Crossfire of Credit Card Fees: Your Wallet is the New Battleground as Major Banks Hike Late Payment Penalties to $41. Starting next month, your missed bill just got a lot more expensive, with some issuers quietly pushing the maximum penalty to $41—a jump from the current $30 average. Here’s the crossfire you need to dodge: while you’re watching your grocery bill, these fees are sneaking into your monthly statement. The real kicker? The average cardholder now pays $300 annually in interest and fees alone. To avoid getting caught in this crossfire, set autopay for at least the minimum today.