Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the complexities and issues surrounding credit card interest charges, particularly focusing on a case where a customer incurred significant interest despite never missing a payment, highlighting the need for clearer rules and potential reforms in credit card interest calculation methods [1][9]. Group 1: Customer Experience and Issues - A customer of Guangfa Bank reported being charged approximately ¥12,755.94 in interest from 2018 to 2025, despite never being late on payments or only making minimum payments [2][5]. - The bank clarified that not being overdue does not equate to avoiding interest charges, as interest is applied to any unpaid balance after the due date [1][8]. - Delays in payment processing can lead to unexpected interest charges, as payments made on the due date may not be credited until the following day, resulting in interest accrual [5][6]. Group 2: Bank Policies and Practices - Guangfa Bank's credit card center stated that they follow a policy where payments made after 23:00 are considered as received the next day, which can lead to interest charges if the full amount is not paid [5][7]. - The bank initially offered a one-day grace period for payments, which has since been extended to three days for certain customers starting in 2024 [7][9]. - The bank's response to customer disputes included offering fee waivers for certain cases of delayed payments [5][7]. Group 3: Expert Recommendations and Industry Standards - Experts suggest that the current interest calculation methods are complex and vary by bank, leading to confusion among consumers [9][11]. - There is a call for reform in credit card interest calculation, proposing a shift from full balance interest calculation to a method that considers only the unpaid portion if a certain percentage of the total amount is paid [9][10]. - The existing "grace period" and "tolerance" policies do not adequately address the issue of interest calculation, and a new approach could help alleviate conflicts between banks and consumers [10][11].