 TITLE: What Happens If I Stop Paying My Credit Cards? CONTENT: Set Yourself Up for Success\n---------------------------\nMissing your credit card payments can lead to a string of expensive and credit-damaging consequences. But you don't need to completely pay off your debt to keep this from happening; on-time minimum payments will keep your account current and allow you to avoid fees, penalty APRs and damage to your credit. If you're reasonably certain you'll have the funds available, you can set up automatic payments for the minimum amount to avoid accidental late payments.\nTracking your income and expenses with a budget could also help you avoid using your credit card for purchases you'll have trouble paying for later. But if your struggles don't stem from overspending, your best options may be to communicate with your creditors or get help from a nonprofit credit counselor when you start to fall behind. END