How To Handle Billing Errors
The best way to handle billing errors is to be conscientious about checking your card statement.
If you notice an incorrect or unauthorized charge on your billing statement, or if there is any other kind of error, such as a payment that wasn’t credited, contact the card issuer immediately. There’s usually a toll-free number on the back of your card. You may also be able to contact the card issuer online to begin the process of disputing a charge or payment.
While an investigation is under way, billing of the amount in question is suspended until the dispute is resolved. If your dispute is accepted, a credit is issued. If your dispute is denied, you will be given an explanation and documentation supporting why your dispute was denied. You then have at least 10 days to make the payment or re-dispute the error.
Some card issuers require that you initiate the dispute process in writing. If you’re an American Express Cardmember, you usually are able to formally dispute a charge with a simple phone call to the number on the back of your Card or on our Web site.
Credit Cards: What You Need To Know
We partnered with Consumer Action to provide credit cards information to consumers.