by Sarah (I want points)
Member since:
January 12, 2007

A Credit Card Tip

June 18, 2008 11:12 AM EDT
views: 143 | comments: 77
My husband and I have had a run-in with our credit card company that's made me very unhappy.  We always submit our payments online where they will pull the money from our bank account.  We've been doing this for a while now and have never had any problem with it.  Last month I did the same thing.  This month we get our statement and they say that we haven't paid.  So not only do we have a late fee but we have accrued interest as well (you see we charge everything on our credit card and pay it off every month in full.)  I called the company to see what could be done about it.  Apparently the charge never went through.  I didn't write down the confirmation number that I got after I submitted the form for them to charge us, so guess what?  It's my fault, and I'm just out of luck.  It infuriates me that it's not my fault and yet I have to pay all these charges.  They can't even look at my history and see that I've never paid late and we've always paid it off every month.  Nope.  They just don't even care.  So if you make online payments.  Make sure and get some kind of confirmation number and document yourself really well!  We will be looking for a new credit card company.
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Comments: 77

Erin P. Jun 18, 2008, 11:20am EDT
I do that all the time. I write the confirmation number right next to the amount that is being withdrawn in my check register. So, your bank never did the transfer? Or the credit card company didn't (at their website)? Was it pulled from your account and not applied? Now, if you had called them a week later and said "I made an online payment and it's not cleared my checking account - can you please check to make sure it was executed at your end?" it might have been different, too. I check at the end of the week to see what has gone through and what hasn't just so I know where I stand.
Vivian P. Jun 18, 2008, 11:20am EDT
I don't have a credit card I don't want one either
♠~Dnbuster~♠ ~. Jun 18, 2008, 11:24am EDT
i pay online and take a screen shot of the number so i have it for my records:)
hugs- DN
Debra B. Jun 18, 2008, 11:25am EDT
Boy they can get you! I've had something similar happen to me, so I totally understand.
Karen W. Jun 18, 2008, 11:25am EDT
I write the confirmation number on the bill and what I have paid. This way I can't mess up. When ever possible I print out the page and also have them send an email confirming the payment.

If they can't be bothered to look up the information and you are paying a balance off in full every month. I would get another card, And dump them.
Priscilla (wishing I was in Costa Rica) ~. Jun 18, 2008, 11:27am EDT
I don't pay online.
Elizabeth H. Jun 18, 2008, 11:34am EDT
I always write down the confirmation #. Good luck with the next credit card company.
Ramzy S. Jun 18, 2008, 11:35am EDT
thx!
Elaine S. Jun 18, 2008, 11:35am EDT
Thanks for the info
Misty D. Jun 18, 2008, 11:41am EDT
We've had a similar situation like this happen to us before. We paid online, but they said it was late. They didn't post the transaction until 3 days after we paid. It was during the week and not around a holiday, so there wasn't any reason for them to have delayed it. Anyway, I told them I'd just cancel my account if they couldn't do any better than this and they dropped the penalties and gave us a better interest rate. If you say you are going to cancel, sometimes it changes their tune a little.
Laura C. Jun 18, 2008, 11:45am EDT
Ours sends a confirmation e-mail when you make an online payment. (We have a Chase visa card, if you cared. They've always been quite pleasant and easy to deal with.)
Beth O. Jun 18, 2008, 11:48am EDT
Did you try going up a level in management? I've been able to talk my way out of a few late fees by talking to a supervisor. The trick is to be as nice as you can be.
J F. Jun 18, 2008, 11:52am EDT
I do not pay online. Write a letter to their billing and customer service departments and complain. Keep copies. Sometimes the squeeky wheel does get greased. Usually a credit card company will give you a one time courtesy and remove the penalty.

Good luck getting it resolved.
Nichole - oh so broke - K .. Jun 18, 2008, 11:55am EDT
Eek.. I pay everything online.. never had problems so assumed I was safe. Guess I'll be taking better care from now on!
Andrea (Ms. Conservative) L. Jun 18, 2008, 11:55am EDT
Sorry about your pain - your read about mine - feeling it girl
Elizabeth F. Jun 18, 2008, 12:03pm EDT
Yes, anything they can do to squeze out extra money. you might have luck talking with upper execs to get the late fee reversed
Heather W. Jun 18, 2008, 12:30pm EDT
Thanks for the tip. I always pay my credit cards online but I never remember to write down the confirmation number.
Curt L. Jun 18, 2008, 1:16pm EDT
Thank you, very much Sarah!
Marilyn M. Jun 18, 2008, 1:34pm EDT
Thanks for the lesson.
Vikki M. Jun 18, 2008, 1:34pm EDT
Good tip. I always keep a copy of the verification email that my payment was made online until I see it show up on the statement. I never trust those credit card folks to process it properly.
Donna S. Jun 18, 2008, 1:41pm EDT
that sucks
B F. Jun 18, 2008, 1:42pm EDT
That just sounds like too much for my disorganized self to keep up with... So now I have another reason to not get a credit card...
amy s. Jun 18, 2008, 1:43pm EDT
so sorry about the run in with the credit card company. I know how bad those mean ruthless people can be. When they want there money they want there money. Here is my tip pay in only incremendits that you can pay and make sure you cancel the card
The Red Headed Witch of Gather G. Jun 18, 2008, 1:52pm EDT
I would advise you to keep asking for the people's managers until you get one that will help you.
Ravichanthran P. Jun 18, 2008, 2:08pm EDT
What is the reason for not payment from your bank?
Erica Hidvegi Jun 18, 2008, 2:17pm EDT
That is why I cut up all my credit cards four years ago, and have used either money orders, bank draft checks or mom's checking acct ! The late fees, interest, and hassle is just too much ! We need to bury those thieves and never 'rely' on credit again . . .
Heather C. Jun 18, 2008, 2:17pm EDT
Good tip! I have had it where I bought scuba stuff for my hubby through pay pal and the stuff didn't arrive...so I checked and there was no evidence of the order at the place or at pay pal...so now I always check everything afterwards.
Angela A. Jun 18, 2008, 2:41pm EDT
Credit cards got us in trouble big time.. We have 20,000 dollars in debt because of them. Believe me, I will never get another credit card again.
The way we paid our bills for a while was to go to the bank branch and get money orders and get money deducted from the account there and then. That way you are postive that your bills get paid.
I wish you all the luck in the world and hope you find a way to pay these ridiculous fees.
Kimber L. Jun 18, 2008, 2:41pm EDT
Any payments I make electronically, over the phone, etc I write my confirmation down in my check register beside the amount that way I have it right there for quick access! SOrry this happened to you!
Amy C. Jun 18, 2008, 2:47pm EDT
This really stinks. Looking at your credit history they should waive the fees I think I would call back and speak to a supervisor. I never trust automatic, payments. I have heard horror stories. Working in the financial industry I have seen some real doozies happen with people authorizing withdraws from their bank accounts etc. I would rather pay the old fashion way.... by check.
Angel sent from God Secret Sisters Jun 18, 2008, 3:01pm EDT
You are right they do not care ...its all about the MONEY!!!
I too make my payments online...I print my payments off that way you do not have worry about it. I print everything....I had that happen to me but what happen is I didnt press one button.
Rachael G. Jun 18, 2008, 3:08pm EDT
I never write down the confirmation number. But, I've not had a problem because I balance my checking account almost daily (it's the accountant in me). If an online transaction doesn't go through within a few days after I've recorded it in Quicken, I go to that website and verify a pending payment.
Wanda H. Jun 18, 2008, 3:16pm EDT
some credit cards, Capital One types, especially, rely on us not watching things. They look for every way they can to get money out of us. I say, all Americans that can, should never use credit again.
Donna Hammett-Tooker Jun 18, 2008, 3:17pm EDT
I have not had a problem with the one card I pay online because I have always written down the confirmation number just in case.
Thanks Sarah, but I still take my payments to the bank in person and I get a date and time stamped receipt.....with the receipt they can't do that, though they have tried...
Susan K. Jun 18, 2008, 4:43pm EDT
thank you!
Kim J. Jun 18, 2008, 5:18pm EDT
I have paid my bills online(either through electronic "checks" or through my bank) since the mid 90's and have very little problems...and when I have, I called the bank and the bank had to take care of it. I don't go through the credit card site because they charge a fee.
Most of my cards, utilities, subscriptions are set up as repeating payments. I don't have to remember to pay them, I save on postage, gas and my time and wouldn't change it!
Kim J. Jun 18, 2008, 5:20pm EDT
Oops--also, i agree that they should waive the fee and you should call them back and speak to a supervisor. If that doesn't work(some will not allow you to speak to a supervisor), then email them with the request, citing your long term loyalty and credit history.
Sharon B. Jun 18, 2008, 6:03pm EDT
they should have at least waived the fee. How terrible.
suey v. Jun 18, 2008, 6:17pm EDT
I do this all the time....The number is written right on the bill along gwith the date paid.
JoAnn C. Jun 18, 2008, 7:32pm EDT
I used to print out the confirmation, now I just do a screen shot of the payment for my records.
Ginger C. Jun 18, 2008, 9:26pm EDT
I write down the confirmation number and print out one for my records as well, I've fought with too many banks, credit card companies not to.
Ashley P. Jun 18, 2008, 10:00pm EDT
yes- credit card companies love to squeeze a fee in there. I had this happen with citi- but I got it reversed finalllly...
Beth G. Jun 18, 2008, 10:59pm EDT
This stinks, sorry you had to go through this.
Ellie !. Jun 18, 2008, 11:10pm EDT
OUCH! Time for a new credit card. We always pay off our bill monthly. Two or three times over the last 20 years, our mailed payment reached them after the due date and they charged interest. EVERY TIME, they have taken off the interest charge (I remember $400 in interest because it was a big month.) when we have called and pointed out that we always pay. Times in banking are tough with all the money they are losing on loan defaults. Still.

I use my checkfree.com and they keep a record of the payment. Did you use your bank or credit union? BUMMER!
Austin Cushing Jun 18, 2008, 11:12pm EDT
This comment is to let you know that this content has reached at least ten comments, and as such has been removed from Comment Speedway! Congratulations!
Trish A. Jun 18, 2008, 11:47pm EDT
It seems like they would be glad to have a customer who pays their bills! I wish you the best of luck with this.
Teri V. Jun 18, 2008, 11:51pm EDT
thanks 4 the tip
debra g. Jun 19, 2008, 12:04am EDT
They can check your history and fix this and will but you will have to talk to someone higher up.Always write your numbers down.
Jan S. Jun 19, 2008, 12:47am EDT
We've had the same sort of problem. Payment in full was made on time. For whatever reason, the payment wasn't posted. The company assessed a "late fee" and jacked the interest rate up to 24%!!!
Fortunately, I screen capture every transaction and save them. Be very careful and make a copy of every single transaction you make online. Get the numbers. Be sure to get the names of the people you speak with when there is a problem. Do this, and you will be well-armed to defend your credit. The company dropped the fee and reduced the interest rate, but we closed the account.
Shirley U Understand Me S. Jun 19, 2008, 1:04am EDT
I'm sorry about your trouble. On line transactions can encounter problems that you don't know about. And the confirmation number is very important for proof. Besides that, write down, better yet, print out the page that shows a time and date stamp. Time and date stamps from computers are admissable in court. Some companies dispute if you only have confirmation numbers. Hope it gets cleared up.
A K. Jun 19, 2008, 9:41am EDT
sorry about your luck
Don L. Jun 19, 2008, 11:03am EDT
The credit cards always send an email confirmation in my experience. Even if you don't write down the confirmation number, you will still have some kind of proof that you paid if you get the email after setting up a payment. That's why you should pay off long before the due date. If you wait until right before it is due, if there is a screw up, like maybe you clicked the wrong thing or something, there will still be time to avoid the late payment. There is also rush payment, same-day, with some cards. If all else fails, get a Chase card, they are number one and the interest rates are very reasonable with 7000 dollars credit for people with a good credit rating. I've had no problems with them at all. Stay away from Discover and other cards that are strictly short term low rates before they hit you with the big charges. Your life will be a lot easier, too!
Chelsea R. Jun 19, 2008, 12:00pm EDT
ugh! that sounds so frustrating! i hope you find a better company to give your business!
pamela r. Jun 19, 2008, 5:04pm EDT
I always make sure i get that confirmation number--otherwise the companies wil sock it to you any which way they can get away with--sorry you had this experience also.
Melinda ~choosing happiness~ S. Jun 19, 2008, 8:18pm EDT
I hate it that they don't treat their customers better- but I guess thats how they make money off us!
denise e Jun 19, 2008, 8:57pm EDT
i would call again. if they can see that you always pay on time, they know you are a good customer. call and ask to speak to a manager. once they refunded late fees and over limit fees because of always paying on time. if not let them know you will take your business to a company who treats good-paying customers with respect
Jo C. Jun 19, 2008, 9:32pm EDT
You have POWER! However, one question: is this a credit card with a long history? Have you had it a long time? If not and if your interest rate is not the lowest around,, ask to speak to a supervisor.

Note this:
1. The fact that you have an excellent payment history

2 The fact that you are a writer and plan to write about the incident (well, you are, aren't you?)

3. The fact that you are fully prepared to switch to another credit card offer at 0% intro rate if they aren't reasonable enough to remove the late fee and put you back to your old status. Many companies will and those who won't are being...unreasonable...and it isn't good customer service.

4. Then do it. If they don't give you the benefit of the doubt and you are a good customer with an excellent payment history, vote with your dollars and leave. Skedaddle. Then tell us about it :)
Jo C. Jun 19, 2008, 9:33pm EDT
P.S. Note all of the above in a calm tone. Make it sound OBVIOUS that they are making a mistake. They may not care anyway. Their loss.
Emily H. Jun 20, 2008, 6:32am EDT
If you didn't already, you should tell them that you are paying the balance off in full (if you haven't already, since you said that you don't keep a balance on it) and canceling the card. If it's a card that you don't want to cancel (and I've read that once you have a card it's best for your credit score to leave it open, even if you've retired it), just because you tell them you want to cancel it doesn't mean that you have to go through with it. If you get all the way to the person that actually closes the account and no one has offered to fix anything for you, you can say you've changed your mind and your keeping it open for now. I accidentally paid my Bank of America card late. It was due on a Sunday and I paid it online on Friday, but after business hours, so it didn't post until the Monday after. It is the only late payment I've ever had. I didn't even have to ask them to remove the late payment fee. I said that's why I was calling and the rep immediately said she could take it off. Sounds like your cc has terrible customer service.
donna h. Jun 20, 2008, 8:00am EDT
That just happened to us
Patti M. Jun 20, 2008, 10:22am EDT
Good luck resolving the matter. As someone said if you say you will leave they usually change their tune.
Dave J. Jun 20, 2008, 1:12pm EDT
They are just like the airlines. The credit card companies and the banks are out to nickel and dime their way to obsene profitablity on the backs of their users.
Rae M. Jun 20, 2008, 4:03pm EDT
Don't give up and just accept that. Call them up and ask to speak to a supervisor, explain to them what happened and remind them that you have never once made a late payment, and while you realize that you were partially responsible because you did not write down the confirmation, you would appreciate if they extend the courtesy of taking away the charge and the interest as a courtesy to you for being such a good customer for so long. If they do tell them that you would like to cancel the card (you can cancel a card you owe a balance on, you have to keep paying but will not be able to charge on it any further). This will usually convince them to see things your way. Usually you do not have to go this far with a supervisor.
Dorothy H. Jun 21, 2008, 1:12am EDT
I don't care one iota about their credit score game. I cut all my cards up, and I've recently paid off one with my income tax return. Soon, I'll have my stumulous check, which is not a government handout when it comes to me. It's money I handed out to the government from my hard earned paycheck.

When we make payments on the remaining debt, we do so, on line, and print out a copy of the confirmation number.

Only 2 more credit card debts to go. WOO-HOO!!!
Digital Diva S. Jun 21, 2008, 6:27am EDT
Thanks for the tip about the confirmation number. We are a bit old fashioned and still take our bills physically to the bank to be paid.

However we have had run in's with the CC company and held our ground. We refuse to pay interest and do as you do, use the card as cash and pay it off in full every month. When told we were late one month and needed to pay the interest, my husband argued with them and said if we are forced to pay that interest the card would be cut up and we would not deal with that company anymore. They deleted the interest charge.
Selene N. Jun 21, 2008, 11:15am EDT
Which company is that? I like Chase because when "oops" happens, they always work with me.
Selene N. Jun 21, 2008, 11:15am EDT
Another superb company is AMEX. Unfortunately their cards are not accepted everywhere.
Austin Cushing Jun 21, 2008, 10:31pm EDT
This comment is to let you know that this content has reached at least five votes and over 8.0 average rating, and as such has been removed from Rating Resurrectionists! Congratulations!
Sophiya S. Jun 23, 2008, 5:41pm EDT
great tips
Alex In Wonderland Jun 24, 2008, 2:24pm EDT
I hope you find one that treats you better!
Sandre M. Jun 24, 2008, 6:28pm EDT
It's a good tip, Sarah. I pay most of my bills online, but I always print a hard copy of the transaction and keep it in my files for that bill. Same with bank statements so I'll have something in hand to cross reference if there's ever a problem.
Jens K. Jul 8, 2008, 9:11am EDT
Good read! Nice tips. Please drop by sometime!
Best Cash Reward Credit Card Greetings, JK.

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