New fee if you want to pay your HMF bill online

[kf4zra]

I went to make my payment tonight, and was notified that unless you give HMF permission to debit your account automatically, they are going to charge you an extra $48/year.

I did not agree to this charge when I bought either of my Genesis sedans. I only use bank transfer to pay my bill. I have never had a late payment with Hyundai or anyone else in 20 years. My FICO score on the HMF website is 855.
I do not let any company automatically bill my account for anything. It is an unwise financial move for someone that has no trouble paying their bills on time.

Has anyone else gotten this notification?

Do they really want to piss off their loyal customers by adding fees to my account 2 years after I leased the car? It makes sense to do this for someone that has crappy credit, or a history of late payments, but most of us didn't get to the point where we can buy a car like a Genesis by not paying our bills.

I know it is only $50/year, but it is the principal of the matter. HMF and I had an agreement, and they are changing it after the fact.

I was thinking about a 5.0 G80 next year, but if they want to play those games, I will lease a Lexus instead, just on principle. I know they probably won't care, but, if the tables were turned, and I said I was paying them $4 less per month every month, they would come repo the car.

I emailed HMF to complain and get their reaction.

Attached is the notice I received this evening.

When I hear back I will let you guys know

 

[Aquineas]

That does seem dodgy. I agree with you about not giving people permission to debit your account. You could potentially re-finance if the rates were favorable (which I suspect they wouldn't be since they've generally been rising).

 

[EdP]

I went to make my payment tonight, and was notified that unless you give HMF permission to debit your account automatically, they are going to charge you an extra $48/year.

I know it is only $50/year, but it is the principal of the matter. HMF and I had an agreement, and they are changing it after the fact.

Made a payment the other day and saw nothing. Just went to the GMF just now website and got the same popup. I don't want auto pay because I always pay additional amounts that can vary. Looks like payment will be made by check now and they can pay the added cost to handle them. IMO, it is a sleazy way to gouge the customer. My insurance company does it too so they get a check. I'm going to be at the dealer next Tuesday and will let them know of the sleazy tactic.

 

[Mcc]

If you do electronic banking you can have your bank send them an electronic check. Usually there is no charge. You just need to get the timing right.

 

[EdP]

If you do electronic banking you can have your bank send them an electronic check. Usually there is no charge. You just need to get the timing right.

Thanks for the reminder. I used to do that for a couple of accounts in the past so will do it again.

 

[dareckibmw]

If you do electronic banking you can have your bank send them an electronic check. Usually there is no charge. You just need to get the timing right.

+1, my Wife does that.

 

[kf4zra]

If you do electronic banking you can have your bank send them an electronic check. Usually there is no charge. You just need to get the timing right.

I dont mind doing that, but the link says if you don't do auto pay, then you get charged $4/mo.
My water bill will not allow a bank transfer, or credit card without a fee. They will allow a check with no fee, so I have my bank send them a check a few days in advance, via online banking. This is my first bill ever that I have seen where they are demanding automatic withdrawal from your account or they will charge a fee.

 

[Mcc]

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