CreditCards Blog

I wonder if anyone can help before I go nuts at the bank when I get home

I have a credit card which has a period of interest free on it - I have never missed a payment or been late before.

In November the dates for payment changed and I forgot. I rang on the day it was due and tried to pay more than 1/2 of the balance off. The operator was unhelpful and basically told me to do it online - which I did.

Now it took 2 days to clear so the payment was late and they charged me 12 - not a big deal and fair enough.

However at the end of the month they charged me interest on the remaining balance. Considering I paid on the due date and it was an honest mistake I think this a little unfair. Plus I purposely rang to let them know and attempted to pay in the quickest way possible.

So today we ring and the staff we unhelpful as sin and one the second call drop in that becuase we 'defaulted' we have now lost the interest free perk (which runs to Jan) and they will be charging us more interest at the end of the month.

I intend to pay in full tonight and cut the card up on pricinple of bad service - but do I have any chance of seeing my money back / stopping them taking more?

Thanks in advance.

I'm afraid many/most cards will do the same, although its always worth asking politely and hoping they will relent.

Some will refund the 12 but few will re-instate the interest free period...

basically if you want to benefit from the 'interest free' deals then you must follow the rules meticulously ...
for next time.. do set up a DD.

presumably you have made a profit overall.

Thanks Clapton

To be honest I am not bothered about the 12 - its the interest they have taken and the interest they plan to take which is signifigant.

Likewise I am not fussed about the interest free as I don't really need the card and don't think i've even made a profit.

No you've no chance of seeing the money back, its part of the terms & conditions that if you don't pay the full amount & on time then interest is charged. Obviously with a 0% offer, if you miss that payment they then remove you from the promotion.

Put it down to experience & look for another card.