How to Deal With Credit Card Late Payment Fees
If you're like most people, then you have the best of intentions when it comes to paying your bills. You want to pay your bills on time each month and maintain your good credit standing. However, sometimes life just gets in the way. You pay your credit card payment just one day after it's due and the company charges you a hefty late fee.
Credit card companies make millions each year by charging late fees, and most customers just pay them without debate. However, if you generally pay your bills on time, then you can approach your credit card company above waiving those late fees.
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Instructions
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Develop a game plan before calling. You want to be prepared for the phone call, so write up some notes about what you want to say. This will help you get your point across on the phone quickly and clearly, and the customer service representative on the other end of the line will understand what you're asking.
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Ask directly. Once you're on the phone, tell the customer service agent that you received a late fee and would like to have it waived due to you positive payment history with the company. Make sure your account is paid up before asking -- it's unlikely the representative will grant your request if you haven't made payment already.
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Escalate the call, if necessary. If you've been courteous to the customer service agent but he or she won't budge on the late fee, then it's time to take your request to the next level. Sometimes an agent isn't authorized to make such waivers and a supervisor has to do it. Ask to speak to the supervisor and repeat your case. Maintain a courteous demeanor, and you've increased the chances that the supervisor will waive the fee.
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Take appropriate action afterward. If you have the fee waived, then it's important to do everything in your power to avoid getting one again. Many companies will waive one fee, but won't budge after that. If the company refuses to waive the fee, wait a few days and try calling again. You might get a different customer service agent who is more willing to work with you.
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Tips & Warnings
Be courteous, but persistent. Professionalism on the phone will go a long way in helping you have a late fee waived.
Don't make asking for waivers a habit. Credit card companies may notice that you are constantly asking for fee waivers and target your account for decreased credit limits and increases in interest rates.
