Verizon to Charge $2 “Convenience Fee” for Phone or Online Bill Payments (Updated)

By Humberto Saabedra on December 29, 2011

Verizon Wireless  have decided that customers weren’t paying enough on their monthly bills, so the carrier has decided to implement a new $2 fee for customers that routinely pay bills either online and over the phone starting January 15th.

In a short statement, the carrier cited increasing costs resulting from the processing of bill payments using the above methods and is conveniently suggesting that customers move to automatic bill payment to avoid the fee.

If you wish to avoid the fee, here are the seven payment methods that will not incur the fee outside of signing up for automatic bill pay:

Electronic check online (My Verizon Online, My Verizon Mobile/Handset). Fee waived.Electronic check via telephone. Fee waived.Enrollment in AutoPay using credit/debit/ATM card or electronic check; fee does not applyOnline from the customer’s home-banking service provider website; fee does not apply.Credit/debit/ATM card, electronic check or cash at a Bill Payment Kiosk, Panel or with a representative at a Verizon Wireless Communications Store; fee does not apply.Use of a Verizon Wireless Gift Card or Verizon Wireless device Rebate Card to pay a bill in-store, online or by telephone; fee does not applyPaper check or money order mailed to the VZW remit address on customer’s bill; fee does not apply.

Update: Verizon Wireless has decided not to implement the fee after the outcry it caused and has released the following statement courtesy of CEO Dan Mead:

“At Verizon, we take great care to listen to our customers. Based on their input, we believe the best path forward is to encourage customers to take advantage of the best and most efficient options, eliminating the need to institute the fee at this time”

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