Verizon has announced plans to charge customers $2 to pay their monthly phone bill by phone or online, beginning January 15, 2012. The bad news bill is already getting buzz among tech websites like CNET, which already is speculating whether the new fee will cause a consumer backlash, like the one that hit Bank of America when they announced intentions to charge card-holders $5 a month to use their debit cards, and the one that hit Netflix when doubled prices. The $2 Verizon bill paying charge does not apply to customers who pay their bills with an electronic check or who enroll in autopay using a credit card or debit card, which would include direct payment from your bank account. Customers using Verizon Wireless gift cards or Verizon Wireless device rebate cards, or paying by standard paper check and money orders sent to Verizon in an envelope with a standard 44 cent postage check, also will not be charged a fee. The $2 Verizon is charging to pay your bill on the phone is still not as bad as Macy’s — which is charging a whopping, $14.95 to pay your bill on the phone.
- NYC on the Cheap editor Evelyn Kanter was interviewed recently by AARP Magazine on the ugly trend of charging service fees for customer service. Click here to read the AARP Magazine article, Fed Up With Fees. What do you think about charging you extra to pay your bill?
What do you think about this? We welcome your comments.