Problem with MBNA and statement/payment dates

littleorangelobster

Hi all

I have a bit of a dispute with MBNA regarding their Virgin Atlantic AMEX card and statement/payment due dates, wondering if anyone can help me?

Essentially the problem is that in trying to get the statement date moved to the first of each month (as I do all my regular spending on it and pay it off each month), MBNA seem unwilling to meet my request to fix a statement date on the grounds that 'there's four days either side'. They claim to have moved said statement date to the 1st, effective from January - but it's now the 8th and it still hasn't been done. Meanwhile, I've been advised in correspondence that my payment due date has been made earlier effective this month, to the 15th. Needless to say, this leaves me with very little time to actually get the thing paid before incurring a late fee.

I accept there's some fluctuation to be expected, but this seems ridiculous - especially seeing as I've only had the card two months. Is there anything I can do?

Anybody's help appreciated in advance - thank you

CannyJock

littleorangelobster wrote: »

Needless to say, this leaves me with very little time to actually get the thing paid before incurring a late fee.

I accept there's some fluctuation to be expected, but this seems ridiculous - especially seeing as I've only had the card two months. Is there anything I can do?

You only need to make the minimum payment before the 15th to avoid a late fee, though if you're using the card for your normal purchases and paying in full then presumably no issue clearing the card in full?

I've never had a problem getting my statement date moved on an MBNA card though I've always done it on activation of the card.

The 15th is 2 weeks after the 1st so maybe they're in the process of moving it as you asked?

littleorangelobster

CannyJock wrote: »

You only need to make the minimum payment before the 15th to avoid a late fee, though if you're using the card for your normal purchases and paying in full then presumably no issue clearing the card in full?

I've never had a problem getting my statement date moved on an MBNA card though I've always done it on activation of the card.

The 15th is 2 weeks after the 1st so maybe they're in the process of moving it as you asked?

No issue clearing the card in full (and I have a DD set up for the minimum in case I ever do) - but I do pretty tightly budget and I have one big monthly outgoing payment (my travelcard) which, if I have to 'pay' two months in one go, obviously puts a dent in things.

As for the statement date - the original conversation took place beginning of January (around the time of activating the card, in fact) and they assured me my statement would be issued on 1st Feb 'give or take'. My frustration stems from the fact that it clearly hasn't been issued and it's now even later than last month's statement. Grrrr...

CannyJock

littleorangelobster wrote: »

My frustration stems from the fact that it clearly hasn't been issued and it's now even later than last month's statement. Grrrr...

You should be able to see your statement online.

I opened a new Halifax One card for a bit of stoozing in January, called them up on the 5th of January, set the statement date to 4th of the month. Likewise, not received the paper copy yet, but can see it online, first DD payment will come out on the 1st March. Moving the date has not only extended the stoozing period before I need to make a payment, but given plenty of time for the DD to be set up for the first statement.

littleorangelobster

CannyJock wrote: »

You should be able to see your statement online.

I opened a new Halifax One card for a bit of stoozing in January, called them up on the 5th of January, set the statement date to 4th of the month. Likewise, not received the paper copy yet, but can see it online, first DD payment will come out on the 1st March. Moving the date has not only extended the stoozing period before I need to make a payment, but given plenty of time for the DD to be set up for the first statement.

Sorry - I should have said that I do check online, daily! My statements are issued online so I go by when the due dates change on the front page rather than when it shows up on my doorstep.

I need to learn about this stoozing thing, methinks. Although as I've now got three credit cards laying dormant in addition to the AMEX, don't fancy my chances...

littleorangelobster

Just in case anybody's interested - I sent another message on Tuesday requesting that my statement be issued at the earliest opportunity, it's now Thursday and it's still not been done. Does anybody have any ideas?

I'm at my wits end - and very worried I'm going to get stung for interest when I've made every effort to get this resolved. All I want is for the statement to be issued at the same time every month so I can make arrangements to pay it - that surely can't be too much to ask?!

Angry_Pat

We have had a trouble free Alliance & Leicester credit card for about 15 years, invariably paying off in full each month.
Our last 4 statements, (beginning Nov 09, and I suspect co-inciding with the MBNA takeover), have all arrived too late to allow (immediate) payment within the deadline. The Dec statement arrived on a Fri pm with the following Sun as the deadline! Although we live in NW Scotland, none of our other mail suffered notable delays despite the seasonal rush and bad weather.
MBNA have brushed off complaints with a standard response to each and have refused to lift the penalty payments and interest charges, hiding behind the terms of 'my agreement' (which was not offered for renewal and signed by me!)
They fail to address comments that the problem appears to co-incide with their takeover of the card.
This is shabby and unethical, the credit card company should have a legal obligation to ensure that statements arrive with adequate time for payment. Next step the ombudsman and a new card provider

hello4645

The reason you haven't been able to do it is because they can only change the payment due date - not the date the statement is printed. When changing the payment due date it would mean the statement is issued on another cycle and the next one will be printed sooner if you requested the payment date earlier or vice versa.

hello4645

Angry_Pat wrote: »

...

In the time you've had the card have you not thought about enrolling with their online facilities?

oscar52

Angry_Pat wrote: »

We have had a trouble free Alliance & Leicester credit card for about 15 years, invariably paying off in full each month.
Our last 4 statements, (beginning Nov 09, and I suspect co-inciding with the MBNA takeover),

You do realise your A&L card has been issued and run by MBNA since March 2003?