 TITLE: What Is a Penalty APR? CONTENT: How Long Does Credit Card Penalty APR Last?\n-------------------------------------------\nIf the card issuer increases your interest rate, it must review your account at least once every six months. If the underlying reason for a rate increase was resolved, then your card issuer should reinstate the original APR.\nPenalty APRs are generally the result of missed payments. Therefore, if you want to get the penalty APR removed, you may have to make six consecutive on-time payments. Paying less than the full amount, or having a payment rejected (bouncing a check, for instance), will result in a missed payment.\nIf you never get back on track, the penalty APR could stay on your account indefinitely—although, if you completely stop making payments, the issuer will likely close your account. END