Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Discovering a new fee

Yesterday when I opened my Discover Card statement I was shocked to discover they had charged me a $19 late fee. Since I hadn't made any late payments I called them forthwith. The following conversation ensued: (let's listen, shall we)

Me: I'm calling about the $19 late fee on my statement.

DC: Yes. What do you need to know?

Me: I need to know what I was charged a $19 late fee on my statement.

DC: Well, our system shows that you didn't make a payment last month.

Me: I didn't make a payment? How odd. What was my balance last month?

DC: Let's see. It looks like you had a zero balance last month.

Me: ...

DC: Is there anything else I can help you with?

Me: ...

DC: Ma'am?

Me: ...

DC: Oh! I see your point! Let me take care of that for you right away...


I was glad I didn't have to spell it out for her.