I've had a Bank of America VISA card for 6 or 7 years now. I've only carried a balance at all a couple of times, and never had a late payment. Most of the time the card sits in a drawer, as it has a high APR.
I used the card last December to buy a tank of gas. I only use one or two cards regularly, but I try to use all my cards at least once a year to keep the accounts active and my total available credit high.
When the statement came, I mailed a check for the full amount about 7 days before the due date. When the next statement came, I almost shredded it unopened, knowing I had paid it. I did open it, though, and saw a late fee of $30.50. Much shock and chagrin. I called the listed "Billings Questions" number on the website.
The person on the other end of the phone told me my payment had been credited on December 17, but that the due date was December 16, hence the late fee. I pointed out that December 16 was a Sunday, so everyone else, including the IRS, would accept a check that arrived on Monday; although I was pretty sure that the check should have arrived before Sunday. She told me she had no way of knowing when the check actually arrived, and then asked if there was anything else she could do for me today.
I said no, and then I ran my card through the shredder.
I hate to just give them the $30.50 for this sort of scam, but at least I'll keep the account open, never use it again, and keep the available credit on my credit report. Last check of my credit report did not show the incident as a late payment.
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