Legacy Visa First National Credit Card - Sits on Electronic Payments Received until AFTER due dateto Charge Late Fees - Sioux Falls, South Dakota

New name... old tricks?

Like many out there, seeking to rebuild credit after a job loss. So I understand and accept the low credit line and high annual fees and interest rates (with intent to pay balance in full each month to avoid the 29.9% APR). Didn't think a late fee would be assessed my first full billing cycle!

Just opened a Legacy Credit Card (through First National Credit Card) last month. The FIRST MONTH I used this card, paid the balance in full ($75.00 annual fee) via electronic check sent 7 days before the due date. Fees were deducted from my checking account 5 days before the due date. However, First National did not post the payment until 10 DAYS after the check was dated/mailed and 2 DAYS after the due date! First National has now assessed a $25 late fee!

Really? Please tell me this card isn't through the infamous First Premier Bank of the 59.9% APR fame? That First National Bank is a separate entity? Very discouraged and disappointed that banks are still allowed to exploit the law, the system, and its customers. Chronology:

First statement: New Balance: $75.00 annual fee.

Statement Date: 12/23/2010

Statement Received: 12/28/2010 (violation of 2009 Credit CARD Act: <21 days from due date + holiday)

Payment Due Date: 01/17/2011

Payment Sent: $75.00 on 01/10/2011 (via electronic check thru my bank's Online Bill Pay)

Payment deducted: $75.00 on 01/12/2011.

Payment processed: $75.00 on 01/19/2011

Late fee assessed: $25.00 on 01/20/2011

UPDATE: I spoke with First National CC representative, who agreed, as a courtesy, to credit the late fee. Also confirmed with same representative that they offer a free online payment option through their website, and that payments will post to your account by the following business day.

Now that the initial shock has worn off... For this particular credit-card issue, this sounds like a more expedient solution to timely payments (rather than either handwritten or electronic bill-pay checks). Hopefully a one-time anomaly that won't happen again?