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Avoiding paying credit card late fees seem impossible to many, but remember: when theres a will, theres definitely a way, and usually more than one at that! Its all about exploring all your alternatives and setting the wheels in motion.

Tip #1 Arrange for an automated system. If your credit card is linked to your banking account, you could arrange for the company to automatically deduct your credit card payment from your account. If you always have a healthy account, you wont have any problems after that. But if you dont then you better start nursing your account into good health or youll be charged more than the usual amount involved with late fees.

Tip #2 If you cant pay the full amount of money you owe for this month then pay for the minimum amount. Credit card companies wont get on your back just as long as you pay the minimum amount. After all, paying the minimum means theyll receive money while youll incur higher interest charges the next month. This tip is best used as a last resort and for emergency purposes only.

Tip #3 Sometimes, late card fees are all because of having the wrong due dates. And contrary to first-timers opinions, due dates are not set in stone. If you want to have them changed then you can do so. You dont even need to give the credit card company a valid reason if you dont want to. All you need to do is inform them.

Does money slip past your fingers so easily? Do you have nothing left by the time your bills arrive at your doorstep? Moving the due dates to coincide with your payday is a good decision to make if the main reason why youre incurring all those late fees is due to your slippery hands. Of course, you do still need to exert willpower to ensure that your money is used for paying your credit card bills and not for other recreational fees.

Tip #4 People who arent too detailed-oriented often end up incurring credit card late fees because they forget to play by the rules. Credit card companies can be quite meticulous if you fail to pay as instructed, you could end up paying credit card late fees due to mere technical violations.

Take the time to familiarize yourself with your credit card companys payment rules and guidelines. Know the exact cutoff times and dates for payments. There may also be certain branches that you have to and paying to other branches would be considered unacceptable. Other times, you are required to pay using a certain envelope and with your statement of account enclosed. These are just some of the little things that you could overlook and end up causing you late fees.

Tip #5 Take advantage of technology. Nowadays, theres no need to pay in person all the time. Credit card bills can be settled in a number of ways, and you should choose what would be most convenient for you to avoid incurring late fees. You can pay by phone, mail, or even online.

Of course, not all these express methods are readily available. You might have to inform your credit card company first about your preferences or register an account.

Tip #6 Ask and it shall be waived. If youve been a good payer all this time and your late fee is a one-time flux, your credit card company wouldnt mind waiving it if you ask nicely. Of course, make sure that you do have a valid reason for incurring it in the first place. And dont do it again!

Tip #7 Lastly, if a Skip-a-Payment option is offered by your credit card company, take it! But make sure you don't get addicted.

Incurring credit card late fees is a vice just like smoking and gambling. When you choose to quit, you just have to do it and not wait for the right time because the right time is NOW. Although there is no rehabilitation clinic you could check yourself in to and help you avoid incurring credit card late fees, there are credit counseling programs and groups you could join to learn the wise way of handling your finances.

Angela Mercer specializes in informative articles about credit issues, such as evaluating the student credit cards, qualifying for student loans and getting the best cash back credit cards that can save you money.