Introduction
Late fees are a common annoyance for credit card users. Citibank, one of the largest credit card issuers in the United States, charges a late fee of up to $39 for missed payments. While late fees can be a pain, there are several ways to waive them.
5 Methods to Waive Citibank Late Fee
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Call Customer Service: The most straightforward way to waive a late fee is to call Citibank’s customer service line at 1-800-950-5117. A customer service representative may be able to waive the fee if you have a good payment history or if you can provide a valid reason for the late payment.
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Write a Goodwill Letter: A goodwill letter is a formal request to the bank to waive the late fee. In the letter, you should explain why you missed the payment and request that the bank waive the fee as a courtesy. You can submit a goodwill letter online or by mail.
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Use Citi’s Online Dispute Form: Citibank offers an online dispute form that you can use to request a late fee waiver. To access the form, log in to your Citibank account and click on the “Customer Service” tab. Then, select the “Dispute a Transaction” option.
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Submit a Complaint to the CFPB: If you are unable to get the late fee waived through Citibank’s customer service department, you can submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB is a government agency that investigates complaints about financial institutions.
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Negotiate with a Supervisor: If you are still unable to get the late fee waived, you can try negotiating with a supervisor. A supervisor may be more willing to waive the fee if you can provide a compelling reason for your late payment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When requesting a late fee waiver, it is important to avoid the following common mistakes:
- Not providing a valid reason for the late payment. When you call customer service or write a goodwill letter, be sure to explain why you missed the payment. The bank is more likely to waive the fee if you have a valid reason, such as an illness or a financial hardship.
- Being rude or aggressive. The customer service representative you speak to is just doing their job. Being rude or aggressive will not help you get the late fee waived.
- Not following up. If you request a late fee waiver and do not receive a response within a few days, be sure to follow up. You can call customer service or write a follow-up letter.
Conclusion
Late fees can be a pain, but there are several ways to waive them. By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of getting your late fee waived.
Additional Tips
In addition to the methods listed above, here are a few additional tips that may help you get your Citibank late fee waived:
- Be a loyal customer. If you have a long history of on-time payments with Citibank, the bank may be more likely to waive a late fee.
- Offer to pay the late fee in installments. If you are unable to pay the late fee in full, you may be able to negotiate a payment plan with Citibank.
- Consider opening a new Citibank account. If you are experiencing financial difficulties, you may be able to qualify for a Citibank hardship program. These programs can provide you with a variety of benefits, including late fee waivers.
