How to Dispute Capital One Late Fees

Late, or past due, payments generate large late fees.

Credit card companies, such as Capitol One, reserve the right to charge credit account holders a late fee or past due fee. Late fees are charged to consumers if the minimum payment due on the account is not received on or by its due date. Capitol One charges a variable late fee according to the balance owed on an account, with higher balances yielding a larger late fee. Late fees $35 per statement as of publication. If a consumer believes he has been assessed a late fee in error, the best action to take is to quickly contact the company in writing.

Things You'll Need

• Account statement
• Proof of payment

Instructions

1. Gather the statement showing the late fee you wish to dispute and a receipt of your payment. Do not delay disputing a fee, as fees must be disputed within 60 days of the statement to be eligible for reversal.

2. Create a letter to Capitol One that explains the reason for your dispute of the late fee. Begin the letter with a brief paragraph stating your reasons why you are disputing the fee and why you feel the fee is invalid.

3. Reference your statement and include pertinent account information in the next section of the letter. Be certain to include your full name, account number and the amount and date of the disputed late fee.

4. Attach a receipt or proof of your payment with the letter. Make certain the attachment has your name and account number clearly visible on it. Address and mail the dispute letter to:

   Capital One

   P. O. Box 30279

   Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0279

Tips & Warnings

• Read the disclosure information pertaining to your account carefully. This information provides specific instructions on how late fees are assessed and how to dispute the fees.

• If you are set up on auto pay or recurring payments, you must contact Capitol One by phone at least three days prior to your next payment date. The company can stop or hold the automatic payment while you submit your dispute.

• Disputes must be submitted in writing. Capitol One may respond to a dispute if contacted by telephone, but the company is not liable to follow standard dispute rules unless the dispute is submitted in writing.

• If the dispute is found to be invalid by Capitol One, interest charges will be assessed for the balance due.

References

• Capitol One: CAPITAL ONE IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES
• Bank Rate; Disputing Credit Card Fees and Assessments; October 2003