When payments are made late or inconsistently, this behavior is recorded by credit bureaus and can significantly harm your credit score. Slow payments suggest a lack of reliability in fulfilling financial obligations and may lead lenders to view you as a higher risk. The longer the payment remains overdue, the more severe the impact on your credit score. Repeated delays can lower your score over time and may result in higher interest rates on future loans or credit lines, making it more expensive to borrow money. Regular, timely payments are crucial for maintaining or improving a healthy credit score.