In oct. I paid, in full, an old citicard amount in full (about $245) after the card was canceled. They removed 2 late charges and told me my balance was $0 ( over the course of 4 calls). Now I am getting calls say that I owe $62 from a finance charge they added in nov. the charge was for $0.50, but with late fees it is now $62. I do not remember any bills for $0.50, but they claim to have sent me one. I did receive offers from citicard, even though they are the ones who canceled the card (a student loan problem affected my credit score). Is there any thing I can do the avoid paying this $62 without further trashing my credit score (most of my problem have been taken care of, and my score will likely improve in the coming years)?

Do you have any statement or full names of reps (and time they called), that said your balance was $0 before this finance charge? If you have a paper trail that proves their phone calls are wrong, you can write them about it. Save whatever responses in writing so that when they call you again, you can prove them wrong.

Also, get the full names of anyone you talk to so you can speak or write to the company's managers.

Unfortunately, if there is nothing in writing to prove what was said, you are at a loss. If they are very adament about it, I would recommend paying it to save your credit, but get that payment you make recorded on paper.

Of course first issue, you made a settlement and / or payment in full without having the agreement in writing. Now you have to reference phone calls you can't prove, and ones they will never admit.

You may see if they will settle for a lower amount as payment in full.

Of course first issue, you made a settlement and / or payment in full without having the agreement in writing. Now you have to reference phone calls you can't prove, and ones they will never admit.

You may see if they will settle for a lower amount as payment in full.

All parties agree the balance was $0 in Oct. The dispute is the $0.50 charge in Nov. on my closed account. Thanks for you help