What happens when I don't receive credit card bill?

Question

I started using credit card one month ago and I purchased stuff online, but I haven't got a credit card bill yet. I called my bank and operator machine said that my bill was due past yesterday. Then it said I have an amount of $15 due next month. But I haven't purchased anything of that price. Is this the fine? Is it gonna demage my credit history? But it's not my fault because I didn't receive the bill from bank. What should I do about it? I'm scared.

Answer 1

having worked customer service for a utility company, the one constant I heard was "I never received the bill". Sorry, but not receiving the bill does not erase the fact that you have a payment due. Like others have suggested, contact the creditor and make sure that they have your mailing address correct. also, monitor your account online.

Answer 2

As another responder said, call the credit card issuer, speak to a person and verify your mailing.  If the address is wrong have them correct it while you are on the phone.  If they charged you a fee for not making a payment, ask them to waive the fee.  Often they will do this as a "one time courtesy".

Also, if you have a credit card that increases your interest rate to a high default interest rate as soon as you miss one payment, ask them to not implement the default interest rate.  Explain that, if you received your statement, you would have paid by the due date.  If they say they are not authorized, ask to speak with their supervisor.

Late payments will hurt your credit history.  But missing only one payment and then never missing another one, is not the end of the world.

Answer 3

Ok first off, do you understand how credit works?  If you buy something for say $150, your minimum payment might be $15...that isn't saying how much the item you purchased cost $15....that is just how much you owe by the next payment due date.

If you just started using the card a month ago, it sounds like you fell in the cycle that your first payment wont be due until next month.  Call back and speak with an actual representative to verify your mailing address, etc.

Not to sound harsh but if you don't understand how credit works, you have no business obtaining any credit at all.

Answer 4

Well the $15 is most likely just the minimum payment due on the card at this time, however the balance could be much greater depending on what you charge. When you know you have purchased something you need to make sure that you pay and pay on time. If you do not get the statement in the mail, it still does not mean you do not have to pay it may be lost....so you need to call and make a payment to avoid being past due. Once you are about 30 days late it will start to lower your score and hurt your credit. I would register the account online and send email reminders to my email if email is something you use daily. Other than that only you can find a way to keep on top of things.