What is likely to happen if a borrower does not pay?

Asked by: Dr. Luis Schoen  |  Last update: February 18, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (34 votes)

Defaulting on a loan can result in late fees, debt collection and potential legal action from the lender. It is important to consider your budget and potential future expenses before taking out a loan to avoid defaulting.

What happens if the borrower does not repay the debt?

Failing to pay could result in your account going into default, the balance being sent to collections, your lender taking legal action against you and your credit score dropping significantly. If money is tight and you're wondering how you'll keep making your personal loan payments, here's what you should know.

What is likely to happen if a borrower misses a payment?

Key takeaways

A missed payment less than 30 days late isn't usually reported, but the longer you wait after that, the heavier the hit to your credit score. If you're later than 120 days, your creditor might send the debt to collections and close your account.

What is likely to happen if a borrower does not pay a mortgage?

The servicer or lender can start the process to sell your home. If you can't catch up on your past due payments or work out another solution, the servicer or lender can begin a legal action (foreclosure) that could end up with them selling your home.

What happens when a loan is not paid?

Lenders can file a case in a civil court seeking repayment. Defaulters may face asset seizure or wage garnishment. Negotiation and settlement options may be explored before legal recourse. This will also reflect on your credit history and severely affect your ability to secure loans in the future.

OppU Lesson 11: What Happens If You Don't Repay a Loan?

35 related questions found

What happens when a loan goes unpaid?

Defaulting on a loan can result in late fees, debt collection and potential legal action from the lender. It is important to consider your budget and potential future expenses before taking out a loan to avoid defaulting.

What happens if debt is never paid?

If you don't pay a debt, it can be sent to collections. If you continue not to pay, you'll hurt your credit score and you risk losing your property or having your wages or bank account garnished.

When a borrower fails to make a payment?

A default occurs when a borrower stops making required payments on a debt. Defaults can occur on secured debt, such as a mortgage loan secured by a house, or on unsecured debt, such as credit cards or student loans. Defaults expose borrowers to legal claims and may limit their future access to credit opportunities.

What consequences do borrowers face if they miss many payments?

The Bottom Line. Missing the due date of your loan obligation, whether that be a student loan, credit card, or car loan, comes with serious consequences that hurt the borrower's finances. This happens through late fees, higher interest charges, or other penalties, that can send a borrower spiraling further into debt.

What are the consequences of mortgage delinquency?

Mortgage delinquency is a real estate term that refers to when homeowners are at least 30 days overdue on making at least one mortgage payment. Consequences for mortgage delinquency range from late fees to credit impacts and possibly even foreclosure on a home.

What happens if the borrower fails to repay the loan?

Under section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act 1881, the lender has the prerogative to file a case against you in court and demand their money back. Also, if you identify as a wilful defaulter, the lender can press criminal charges under sections 403 and 415 of the IPC, 1860 against you.

Which of the following is most likely to happen if a borrower fails to make payments on time?

The borrower's credit score will decrease. If a borrower fails to make payments on time, then the most likely outcome is that their credit score will decrease.

What is the risk the borrower will not make all promised payments?

Default risk is the risk a lender takes that a borrower will not make the required payments on a debt obligation, such as a loan, a bond, or a credit card. Lenders and investors are exposed to default risk in virtually all forms of credit offerings.

What will happen if I don't pay my debts?

Consequences of not paying debt. When you miss payments on a loan or debt, things go from bad to worse very quickly. It starts with late fees and accumulating interest. Eventually leading to more serious actions like legal proceedings and asset repossession.

What is the risk that a borrower may not repay a loan?

Credit risk is the probability of a financial loss resulting from a borrower's failure to repay a loan.

What happens if you miss one loan payment?

Key Takeaways

Missed payments on a personal loan will be reflected in your credit reports and have a negative impact on your credit score. You may not see much effect until you're at least 30 days late and reported as delinquent.

What is likely to happen if a borrower is late on a payment for a credit card account 4 points?

You may incur a late payment fee, penalty interest rate and risk damage to your credit score.

When a borrower fails to repay a loan?

What is Default? Default is failure to repay a loan according to the terms agreed to in the promissory note. For most federal student loans, you will default if you have not made a payment in more than 270 days. You may experience serious legal consequences if you default.

What is the most likely outcome when a borrower fails to repay a loan and there is a co signer on the loan?

When a borrower fails to repay a loan and there is a co-signer on the loan, the most likely result will be the co-signer will be held responsible for the repayment of the entire loan plus fees or penalties.

Who promises to pay if the borrower fails to pay?

A guarantor is a party that promises to pay a debt if a debtor fails to pay. A guarantor does not have a legal claim to the property, while a co-signer does.

How many missed payments before default?

Some lenders may send the notice after six months of missed payments. With others, it might be less. Most importantly, if you can repay the money or agree on a payment plan with your lender within 14 days of the default notice, you can stop the default from being added to your credit report.

What happens if someone refuses payment on a debt?

For more information read What Can I Do If I Can't Pay My Debts? . If you do not pay or fill out and mail the Statement to the judgment creditor, you might be in contempt and be sanctioned by the court. This means a warrant for your arrest may be issued and you may have to pay penalties and attorney's fees.

Can you go to jail for unpaid debt?

You cannot be arrested or go to jail simply for having unpaid debt. In rare cases, if a debt collector sues you to collect on a debt and you don't respond or appear in court, that could lead to arrest. The risk of arrest is higher, however, if you fail to pay taxes or child support.

What is the 11 word phrase to stop debt collectors?

The phrase in question is: “Please cease and desist all calls and contact with me, immediately.” These 11 words, when used correctly, can provide significant protection against aggressive debt collection practices.

Why should you never pay a collection agency?

Paying an old collection debt can actually lower your credit score temporarily. That's because it re-ages the account, making it more recent again. This can hurt more than help in the short term. Even after it's paid, the negative status of “paid collection” will continue damaging your score for years.