Stories
Credit Card Charge Looks Wrong? Act Fast Before Paying the Bill!
- •If you spot an unfamiliar or incorrect credit card charge, report it to your card issuer immediately, rather than waiting until the payment due date.
- •For unauthorized transactions, contact your bank via mobile app, website, or customer care; prompt reporting can limit your liability, especially within three working days for third-party breaches.
- •Distinguish between unauthorized transactions (potential fraud) and billing disputes (incorrect amounts, duplicate charges); provide evidence like invoices or communication with the merchant for billing errors.
- •Maintain detailed records of all complaints, including dates, complaint numbers, disputed amounts, and communications with the bank, as these are crucial for escalation.
- •Pay the undisputed portion of your bill by the due date to avoid additional charges, and if unresolved, escalate the complaint through the RBI Ombudsman mechanism after approaching the card issuer.
Key Questions Answered
You should immediately contact your bank using their mobile banking app, website, or customer care line to report the issue. The bank may place a hold on your card and issue a replacement. Reporting it quickly is crucial, as RBI guidelines offer zero liability in certain third-party breach cases reported within three working days.
No, a dispute does not mean you can ignore every outstanding amount on your statement. You should continue paying the undisputed amount by the due date to avoid unnecessary charges, and ask your issuer how the disputed transaction will be handled during the investigation.
If the bank rejects your claim, ask for the specific reason and supporting evidence, and submit additional proof with a request for reconsideration if available. If the issue remains unresolved or the bank fails to respond within 30 days, you can escalate the complaint for free through the RBI Ombudsman mechanism.
