Should you really be alarmed if you're not paying your credit card bills on time? Should you be concerned about paying bills on time or is it something you can just put off for later? Would it really matter if you get in the habit of delaying your credit card payments? To answer these questions, let's consider the consequences you will be facing if you choose to continue with this habit:

1. Creditors and Collectors Run After You
If you haven't experienced it yet, consider yourself lucky. Many people with unpaid bills on their account find themselves frustrated, disturbed and annoyed with the fact that creditors or debt collectors call them several times each day to remind them of their bills. This can be a real headache on your part.

Imagine what it's like to start your day with a creditor trying to make you. Some creditors even do it in a harsh way and many people has complained about creditor harassment. Although the FTC does give borrowers protection against creditor harassment through the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, it's best if you can avoid this kind of situation by paying your bills on time.

2. Damages Your Personal Credit Score
This is an obvious consequence of not paying your credit card bills on time. Creditors will report you to the credit bureaus and past due bills and untimely payments will be reflected on your credit report. Everyone must be aware that their total credit score is 35% punctuality of payment. This is why, a single delay on your payment can badly damage your overall credit score.

3. High Interest Rates and Penalty Fees
If you're a credit card owner, you can easily be stuck in huge debts by not paying on time due to the high interest rates that will be charged against you. Creditors can even increase your APR just because you're not punctual with your payments. Add the late fee charges and you can only imagine how these additional costs can put you in a bad credit situation instantly.

4. Creditors Taking Legal Action Against You
A creditor has the right to file a legal complaint against you if you defaulted from your debts. The process would be long and complicated but some creditors are willing to go through all these just to punish the borrower.

Obviously, all the above consequences bring unnecessary stress, pain and worries. You don't have to see yourself go through all these if you take your duties as a borrower seriously. Don't risk paying for high interest, being penalized, damaging your credit score, or being sued by your creditors. Avoid such frustrating and humiliating incidents being aware about the debts you owe and by paying your bills on time.

If you notice that you're having difficulty in controlling your spending and that your debts are building up, then don't wait until the problem gets worse. Seek help. Go to a government accredited credit counseling agency to help you find a practical solution to your debt problem.