[header] How to avoid credit card late fees [title] Read your contract carefully. [step] When you get a new credit card, read all parts of the contract carefully. In particular, study the section on payment requirements and the penalties for late payments. 
If you understand the contract terms, you will be more likely to remember and comply with them. [substeps] If you have had a card for some time, but you never bothered to read the contract, call the customer service office.