Pure greed and horrible programming

Once you get your cancelled check from the bank (I assume you still get cancelled checks if you still MAIL checks), you can see the date that it was posted to your account.  With that PROOF in your hands, file a complaint with the BBB.  Those are handled by 'higher ups' and they may be able to remove the late fee.

Next.....AT&T is not responsible for programming.  That falls under the control of each individual network.  If you are unhappy with the networks (ie. content), either contact the network or change your package level.

Per inconsistent mailing times, especially in December per weather and holidays (plus all the issues from Covid restrictions and resulting short staffing), I personally avoid mailing payments. If the check posted to the account in time (per date from your bank), then that would be disputable. But most likely though you mailed it normally in time, per the mail it arrived late and like most businesses they go by when it is received and posted, not when you mailed it. It has not been uncommon for me to get something mailed around November/December delivered a few months later.

Paying online, over the voice system, or even being setup for auto bill pay are the alternatives. Otherwise by mailing in payment you are taking a risk on mail delivery.

Sports has been one of DirecTV's biggest selling points over the past 26 years, nothing new there. Sounds like you didn't take advantage of their Preferred Xtra package a few years ago that removed most sport channels, including the RSN fee (since no RSNs), and added in a few channels that were normally at the Ultimate level (plus Hallmark Movies & Mysteries). If they ever bring that package back, or a similar one, I would take advantage of it.

Age of account doesn't determine if you get a bundle or not. A bundle is an additional intro promotion. So if you already have both AT&T and DirecTV, regardless if 3 months or 15 years, there is nothing to bundle as you are past placing an intro order.

You are very wrong about the bundling.  spoke with about 3 people at DirecTV and ATT.Why don't you stick to insulting something worth your while.

WE HATE SPORTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh yes I have the check and send them a copy of the date they cashed it. They are complete greedy, (Edited per community guidelines). We are done with them. IO have been on the phone with about 10 (Edited per community guidelines), (Edited per community guidelines) from ATT and DirecTV.

I would never sign up for autopay and give these crooks access to my bank accounts.

DTV has no control over a channels programing and most providers have the same channels and sports.

I would never sign up for autopay and give these crooks access to my bank accounts.

I have to agree with you on that point. 

Unless you bank at a smaller bank, most banks have their own "bill pay" option.  This is where you authorize YOUR bank to electronically send funds to vendors that you choose.  No one gets access to your bank information.

Personally, I haven't mailed a check in years but I use the bill pay feature offered by my bank.  That way, it's just between me and the bank.

I am correct about the bundling. It is an additional intro promotion. Though some people confuse it with a joint/combined bill promotion which is separate. That would be getting a discount for having both services on one bill, which some find convenient but I have seen too many issues with billing communication between providers to suggest it.

Sorry but I have not insulted anyone. Just provide a realistic perspective. I will discuss in the forums freely like anyone else.

If you hate sports then why didn't you go with Preferred Xtra years ago, reduce package to one without sports outside of that, or looked into a provider that doesn't have as much investment in sports?

If the check shows that it was processed before the billing month started over, then that would be before a late fee is chargeable. In that event the late fee would be in error. Though it is more for an issue with the payment submitted in the first place, since this is related to a dispute on it posting, you could try their dispute form if over the phone was not successful. www.directv.com/paymentdispute 

Autopay goes through for what the balance is each month; no more, no less, and at a consistent time that does not deal with any mail or receiving mailroom processing delays. They have as much access with autopay as they do with you mailing the payment. That info stays on file for the lifetime of the account for the purpose of collecting outstanding balances if someone cancels and doesn't submit their final payment.

I would never sign up for autopay and give these crooks access to my bank accounts.

That check you send them has all your bank account information on it. They already have everything they would ever need to access your bank account.

No they do not, I have an extra secure account with a private bank.

DirecTV has nothing to do with gambling. People can watch sports without gambling.

Extra secure means nothing in this case. They aren't stealing funds. But per the Terms of Service they can charge any payment method that has been used on the account for any remaining outstanding balance after the account is disconnected. You gave them that right when you signed up. They will not charge out of the blue for nothing, but only if you don't settle your final bill.

I am finished talking with such a (Edited per community guidelines). I am also finished with this entire conversation. You obviously know very little about how things can work to protect you again such inconsiderate, greedy, money seeking businesses that take advantage of their clients. I will also be in touch with my attorney and the better business bureau. So get out of my life.

I have no contract with them and have not had one for many, many years.