I was approved for a new XXXX card issued by a major bank. I immediately set up the account for automated payment, which was approved and confirmed by the bank XXXX ) days in advance of my first payment due date. Two days after the first payment due date my credit card was rejected by a merchant. I called the bank who said I must pay the first bill manually. I, of course, point to the automated payment being set up far in advance. They say " we sent you a message via e-mail -- you must pay the first bill manually ''. I never received such an e-mail, and regardless, I had the autopay confirmed. The bank then charged me a {$25.00} dollar late fee and interest *even though* I then immediately paid the balance in full *using the automated payment method already approved*. In my opinion, this practice is a scam perpetrated on pro-active card holders deliberately to generate fees with no other possible financial or risk mitigating legitimate purpose. The Bank was perfectly capable of using the autopay against my first bill but clearly wanted the additional charges and interest through this sleight-of-hand misdirection. 
