It happens to everyone. When the panic sets in and you realise that a bill or cash loan repayment had to be paid two days ago, and it didn’t happen. If this is a common occurrence for you, then you’re probably well practised in giving good excuses for late payments
So without further ado, let’s look at the top 27 good excuses for late payments (disclaimer: your service provider or lender is not going to thank you for these…) and how you can avoid using these excuses in the future.
Overview
- The cheque is in the mail
- I didn’t know I owed that much
- I didn’t understand how the balance due was calculated
- Fear of low account balance
- My roommate hasn’t paid me their half
- I ran out of cheques
- I didn’t know I have to pay separately for my utilities
- I have no idea where the bill is
- My roommate was supposed to pay it
- I accidently threw the bill away
- I was out of town
- I didn’t get paid
- I am sick and unable to work
- I spent too much on Christmas
- Protesting amount billed
- I am in the process of changing banks
- My parents are going to pay it
- I was in an accident
- I just don’t have the money right now
- The due date isn’t when I get paid
- My dog died
- I am out of work
- I just got back from holiday and can’t afford it
- My internet is down
- I never got a bill
- I just didn’t want to pay it
- I forgot
27 (not very) good excuses for late payments
27. The cheque is in the mail
Yep, it’s a classic. You mailed your cheque out late for a bill, hoping it wouldn’t be cashed until you had the money in your account.
Ok so plan ahead by figuring out how long it takes for your cheque to be delivered and set that date into the calendar before your payments are due.
26. I didn’t know I owed that much
A commonly used excuse but to be honest, in this day and age, online banking has allowed everyone to easily access their accounts, bills and credit balances.
What’s the point of trying to get out of repayments when it takes less than 10 seconds to check your accounts whenever and wherever you are.
25. I didn’t understand how the balance due is calculated
Another common reason for unpaid bills. Our advice? Before you open any credit accounts or apply for a loan, always make sure you understand the terms and conditions.
24. Fear of low account balance
You get paid, you pay your bills. That’s just how it works. Sometimes that means you might have a low bank balance for a few days until it starts all over again.
Plan ahead, whether that’s creating an emergency account for bill payments or schedule your weekly activities based on your balance after the bills have been paid off.
23. My roommate hasn’t paid me their half
Roommate situations can be tricky. But if the bill is in your name don’t let that be an excuse for late payment. It hurts you in the long run if you don’t pay your bills.
It’s simple really, pay the bill in full then find out what’s happened with your roommate’s half. Don’t make your roommates’ errors make your finances look bad.
22. I ran out of cheques
Maybe 40 years ago, this would have been a good excuse for a late payment. But in today’s world, there are so many other ways to pay. Go online and get that bill paid!
21. I didn’t know I had to pay separately for utilities
Make sure you read your lease. If it doesn’t specify the utilities are included or if you had to turn them on, it’s on you.
20. I have no idea where the bill is…
I can see that you’re the type of person who used the classic excuse “my dog ate my homework” back at school. These days, electronic delivery has pretty much made not knowing where the bill is a completely invalid reason for missing payments.
19. My roommate was supposed to pay it
Similar answer to excuse 23. There’s one simple rule for bills: if it’s in your name, you’re expected to pay it.
18. I accidentally threw the bill away
As far as excuses for not paying a bill go, this one is difficult to swallow. Even if you accidentally throw your bill away, you still have to pay it, unfortunately. Sign up for online account access for all your bills. Then you don’t have to worry about thinking of a good excuse for late payment!
17. I was out of town
Check your calendar and make sure you set up payments before you leave so you don’t miss a due date while you’re away.
16. I didn’t get paid
This stinks, of course, but that is why it’s important to set up a savings account to cover you in emergencies.
15. I am sick and unable to work
Even though it feels like the world stops when you get sick, bills still have to be paid. Call your bill provider to try and work out a payment plan.
14. I spent too much on Christmas
Unfortunately, you can’t get December off from paying bills. This is why budgeting and prescheduling payments are especially important during the holiday season. If you are worrying about thinking of good excuses for late payments around Christmas time, you could always consider a Christmas loan.
13. Protesting amount billed
It’s certainly important to call your credit card company or other creditors if you see an error on your bill, but you’ll still need to make minimum payments while you’re sorting out the mess.
12. I am in the process of changing banks
Changing banks can be complicated but you still owe money. This is yet another reason to get online access so it’s easy to update the bank account information.
Additionally, think about setting up your bill payments first with the new bank.
11. My parents are going to pay it
If this is your excuse, lucky you! However, you still need to make sure you have the money from them to pay the bill or that your parents send in the cheque for you.
10. I was in an accident
Accidents happen, but whatever has happened doesn’t mean bills don’t need to be paid. However, if you call your creditors and explain the situation, it’s possible they will be willing to work with you.
9. I just don’t have the money right now
Well, then make a phone call or get online, oftentimes you can change your due dates to coincide with your pay periods.
8. The due date isn’t when I get paid
See above. In terms of late payment excuses, this one doesn’t fly.
7. My dog died
As heart-breaking as your pet’s death may be, unfortunately, companies won’t accept this as a good excuse for late or missing payments. Taking care of vet bills can be costly though, so it might be a good idea to take out an emergency loan to get you through this expensive time.
If you need a little help, check out 12 ways you can get help with vet bills.
6. I am out of work
This is a tough one. It could be one of the very few legitimately good excuses for late payments. But if you call and talk with your creditors, it’s likely you can come up with a payment plan or change a few due dates to ease your situation until you are back on your feet.
5. I just got back from holiday and can’t afford it
Everyone wants a good, relaxing holiday every now and again, however you should always factor in home bill payments when budgeting for your holiday. If you cannot afford your bills, was it practical to go on holiday in the first place?
However, if you do want to go on holiday and still have enough to pay for your bills throughout and afterwards, why not check out our holiday loans to help finance your trip.
4. My internet is down
Go to the library. Use your phone’s data. Whatever it takes, but you still need to pay your bills.
3. I never got a bill
This is one of the most common late payment excuses. This issue can cause major credit issues for you if you don’t figure out what’s going on. Pay attention to your mail.
Sign up for electronic delivery. If there is a problem or a bill actually got lost in the mail, you need to catch it early.
2. I just didn’t want to pay it
This is not great, if you have the bill in the first place you will eventually have to pay it off. Unfortunately, nothing is free nowadays.
And… 1. I forgot!
The most common reason for missing a payment that we can all relate to at some point. It happens to everyone once in a while. Scheduling payments beforehand or even adding them to your calendar is an easy reminder that you can refer back to at any time.
There are no good excuses for late payments that you can get away with. But if you need help, Swoosh has you covered.
Making ends meet, paying for all the groceries, petrol and whatnot is hard. Basically, adulting is hard! So if you find yourself in a jam and you don’t want to use the rent or mortgage money to pay bills, consider taking out a small personal loan from Swoosh.
You’ll know upfront exactly how long you’ll have to pay off one of our online loans, unlike a credit card. The easy application makes it simple to get your money, take care of your bills and start paying it off. No more excuses!
