One of the quickest, easiest and safest ways to make your credit card payments is still online with the financial institution issuing your credit card. Many still make payments the old fashioned way, by placing a stamp on an envelope and mailing in their credit card payment.

One definite disadvantage to mailing in your payment is you are at the mercy of the postal service. For instance, should you happen to mail you payment a day or two before your payment is due, you will likely suffer a late charge from your card company even though you mailed your payment before the due date.

The fact is it may be postmarked prior to the due date will be irrelevant and you will not avoid a late charge, which in some cases can exceed forty dollars.

Another way to pay your credit card on-line is through using a service provided by your branch banking service though your local bank. Many small town banks provide on-line banking services which eliminates potential costs for paying electronically, as well as, ensuring your monthly bills are paid on time every time.

You can set-up your card payment to be paid every month, before the due date, ensuring you never, ever, pay a late fee and risk having your interest rate increased.

Like it or not, you are at the mercy of your card company when it comes to late fees. This is one of the most lucrative financial industries in the world and it has grown by leaps and bounds over the course of the last twenty or thirty years.

The harsh reality is consumer demand for credit over the last three decades has driven much of our economy and has been an easy and effective way to give consumers, at times, almost too much purchasing power.

If you are one who still pays your card the old fashioned way and have found yourself frustrated by interest rate increases and other adjustments made to your cardholder agreement, consider making your payments online directly to avoid potential late fees.

James contributes frequently on using Credit Cards wisely, including US Credit Cards and foreign credit cards