If your statement cutoff was March 10--21 days later would be March 31. It's not HSBC's or Orchard's fault that you didn't go online.

One of the great things about the new CC regulations is that you must have the same due date each month. So now you can put this bill on your calendar each month for the rest of the year. If they charged you a late fee on April 4, your due date is likely the 3rd of each month. You can mark this on your calendar right now, and you won't be charged a late fee for the rest of the year. You don't even have to check your e-mail(or not check your e-mail).

It's not HSBC's fault that you didn't check your e-mail in over 21 days.

I kind of have to agree with Rowdy here. You seem to be very knowledgable about how the new laws benefit you, but you were bitten by your own knowledge. "Only 17-18 days" after you received your paperless statement. That's still enough time to make your payment.

You knew exactly which snake you were playing with, and it bit you. From now on, respect that snake and make sure you stay away from it.

Personally, I love my credit cards, but I know exactly which ones are snakes and which are cuddly bunnies.