Things You'll Need:
- Credit card receipts
- Credit card statements
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Step 1
Save everything. This is an important step and you should follow it faithfully whenever you use your credit card. That means saving all your card receipts, at least until you know the merchant did not tack on additional charges. In addition, save the initial documentation that came with your new credit card by putting it into a folder. As long as that card is active, you must file that information.
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Step 2
Catch errors early. As soon as you receive your statement, by email or snail mail, review it carefully. Don’t wait until the last day of the grace period before checking to make sure the charges are accurate.
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Step 3
Call your credit card company with the intent of presenting your side of the story but not until you calm down. Credit card customer service agents are only doing a jog they were hired to do. They do not set policy but they may be able to reverse an unfair credit card charge. Chewing them out will not help your case.
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Step 4
Compare your credit card charges with your receipts. If a different amount was charged by the merchant, you will probably get a refund quickly as long as you can send a scanned copy of the receipt to the credit card company. The online customer service representative will give you the mailing address or it will appear on your statement.
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Step 5
Know what types of unfair charges you may dispute. According to the Federal Trade Commission, you may be liable for the first $50 of unfair charges but your credit card company may still reverse them if you can prove your case. If you find unauthorized charges, charges with the wrong date, charges with incorrect amounts, you should be reimbursed for all of these.
