
Credit card late fees have been under intense scrutiny, especially after the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) attempted to cap them at $8. The rule, finalized in March 2024, promised to save Americans billions in penalties. But in April 2025, a federal court vacated the rule, leaving issuers free to continue charging higher fees. For seniors living on fixed incomes, this reversal underscores the importance of staying alert. Even small changes in fee structures can ripple through retirement budgets.