Lesson learned!

When did banks change their interest charge policy on credit card balances? Probably decades ago, I just never read the updated terms and conditions, because who can read that tiny-print gobbledy gook anyway?

Anyhow, I'd paid off most of my July credit card balance (haven't carried a balance owing since I refinanced the house a year and a half ago, this was the first time), but found out that they charge interest on the FULL amount, regardless of the amount paid, not on the remaining balance. Boy, I was annoyed with myself and p*ssed off at banks in general.

So I called them first thing this morning to clarify their policy and we chatted (missed the woman's name, but I was cheerful and polite) and we went through it, she explained it, and then said as a "goodwill" gesture they'd waive the interest. I was duly appreciative and thankful, as though they were bestowing some great gift.

But...lesson learned! If I need to carry a balance again, which is very likely given vet bills and other emergencies, I'll carry it on my line of credit.

Anyway, I'm happy it's Friday, happy for the $5 staff BBQ (every Friday through the summers, via Food Services) because it means I didn't have to bring lunch.

Nicki didn't look too happy that I was taking his pic--lol.
Derry was very happy (satisfied) that he got a huge dragonfly this morning! It was too big and crunchy to eat, so I had to dispose of it (it was still intact, actually).

I hope you have something to be happy about today too!

Peace.

Comments

doodz.....we iz happee that thingz R all most sort kinda kinda gettin ther but knot yet
bak ta what ever normalz iz//waz///// in de land oh trout....lookin good doodz; N joy de week
oh end N hope full lee ya get in sum gardin time :) ♥♥
ANGEL ABBYGRACE said…
Any way they can make money they will. Those boys are sure lookin' so stinkin' cute!!!
Annie Bear said…
Ugh about the interest, but that’s very good about if being waived! Both boys look wonderful and pleasant in the garden. I would NOT be happy about having to dispose a dragonfly. I’m also happy it’s Friday!
Kea said…
I'm not sure that things ever are "normal" in the land oh trout. :-D

Looking forward to more Mack pics!
Kea said…
Yes, you're right about that. Because the multi-billions aren't enough....
Kea said…
I will believe that waiver when I see it! It usually takes a business day or more for any payments or credits to show up online. (I don't mean store credits, I mean my payments or in this case, the interest-waiver.) I will check back on Monday for sure.

Hurrah for Friday!!!
Katie Isabella said…
Man, there is nothing like the horrid shock of such a happening with the credit card people or bank cards. They have all the power and they know WE know it. I half way think they love to scare us. If it wouldn't turn into a blog here, I'd love to tell you about a bank experience *I* had.
Kea said…
I bet it was a doozy, Carole. It's frustrating because banks cater to the wealthy, not the working class or middle class. But that's not going to change in my lifetime, or probably ever!
meowmeowmans said…
Credit card companies have such a racket going. They make money hand over foot, and are always changing things to benefit them and their stakeholders. Ugh. We, too, always pay our cards off in full every month, so it's good to know about this new policy they've enacted.

How nice to see your handsome Nicki and Derry today, Kim. And woohoo for $5 BBQ Fridays!

Have a great day, dear friend. :)

Saku said…
I agree with the rest of the posters, we're in the grips of the banks and credit card companies, that's for sure. Now as an accountant, I recommend using your credit card and making the full payment when due, with any portion that can't be paid off on put on your LOC. If you know when your statement comes out, and make your purchase just after the statement date, you should have a good 30 days to make payment. Plus, you're interest rate on the LOC is usually lower than your credit card. If not, talk to your bank! I use my LOC to make all my payments and transfer the funds over from my chequing account because I don't pay a service charge on the LOC but I do on the chequing account. So limiting my transactions is beneficial plus using the LOC helps the credit score.

Handsome boys! They are such lovely cats. I bet they'd enjoy a bite or two of that $5 Friday BBQ.

Have a great week!
Eileen
Kea said…
Maybe policies are different in the US, but probably not with regard to the credit card companies!
Kea said…
Yes, I pay the card off right after the statement is posted. Except for this past time! Anyway, the credit was there when I checked yesterday morning, so that was great. I'll remember my line of credit next time!
SuziQCat said…
Credit cards are evil, but sometimes necessary. I try to keep moving my balance (thanks to Tanner's chemo treatments) to zero interest cards...it's a balancing act!
Kea said…
I know what it's like to "rob Peter to pay Paul" only too well. Financial juggling. My one current credit card is "low interest" at 13% or 14% now. Used to be 11%, or maybe 12%. My LOC would be less than that, but at a variable rate, I'm sure. I had that and my credit card run up before I refinanced the house for the 4th time (oy) back in December 2016. I'm sure there's no end to my doing that, as long as I support fur kids. Good luck to you!
John Bellen said…
I've always been able to pay off my credit card debt each month all at once, thank goodness, but I know the possibility of having to carry it over exists and can attack me at any time. This sounds like just another way the banks make billions off of the odd cents and dollars they squeeze from fine print. Banks used to make all their money from investments; now, it seems, that isn't enough. I will ask my bank about such charges, just in case: fore-warned is fore-dreading...
Kea said…
The banks drive me crazy, because if you're well-to-do, you don't have these charges. (I was thinking monthly account and other fees specifically, because if you're well-to-do paying off credit cards probably isn't an issue!)