Chase Visa - JP Morgan Chase - Chase Cardmember Services - Chase Executive Offices Cardmember Service $42 Late Fee on SAME DAY PAYMENT IS DUE Wilmington, Delaware

Chase Visa Cardmember Service of Wilmington, Delaware added a $39 LATE FEE plus $3 Finance Charge to my last statement, received 10-31-09.   When I called that day to inquire, I was told that my on-line payment was received at 4:05 pm on the day it was due.  Note: ON THE DAY IT WAS DUE.  I was told that it should have been received by 4pm at the latest. 

That on-line payment was the very first on-line payment I had ever made to Chase.  I set up the on-line payment to avoid paying the approx.  $24 pay-by-phone-fee.  Ordinarily I choose to pay my bills by snail mail.   I also receive my statements by snail mail.     

Please note: I pay my bills IN FULL every month and I am rarely, if ever, late.  I would classify my status as being that of an excellent account holder. I am furious that I would be charged this outrageous fee.  Why is there no grace period??

I am also concerned that my credit rating was affected by this 5 minute problem. 

When I phoned the companyon the day I received the statement  I was told by two different managers that it was impossible to waive the late fee/finance charge and that they could not do so even if they wanted to. When I complained that my account is in good standing, I was told that I had been late before.... on July 4th.

I mentioned that July 4th is a national holiday and the person on the other end of the line said that it doesn't matter and that SHE had to work on July 4th.  When I reminded her that mail is not delivered on national holidays she replied that it does not matter. 

Please advise.  Thank you in advance.