Can making a partial credit card payment prevent a charge-off?

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September 4, 2026 / 11:26 AM EDT / CBS News

Between today's high rates, elevated prices and uneven job market, it's getting harder for borrowers to stay current on their payment obligations, particularly when it comes to their expensive credit card debt. After all, budgets have been stretched thin by the numerous challenges looming, making it increasingly difficult to cover both the essentials, like housing and food, and the monthly payments on high-rate debts. If you fall behind on your credit card debt, though, it can be surprisingly difficult to catch up, particularly once the extra fees and interest charges are added in.

And, once an account is several months past due, the window for resolving the delinquency can start to narrow. That can leave you with a tough choice: You can put whatever money you have available toward the overdue card, even if it isn't enough to cover the full amount due, or use that cash for other pressing expenses while you figure out a long-term solution. But while sending in a partial credit card payment may seem preferable…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/moneywatch/