£12 charge for 1 day late! (no letters received)

hazbow

I have received my credit card statement and have been charged £12 for a late payment fee.

I made the payment 1 day late and it would have been on time but my local branch is closed for a refurb. Also, they have not sent me any emails or letters informing me of the fee; so where have they incurred admin costs to be able to charge me!?

I've sent the letter today requesting a refund. Am I likely to get it?

p.s. It's LLoyds TSB

bengal-stripe

hazbow wrote: »

I've sent the letter today requesting a refund. Am I likely to get it?

Not very likely, particular not if you’re “requesting” a refund.

Had you contacted them, apologized profusely for the delay and blamed it on the closed and renovated bank branch (of course, a stupid excuse, as you could have paid on-line or by phone) they might have let you off. I say “might” as they seem to crack down on late payers.

Asking for a refund is one thing, but “requesting” is another thing. Goodness - Late is late! You are in breach of contract! If you’re missed the train by two minutes - is that the fault of the train operator?

Set up a DD, then those things cannot happen again.

Smasher

They might refuse it, but if you are prepared to pursue it to court you will get it back just like everyone else does. Its probably a bit much for the sake of £12, but in principle and in law, you are in the right. £12 is far too excessive for a late payment. I successfully reclaimed £12 charges.

SparciaM

Why don't you set up a DD for the min payment? That way you wont be late and can also overpay if you wish.

You can't blaim a bank being shut for being late when payments can be done by all means now.

£12 is also the limit the OFT set cc charges at, so if you're nice and explain the to cc people and 'beg' for a refund they may do it, but they don't have to nor should need to if you paid on time.

I have a DD for the min on all my cards and then I overpay as and when. I've never had a late payment fee as the DD covers all payments - how hard it is not to set up a DD for the min is beyond me.

sabretoothtigger

Phone them up might be best and phone again if the first person says no, be polite. Cite previous good payment history

Contains_Mild_Peril

I think you should have a reasonably good chance since unusual circumstances (the branch being closed) were involved. If you've a previously good record and asked nicely, they might actually decide to spread some seasonal goodwill. Or maybe not, but if you don't ask you don't get.