Here are our top tips on how to make payments on time: Check when your payments are due and if you have a grace period Find out how long it’ll take for your payments to reach your lender, as some payment methods take more than a day to process Automate your payments by setting up direct debits, or get reminders by text or email Make budgeting easier by arranging to pay bills on your payday If possible, set aside some rainy-day money for unexpected costs You could choose to take out Payment Protection Insurance (PPI), which may cover your repayments if you lose your job, become ill or die. However, you should check the details carefully first, to ensure it’ll meet your needs Only apply for credit you can comfortably afford In the long term, you can get more control over your finances with CreditExpert paid subscription. CreditExpert can help you understand what’s affecting your Experian Credit Score – including late payments – and how to improve it. *Most trusted’ based on 61% of 1057 respondents. ICM Unlimited survey June 2017.