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Is there an inaccurate or unauthorized charge on your credit card? If so, the Fair Credit Billing Act, or FCBA, gives you the tools you need to help resolve the situation. Here’s what you need to know about the FCBA.
The FCBA is a federal law that was designed to help protect consumers against unfair credit billing practices. It provides guidelines for consumers and creditors for managing disputes regarding billing statements, plus rules for removing any interest accrued due to the billing error if the dispute is resolved in favor of the consumer.
The FCBA allows consumers to file a dispute in order to get rid of billing errors, including:
While the FCBA stipulates that billing complaints should be put in writing, many issuers will handle these matters over the phone. So before you start writing a letter, call to see how the card issuer can assist you. Of course, if your issuer is non-responsive or refuses to assist you (or if they disagree with you and say the billing issue is legitimate), it’s time to put your complaint in writing. Here’s how to do that:
Once a card issuer receives your letter, the dispute must be resolved within two billing cycles, according to the FCBA. You also have the right to withhold payment on the disputed charges during a credit card company’s investigation.
Billing errors and unauthorized or even fraudulent charges happen, so it’s always a good idea to your credit card bills each month. It’s also a good idea to keep close tabs on your credit score. The free tools on Credit.com can help you do just that. You’ll get your free credit score, plus expert advice on improving your credit.
This article has been updated. It was first published July 15, 2014.
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