Card Statement Arrived Late? Check the Due Date

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A credit-card statement arriving late does not automatically move the payment due date. Find out the amount due and deadline rather than waiting for the mail.

Separate sending from arrival

For covered consumer credit-card accounts, Regulation Z requires reasonable procedures designed to ensure statements are mailed or delivered at least 21 days before the due date. It also addresses treating the required minimum payment as late during the period after mailing or delivery. An envelope’s arrival date alone does not establish when the issuer sent the statement or whether its procedures complied.

The CFPB recommends contacting the issuer if the bill is delayed. Ask for the amount due, payment instructions and any available arrangement.

Keep the records

Save the statement, envelope, payment confirmation and issuer’s explanation. If a late charge appears, ask how the payment and statement dates were handled. This guide does not determine a violation or grant extra time.