Well, I TRIED to argue my way out of it..
By maezee
@maezee (41988)
United States
July 14, 2010 4:21pm CST
So, I submitted my Citi Cards (credit card) payment on the 8th, online at about 4:55 PM. I had totally forgotten all day about it and raced to my computer. I had the transaction completed at 4:58 PM, and the due date & time was on the 8th at 5 PM. I noticed that there is a late fee of $39 on my account for them having gotten my payment on the 9th, instead of the 8th. I tried to send customer service an email via the Citi Cards website, only to tell me that they wouldn't take the fee off and that it was a "valid" late fee.
Why can some people argue their way out of everything, and totally take advantage of customer service to save money, and I just can't do it?
I don't mind, I guess, although it's irritating owing $40 extra because they say I submitted it on the 9th, but I guess that's life. I guess there could have been a lot of things I did wrong on my part - for one, submitting it so late to the cut-off time, and perhaps accidentally pushing a wrong button that might have made it gone through on the 9th instead of the 8th. Maybe it is my fault in general, but I love how some people I know can argue their way out hundreds of dollars with credit card companies, and I can't seem to get a semi-illegitimate late fee off my account.
Have you ever tried to do this? And failed miserably at it?
1 person likes this
4 responses
@maezee (41988)
• United States
14 Jul 10
yes, that would make sense. Although I always assumed that credit card companies stand by the TIME that they say things are due - I've never had that problem before. You may be right. There are so many possible loopholes with this. Another thing is the possible difference in time zones, I guess. I am in Central Time Zone, whereas they might be in another. Who knows. I should quit whining and just pay it already, huh? lol
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
17 Jul 10
Although not with credit cards, I sort of have a similar beef with banks. I've learned my lesson the hard way about cut-offs. That they transact debits first before credit. So, it doesn't matter if you have money coming into your account, money that you deposited way before cutoff, if there are debits in the account which they have to transact first, you still get charged an NSF fee.
And no matter how you argue your way about it, you still end up paying the fee. I've never known people who get away with it. 
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
• United States
15 Jul 10
Maezee-
I think the only way you can honestly make sure it is there on time is to do it via online banking. If you can have it removed from your account via authorized debit, or simply use your online banking service this will give you a time stamp that cannot be disputed. And you're right, credit companies excel in the art of creating late fees.
Namaste-Anora
@a7x4life (2)
• United States
14 Jul 10
Well that's never happened to me but It could've been because you completed it at 4:58 and it took time to get to them that they got it after 5? If not it's there mistake but what can you do it is life.. I believe in karma so you will get repaid for paying the late fee x)
