The UK Cards Association offers advice for cardholders during the postal strike
The UK Cards Association has put together some top tips to help customers manage their credit cards accounts in the event of a postal strike.
o Always keep a note of when your credit card statements are due to arrive – and what date your payment is due. You can check these dates (and find out the amount you need to pay) by contacting your credit card company.
o If your credit card statement is due to arrive during a postal strike then you should contact your card company who will be able to advise you of the most appropriate course of action. Many customers are now able to check their credit card statements online.
o If you need to make a payment on your credit card account during a strike, you should contact your card company who will be able to advise you of the most appropriate course of action. Don’t put a cheque in the post; you should consider other payment options. If you have already sent a cheque to pay your credit card bill and are concerned about it getting there in time, speak to your credit card company immediately.
o Most card companies offer a number of different ways for you to pay your credit card bill that will not be impacted in the event of a postal strike:
- you can usually make a payment by debit card either over the phone or online by logging on to your credit card company’s site;
- if you bank online you could also set up a transfer from your current account; or
- you may also be able to pay by cash or cheque at your bank branch; or in some cases at your local post office.
For details of the options available to you contact your card company.
o One way to minimise the impact of a strike on your credit card account is to consider setting up a direct debit from your current account – whether you pay in full or just make the minimum payment. This can usually be set up simply over the telephone or online, but you should do this in advance wherever possible as it may take a period of time to become active. Your card company will be able to confirm.
o Don’t assume that your will be refunded any late payment charges which are incurred as a result of the strike; this will not happen automatically. Your credit card company won’t be able to distinguish between genuine late payments and those caused by the postal strike. As with any complaint over late fees, your credit card issuer will consider each case individually.
o Remember that if you are late paying your credit card bill – even in the event of a postal strike – this could be recorded on your credit file. Your card company will be able to provide you with the best advice to make sure this doesn’t happen; always contact your card company as soon as possible.
If you have any further questions about paying your credit card bill during a postal strike you should contact your credit card company.
