Chase charged me almost $400 finance charges for the post office delivering my payment ONE day late! Wilmington Delaware

I have had a credit card for some time now with Chase that carries a balance of around $15,000. I chose this company because they offed a promtional APR rate of 4.99% that was fixed for the life of the loan. Now, I know haow they make their money with these rates....

I am pretty sure I have never been late with a payment to Chase, so I was shocked to discover a $39.00 late fee on this month's bill. Then, I noticed that the minimum payment was almost $200 more than usual and I knew I hadn't used my card. Panick!

I quickly called Customer Service (who were friendly and hopeful, as usual)who explained that even though I had mailed my payment four days before the due date of the 2nd, they had received it on the 3rd and posted it on the 5th, so it was considered late. But, with my good payment record, they could remove the $39.00 lated charge. I was then transfered over to a different department to see about adjusting the 26.49% APR that my rate had jumped to. Unfortunately, my husband is the primary card holder and they could only discuss this with him. He was out of town, so they would not give me any information about what my new rate might be. They did answer my question about whether this month's finance charge could be adjusted, though. There was no way they would let me out of paying the $300 finance charge for this month. This is $250 more than I usually pay them for a finance charge!

When I got off the phone, I immediately called another credit card company and transfered my balance to a rate of 9.99%. We figured the additional APR from Chase for the two weeks between my last billing date and when they might receive a check from my new credit card company. Another $140!

So, I have been charged almost $400 for a one day late payment! I only work part time and I pinch pennies and am very carefulwith my money. This is quite a blow to my bank account, especially here at Christmas. I am so disappointed in Chase. They have been easy to work with in the past and I have my home mortgage with Chase Mortgage as well. I am considering changing this mortgage as well, since I don't feel I can trust them anymore.

I need help and advice. Is what they have done legal? How do I know that my payment was really late? Do I have any recourse? Thanks in advance for any assistance!

Cindy
Carrollton, Georgia
U.S.A.