Depends on the policies of the credit card issuer. Or, for that matter, any credit issuer.

There are no "one size fits all" guide line for all companies, the size of debt, the age all makes a difference and if they believe you may pay without it.

Also some credit card companies have what I call "in house" collection firms, they are legally separate companies, but in many ways they are set up to collect the debts of basically just that company.

To Scottgem: Its Amex and I was late by 10 days on the CARE program. I have today contacted them to be told that my pay. Have been received and new pay. Are not due until Jan. but I have been referred to an outside Collection agency.Will they negative payments.

To Fr_ChuckAmex all my payments are in order. Have been told no payments due until Jan. But I have been referred to an outside collection agency. Will they negative. Future payments. It's a sub.amount owing but am under the credit limit. I can now afford make paym

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First please don't use the Comments feature for follow-up. Use the Answer options below.

What is the CARE program? If you were late then all your payments are not in order.

I missed two payments nego with amex for lower interest rate and higher repayments to cover missed payments. Was OK for 3 months and then missed one payment by 10 days. Icovered the payment before notification that I had defaulted on the Amex Care program. I made additional payments above what was in fact required on my internet banking summary as due. I phoned amex to find out when next payments due they said January 20 and 22 but I had been referred to outside collection agency. What happens next will they negotiate a repayment plan. I can now afford payments regularly. Had a few difficult years where income was dramatically reduced. Now getting back on feet but I do not have the money to payout the balance. I am under the credit limit. Thanks so much for listening

Apparently you were delinquent and was given a chance via this CARE program. But, generally, such a program puts you on a very short leash. Even one day late and they will go to collections on it. You need to see if you can negotiate with them. As soon as you knew you were going to be late you should have called them.