NEW YORK American Express Co. has eliminated payment grace periods, saying the move puts it closer to the mainstream of credit card industry practices.
In a recent mailing, American Express notified its credit card customers that it will begin charging delinquency fees immediately after a statement due date if payment is not received by then, and that the change takes effect immediately.
In the past American Express gave people several days beyond the payment due date to get their payments in. With the stricter standard, we are bringing fees more in line with the marketplace, Amex spokeswoman Judy Tenzer said. Many apply delinquency fees the day after a payment is due.
Cardmember agreements never specified a grace period before delinquency fees would be charged, and the mailings are merely making the rules clearer, Ms. Tenzer said. We are catching up to the industry.
