Disputing Credit Card Charge - Ask Sid - AARP Bulletin

How Can I Dispute Credit Card Charge

Lay out your case in a letter to the card issuer & #8212 and follow up

Q. I was charged for merchandise I never received. Phone calls to the company were not returned, and calling my credit card issuer got me nowhere. What's next? A. Merchandise orders that you make online, by phone or fax should arrive in about 30 days. If there's going to be a delay — due to a stocking problem, say — the merchant is required to notify you by phone, mail or email, giving you the option of accepting a revised shipping date or getting a full refund. See also:

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So your next step is to formally dispute the charge by writing a letter to the bank that issued your You can get wording tips from a on the Federal Trade Commission's website. Give details and point out failures to follow the rules of shipping. Send the letter by certified mail, and with return receipt requested, to the address that your statement gives for billing inquiries — not where you usually send your payments. The letter needs to reach the plastic provider within 60 days after it mailed you the statement that contains the charge. Mail a copy to the unresponsive company (also by certified mail, with return receipt). For added oomph, consider sending copies to your and . Under the law, the credit card issuer must acknowledge your complaint in writing within 30 days of receiving it. So call if you don't hear back by then. During the ensuing investigation phase, you can withhold payment of the disputed amount, but you must continue payments on other charges on your account, including interest. The issuer is required to resolve the dispute within two billing cycles. Debit cards have fewer legally required protections and immediately take money from your account. So it can be harder to get a refund for late or undelivered goods. That's a good reason for using a credit card for such purchases. But debit card shoppers who have a problem should also make an immediate call and send a follow-up letter to the issuing bank, which usually will seek a resolution, especially for longtime and valued customers. Also of interest:
Sid Kirchheimer writes about consumer and health issues. Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

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