How Many Missed Payments Stop You Getting a Mortgage?
Updated January 2026 · FCA Registered (989177)
There is no fixed number. What matters most is how recent the missed payments are, which type of account was affected, and which lender you approach. One missed payment over 2 years ago rarely stops a mortgage. A missed mortgage payment in the last 6 months usually does — with high-street lenders.
Missed Payment Severity — At a Glance
| Account Type | 0–12 Months Old | 1–3 Years Old | 3+ Years Old |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mortgage / secured loan | Likely blocks high-street | Specialist lenders possible | Most lenders acceptable |
| Personal loan | Some issues with high-street | Minor impact | Minimal impact |
| Credit card | High-street caution | Widely acceptable | No practical impact |
| Mobile phone / utility | Low impact unless defaulted | No impact | No impact |
| Catalogue / store card | Minor impact | No impact | No impact |
What Lenders Actually Look At
Recency
Missed payments in the last 12 months carry far more weight than older ones. Lenders see recent issues as ongoing risk.
Account type
A missed payment on a mortgage or secured loan is viewed far more seriously than a missed credit card payment.
Pattern vs one-off
A single missed payment during a life event (redundancy, illness) is treated differently from a pattern of repeated late payments.
What followed
Did you repay the missed amount and maintain the account? Lenders look at your full payment history, not just the missed payment.
High-Street vs Specialist Lenders
Most people approach their high-street bank first — but for adverse credit, specialist lenders are purpose-built for these situations.
| Lender Type | Typical Missed Payment Tolerance | Rate Premium |
|---|---|---|
| High-street (e.g. Halifax, Nationwide) | 0–1 missed payment, over 2 years old, not mortgage | None — standard rates |
| Near-prime (e.g. Kensington, Pepper) | 2–3 missed payments, 12+ months old | +0.3–0.8% typically |
| Specialist adverse (e.g. Precise, Together) | Multiple recent missed payments, secured or unsecured | +0.5–2%+ depending on profile |
Wondering whether you still qualify?
The right lender depends on how recent your missed payments are, which account type was affected, and your overall credit profile. A specialist adviser can assess your situation and identify lenders most likely to approve — before you make any formal application that leaves a footprint.
Common Questions
Can I get a mortgage with missed payments?
Yes. Most high-street lenders allow 0–1 missed payments older than 24 months on unsecured accounts. Specialist lenders consider more recent or multiple missed payments. The key factors are how recent the missed payments are, which account type was affected, and whether they escalated to a default.
How many missed payments will mortgage lenders accept?
High-street lenders typically accept 0–1 missed payments over 2 years old on unsecured accounts. Near-prime lenders consider 2–3 missed payments that are 12 months or older. Specialist adverse credit lenders review each case individually and can consider multiple recent missed payments, though rates will reflect the increased risk.
Do missed payments affect my credit score?
Yes. A single missed payment can reduce your credit score by 50–130 points depending on your starting score and the credit bureau. The impact diminishes over time. Missed payments stay on your file for 6 years but most lenders treat anything over 2–3 years old significantly more leniently.
How long do missed payments stay on a credit file?
Missed payments remain on your credit file for 6 years from the date they occurred, regardless of whether you later repaid the debt. After 6 years they are automatically removed. The practical impact on mortgage applications fades significantly after 2–3 years, especially with specialist lenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many missed payments stop you getting a mortgage?
There is no fixed number. One recent missed payment (within the last 12 months) on a mortgage or secured loan will likely block mainstream lender offers. Multiple missed payments on unsecured debts over 2 years old may have little impact with specialist lenders. Recency matters more than the count.
Can I get a mortgage with 1 missed payment?
Yes, in most cases. A single missed payment more than 12 months ago on a credit card or personal loan is overlooked by many high-street lenders. If it was within the last 6 months or on a mortgage, you'll likely need a specialist lender and may face a slightly higher rate.
How long do missed payments affect a mortgage?
Missed payments stay on your credit file for 6 years from the date they occurred. However, their impact on your mortgage application reduces significantly after 2–3 years. Most specialist lenders treat payments older than 3 years much more leniently.
Will a missed mortgage payment stop me remortgaging?
A missed mortgage payment is the most serious type because it shows you struggled to maintain secured debt. One recent missed mortgage payment may block high-street remortgage options, but specialist lenders and your existing lender's retention team may still offer solutions.
Do missed payments on utilities affect a mortgage?
Utility arrears don't appear on your credit file unless the provider has registered a default. Late or missed utility payments that haven't escalated to a default are unlikely to affect your mortgage application directly.
Not sure where you stand?
Our advisers check your credit profile against 90+ lenders including specialist adverse credit providers — before you make a formal application.