Should I dispute late payments?

[big87]

I have an AMEX with no set spending limit and no defined minimum monthly payment. The verbiage simply says that the whole balance is due each month.

Earlier this year, while in between jobs, I made some payments that were not the full outstanding balance, but were always a minimum of $500 and I can provide records of these payments occurring prior to the due date. These payments also represented 25-50% of the total balance. These are now showing up as multiple late payments and it's really lowering my credit score.

Has anyone dealt with a similar situation and seen these late payments removed from their credit report? Also, is there any long term damage to your credit if the disputes are rejected?

Trying to decide if it's worth disputing or not.

[breeze]

Welcome to CB! Which card do you have?

[big87]

It is the AMEX Gold Premium Rewards card

[breeze]

I could be wrong - I have AmEx gold business card, and the full balance is due before the next statement cuts.

[shifter]

the full balance was due.

 

you paid less than the full balance.

 

hence, you were late.

 

disputing has zero chance of success.

[mendelssohn]

You were late because you didn't pay in full. Charge cards require payment in full unless you have been approved for pay over time, and even then there are requirements.

[JeffeVerde]

As others have said, while you were on time in making *a* payment, you were late in paying the full balance. At this point, the best you can do is ask for good will. I'd start with a chat or phone call, to see if it's within the power of the CSR's to remove a late; if not, then send a letter.

 

In the AmEx online account management interface, there's a link to request to "make payments over time" (under Credit Management). Unfortunate that you weren't aware of this option at the time, but given that they have a policy to address situations like yours, maybe they'll be more lenient in removing your lates.

 

Whatever your results, report back - it's good information to know

Edited September 15, 2015 by JeffeVerde