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Late Credit Card Payment Penalties

Missed Credit Card Payment Penalty

Last year, I accidentally missed one credit card payment. As a result of this, all of my credit cards upped my APR to 29.99%. I have been paying the minimum on time to each of these cards, but I have not been successful in getting them to lower the APR. One company promised me that if I made payments on time for six months, it would automatically be lowered, but now they refuse to lower it. Only one company has worked with me. I've tried transferring balances, but I don't get many offers anymore. Any advice would be appreciated. My advice is never, ever miss a credit card payment. Thanks in advance for any help, tips, etc.
Kelly

Ask for Help

I had a problem like that and I called and asked to speak to the collections department. Tell them you want to repay the bill and can they help you by lowering the interest. They may close your account, but it is probably for the best. I have closed all my credit cards but one.
Angel

Give Yourself Plenty of Time

I have heard that if you want your payment to be on time, mail it about 10 days before it is due. That way, your payment should arrive on time, and you shouldn't be penalized.

Try that, and if you can, also attempt to pay more than the minimum. You may find that the total goes down faster. If you pay only the minimum, you will have to pay it off a lot longer.
Kathy D. in Sonora, CA

Pay Off Balances with Loan

Have they considered taking out a personal loan from a credit union, paying off all the balances, closing the accounts, and then paying off the fixed-rate personal loan (the fixed interest rate will be lower than %29!)? This will require some discipline and you must close the accounts that you pay off to keep from even tempting yourself.
Rachel

Editor's Note: If Kelly can control the temptation of adding to her balance, the thing to do would be to use the loan to pay off all balances. However, she should leave the accounts open, so her credit score will not negatively affected.

Take the Next Step:

See if you qualify for lower payments or interest rates on your credit cards. One call to our friends at Cambridge Credit Counseling could help put your budget back in balance. (sponsored link)
Use a Credit Card Calculator to find out:
The true cost of paying the minimum
- What will it take to pay off my current balance?
- Which is better: Cash Back or Low Interest Card?
- Which is better: Airlines or Low Interest Card?
- How much could I save by transferring my balances?

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"The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." does not assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for their own situation.