En résumé
This is a legitimate charge from Late Payment Fee.
What is a Late Payment Fee?
A 'Late Payment Fee' on your bank statement is a penalty charged when you fail to make a payment on a credit card, loan, or other financial obligation by its designated due date.
This is most commonly associated with a credit card payment that was missed or paid after the cutoff time.
Processing Delays and AutoPay
Even if you initiated the payment on time, it may not have cleared before the deadline due to weekends, bank holidays, or slow transaction methods.
If you set up an automatic payment (AutoPay) but your linked bank account lacked the necessary funds, the payment may have failed, triggering the fee.
- Step 1 Check your records to see when you initiated the payment and when it actually cleared your account.
- Step 2 If this is your first missed payment or due to a system error, contact your bank immediately; they may waive the fee as a courtesy.
How can I prevent this in the future?
Set up automatic payments for at least the 'minimum amount due' and ensure your checking account has sufficient funds to cover the transfer.
Dispute Rights & Fraud Prevention
If you suspect this charge is fraudulent or billing in error, you have strict federal rights protecting your account.
Always review your statement carefully and take action within 60 days.
What should I do if I don't recognize this charge?
First, check with family members or anyone authorized on your account. If the charge remains unrecognized, contact your bank immediately to report it. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA), you have 60 days from the statement date to dispute unauthorized credit card charges.
How long does it take for a disputed charge to be removed?
Once you file a dispute, your bank must acknowledge it within 30 days and resolve it within two billing cycles (not exceeding 90 days). During this time, the disputed amount is usually placed on a provisional hold, meaning you do not have to pay it.
Répertoire indépendant non affilié à Late Payment Fee. Les libellés varient selon les banques.
Sources vérifiées
- CFPB: Disputing Credit Card Charges https://www.consumerfinance.gov
- FTC: Fair Credit Billing Act https://consumer.ftc.gov