How to Get a Late Fee Waived

If you got hit with a late fee, do not just pay it. Issuers waive a first late fee far more often than people realize, usually one courtesy waiver per twelve months. It often takes one short phone call.

The fastest path: a quick call

Call the number on the back of your card and keep it simple and friendly. Mention you have been a customer with on-time payments, that the late fee was a one-time slip, and that you have already fixed it so it will not happen again. Then ask if they can waive the fee as a one-time courtesy.

A late fee waiver is different from removing a late mark on your credit. For a 30-day-late reported to the bureaus, use a goodwill letter or a dispute. This is just about the fee.

If they say no, put it in writing

If a rep declines, you can send a short letter requesting a one-time waiver, referencing your on-time history and the steps you have taken to prevent it from recurring. A written request creates a record and can reach someone with more authority.

Either way, ask them to confirm in writing once the fee is credited.

Make it stick

Set up autopay or a payment reminder so the next due date does not sneak up on you. The fee waiver buys you a clean slate; a small system keeps it that way.

Build your late-fee waiver request free →