Fred Harteis News - Your boss might give you a break if you're late to work a few times, but don't expect the same courtesy from your credit card issuer. Pay your bill late even once and you'll take a real hit to your financial future.

Late payment penalties on credit cards generally range from $15 to $39. But that's just the beginning. If the late fee pushes the balance on your next bill over your spending limit, then you also get hit with an over-the-limit fee (another $39).

And it doesn't end ...   more »