How long is it going to take this payment to get to the person i'm paying?

Question

I thought i payed a bill before i went on vacation. unfortunately, i didn't put the check in the mail before i left. So the payment is due on the 16th. If i send by snailmail TODAY(the 14th), will the payment make it on time?

Answer 1

There's a CHANCE, but it really depends on what time you're mailing it and how far it's going.

Also, most companies require the check is CLEARED by the due date, not just received by then.  You might want to give a call and see if there's any way you can pay by phone, or if the place is close, drop the money off in person.

Answer 2

1st class mail usually takes 2 to 3 days coast to coast, but no guarantee, of course.

Plus, the 16th is a Saturday.  If the receipient is an office that's closed weekends, they won't get it/post it until the 18th at best.

Can you call them? Sometimes banks/creditors/utilities will take a phone payment (usually charge you $5-$8 for it....but better than a $30+ late fee).