Disputing a Credit Card Bill: Difference between revisions
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{{REVIEWEDPLS | reviewer = [ | {{REVIEWEDPLS | reviewer = [https://www.bcuc.com/ Anna Fung, KC], BC Utilities Commission|date= October 2019}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = money}} | ||
You’re looking over your monthly credit card statement and you notice a mistake or an unauthorized charge. Learn your rights and what to do to dispute a credit card bill. | |||
== | ==What you should know== | ||
===Your | ===Your credit card bill must include certain information, including how to correct errors=== | ||
Your credit card issuer sends you a '''monthly statement of account''' — they have to by law. The statement (or bill, as it’s called) must include certain information. | |||
The bill must include a description of each charge and transaction during the billing period. Importantly, it must explain how you can correct billing errors. There’ll typically be a number to call if you have issues. | |||
The card | ===The time frame to dispute a charge=== | ||
Check the credit card bill closely for the time window for you to dispute a charge. Typically, card issuers require you to let them know of any mistakes within 30 days of the end of the period the bill covers. | |||
You | ===You can dispute different types of transactions=== | ||
You can dispute various errors that may show up on your credit card bill: | |||
* '''An unauthorized transaction'''. When someone who isn’t supposed to have access to your credit card makes a charge to your account. | |||
* '''An incorrect charge'''. When you’re charged the wrong amount. | |||
* '''An overcharge'''. When you’re charged an amount more than you agreed to. | |||
* '''A double charge'''. When you’re charged twice. | |||
* '''A missing or inaccurate refund'''. When you don’t get a refund, or get one for the wrong amount. | |||
==Work out the problem== | |||
===The steps involved=== | |||
Here are the steps to dispute a charge on your credit card bill. | |||
=== | |||
'''Step 1'''. Confirm the charge isn’t valid | |||
'''Step 2'''. Contact the business | |||
'''Step 3'''. Contact the credit card issuer | |||
'''Step 4'''. Pay your bill | |||
'''Step 5'''. Contact an ombudsman | |||
=== | ===More on each step=== | ||
'''Step 1. Confirm the charge isn't valid'''<br> | |||
Make sure it’s a real mistake. For example, you may not recognize a transaction because it was posted late; or maybe the business uses more than one name. Check your files. Does the charge match your credit card receipts? | |||
'''Step 2. Contact the business'''<br> | |||
The quickest way to get a charge off your credit card bill is to speak directly to someone at the business. Call and explain what’s happened. Give them any evidence you have (such as a receipt number). They’ll often be able to fix things on the spot and refund your money. | |||
===If you’re | Create a paper trail — or an electronic trail — of the dispute. Keep a record of everything that happened. Save copies of all emails and letters. | ||
: | '''Step 3. Contact the credit card issuer'''<br> | ||
: | If you can’t solve the problem with the business — or if you suspect fraud or identity theft — contact the credit card issuer right away. The clock is ticking. There’s often a short time window to bring a dispute. (Your monthly statement will tell you if that’s the case.) | ||
Many financial institutions have dedicated phone lines just for credit card issues. Do your homework before you call. Have all your details ready, including the date and description of the charge. | |||
'''Step 4. Pay your bill'''<br> | |||
It may take your credit card issuer a few weeks to investigate. In the meantime, keep paying your credit card bill. Otherwise, you may be charged interest on the balance. You should get a refund if your dispute is successful. | |||
'''Step 5. Contact an ombudsman'''<br> | |||
You may be wondering, ombudsman, what’s that? It’s a person who resolves complaints from the public. If you’re still having problems, and your credit card was issued by a bank, a further option is the bank ombudsman. This is a bank employee who helps customers resolve their disputes with the bank. | |||
Check your credit card issuer’s ombudsman policy. The Canadian Bankers Association provides a contact list for the ombudsman offices for most Canadian banks. [https://cba.ca/resolving-problems-with-your-bank Visit their website]. | |||
===Go deeper=== | |||
If you’re looking to go further, we have more detail on the steps to dispute a credit card bill. [https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/everyday-legal-problems/money-debt/credit-cards/disputing-credit-card-bill See our in-depth coverage of this topic]. | |||
==Who can help== | |||
===Helpful agencies=== | |||
Depending on the nature of the problem, you might try this agency. | |||
:'''Better Business Bureau''' | |||
:Receives complaints about local businesses that are members. | |||
:Call 1-888-803-1222 | |||
:[https://www.bbb.org/ca/bc Visit website] | |||
===Legal advice=== | |||
If a large dollar amount is involved, getting legal advice can help you decide what to do next. | |||
:'''Lawyer Referral Service''' | |||
:Helps you connect with a lawyer for a complimentary 15-minute consult to see if you want to hire them. | |||
:Call 1-800-663-1919 | |||
:[https://www.accessprobono.ca/our-programs/lawyer-referral-service Visit website] | |||
:'''Access Pro Bono's Free Legal Advice''' | |||
:Volunteer lawyers provide 30 minutes of free legal advice to people with low or modest income. | |||
:Call 1-877-762-6664 | |||
:[https://www.accessprobono.ca/get-legal-help Visit website] | |||
:'''People’s Law School''' | |||
:See more options for free or low-cost legal help. | |||
:[https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/options-legal-help/?utm_source=beagle Visit website] | |||
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