Instant Credit Card payments? - avoiding late fees

innerdork

Recently, and this has happened to me a few times I'm embarrassed to say, I came back from some time away and realised that I was due to make a credit card payment. In fact, the payment is due to "arrive in my account" on the day.

Now, I've called the number on my credit card statement asking them if there is any way I can make a payment today, which would instantly arrive in my credit card account, thus avoiding the "late payment" fee. I am assured, by the frustratingly bureaucratic lady (who can't seem to answer a simple question) on the other end of the phone that this is impossible. "We're not a clearing bank" she explains - without offering who this elusive entity is, or if they have an office nearby at which one may make a payment that would be credited into their account instantly.

So my simple question remains; is there a way to make an instant payment to a credit card, same day, without a '"clearing period", thus avoiding a "late payment" fee?

Surely this must be possible in a computerised, networked age, where one can purchase a jar of jellybeans with PayPal, Switch, bank transfers instantly anywhere in the world!

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Best,
[EMAIL="innerdork@hotmail.com"]innerdork@hotmail.com[/EMAIL]

p.s. I have a Royal Bank of Scotland Visa (through a branch in Glasgow) if that makes any difference.

nicnevitt

Sometimes the best thing to do is ask if they will refund it as a courtesy, as for avoiding charges in the future - set up a direct debit.

CLAPTON

Set up a direct debit so you dont need to remember.

Usually acceptable methods of payment are listed on the back of your statement along with how long it takes.
It varies a lot between different cards but usually CC are handled differently to bank accounts even if you have a CC with your own bank.
Some will accept a debit card payment as a same day payment but you need to read the T&Cs of your CC.