a payment once, create a simple system to make sure it doesn’t happen again:

Set reminders on your phone before the due date
Turn on AutoPay (if available)
Pay early when you receive your salary

A consistent payment habit helps rebuild your credit score quickly.

How Much Are the Fees and Interest?

UnionBank, like most banks, charges a combination of late fees and finance charges.

Charge Type	Description	Estimated Cost
Late Payment Fee	Charged when you fail to pay at least the minimum due by the due date	₱750 or a percentage of the unpaid balance
Finance Charge (Interest)	Monthly interest applied to unpaid balances	Around 3%–3.5% per month
Over-limit Fee	Charged if your spending exceeds your credit limit	₱500 or more

These charges can quickly add up — that’s why even a small delay can cost you a lot in the long run.

What Happens to Your Credit Score

Your credit score is like your financial grade. A missed payment can lower it by several points, especially if it’s more than 30 days overdue.

Effects include:

Lower chance of credit card approval in the future
Difficulty getting loans or housing approvals
Smaller credit limits and fewer promos

But don’t worry — making consistent on-time payments for the next few months can help restore your score.

When to Ask for a Payment Extension

UnionBank may grant a short-term payment extension if:

You recently lost your job
You had a medical emergency
You’re affected by a major event (like a typhoon or crisis)

You’ll need to call customer service and explain your situation. They might offer a payment relief plan or convert your balance to installment with a lower interest rate.

How to Prevent Missing Payments in the Future

Enroll in e-statements and reminders — You’ll get email or SMS alerts before your due date.
Set up AutoPay or automatic bank transfers — Ensures you never forget.
Keep your credit limit manageable — Don’t spend more than 30–40% of your limit.
Use budgeting apps — Track bills, due dates, and expenses easily.
Pay early — It’s better to pay ahead of time than risk a penalty.

TL;DR – Quick Summary

Missing a UnionBank credit card payment triggers interest, late fees, and credit score drops.
Act quickly by paying at least the minimum due and contacting UnionBank for assistance.
Use the Credit Card Cost Calculator to plan repayments and estimate your monthly cost.
Build a habit of paying early or setting AutoPay to avoid missing future payments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if I miss one credit card payment?
You’ll be charged a late payment fee and interest, and your credit score may slightly drop. Pay as soon as possible to minimize the damage.

2. Can UnionBank waive the late payment fee?
Yes, especially if it’s your first time and you have a good payment history. Call their hotline to request a waiver.

3. Will my card be blocked after missing a payment?
Usually not after one missed payment, but if you miss two or more, UnionBank may temporarily suspend your card.

4. How can I restore my credit score after being late?
Pay on time for the next few months, keep balances low, and avoid new loans until your score improves.

5. Can I still apply for another UnionBank credit card after missing payments?
Yes, but approval chances will be lower until you show consistent on-time payments and settle outstanding balances.