'Always check' credit card repayment dates
Credit card users have been warned to always check when their next payment is due - even if they think they know what date this is.
Writing for the Times' Troubleshooter column, Rebecca O'Connor gave this advice while answering a query from a reader who had been charged a late fee because her lender, Barclaycard, changed the monthly repayment deadline and she did not realise.
The borrower said she always paid off the balance in full at the same time every month yet was shocked to find Barclaycard had moved the due date forward by 11 days, therefore incurring her extra interest charges.
However, Ms O'Connor explained that the credit card provider can do this providing it tells the customer - which it did, but the reader did not know - because dates can change if they fall on a weekend or a bank holiday, for example.
"Despite being misleading, the due date is on the bill and it is your responsibility to check when payment is due," she added.
Whether users choose to pay their balance back partly or wholly, it may be a good idea to set up a direct debit for this purpose, ensuring the minimum amount is repaid on time.
Written by Sarah Nyman
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