Is Spectrum's 10-day billing window a regulatory violation?

Disclaimer: The question below was submitted by a reader. Names have been anonymized. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Individual circumstances vary, and readers should contact their service provider directly or consult a qualified professional for advice specific to their situation.

Peter, New York March 17, 2023

Spectrum bills always have a due date within about 10 days after receipt. Further, I live in NY; their billing address is in California. Is this not a violation of a regulation on allowable time for bill processing?

ConnectCalifornia followed up with Peter requesting more information

ConnectCalifornia Expert March 17, 2023

Hi Peter, that's a fair question about the billing timeline. To give you a more complete answer, could you clarify a few details? Specifically, when do you typically receive your paper bill relative to the due date, and how are you currently paying (mail, online, autopay)? Also, how long have you been a Spectrum customer? That context will help us address both the regulatory question and potential solutions.

Peter, New York March 18, 2023

To clarify my situation: I receive my paper bill around the 5th of each month, and the due date is typically the 15th. By the time I write a check and mail it back to California, I'm often cutting it very close. I've been a customer for over 8 years and have never missed a payment, but this billing timeline seems designed to push customers toward late fees.

ConnectCalifornia Expert March 19, 2023

I get the frustration - a 10-day window feels tight, especially when you factor in mail time across the country.

The short answer is: probably not illegal, but definitely annoying by design. Cable companies generally aren’t required to give you a specific number of days between when you receive a bill and when it’s due. The billing date and due date are usually set based on your service start date, not when the mail arrives.

That said, you have some options. First, if you’re cutting it close every month, you can call Spectrum and ask them to change your billing cycle to better align with when you can pay. They can often shift your due date by a week or two.

Second, consider setting up autopay or online bill pay through your bank. That way you’re not dependent on mail timing in either direction. Most banks let you schedule recurring payments, so you could set it to pay on the 10th every month automatically.

The California billing address thing is just how centralized billing works for big companies - it’s not really a factor in the timing. But I understand the principle of the matter when you’ve been a loyal customer for 8 years.

Outcome: Resolved

Peter called Spectrum and had his due date moved from the 15th to the 25th of each month, giving him a more comfortable window. He also set up online bill pay through his bank as a backup.

Updated March 28, 2023

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