 TITLE: How to Request a Credit Card Chargeback CONTENT: When Does It Make Sense to Request a Chargeback?\n------------------------------------------------\nAn incorrect charge can happen for a number of reasons, from a simple calculation error to an identity thief committing an intentional act of fraud. The best response depends on some of the details, specific to your situation.\nHere's how to navigate each of the most common scenarios:\n*   **An unfamiliar charge**: If you see a transaction you don't recognize, look at the merchant's name and date. Searching for the merchant online or reviewing your calendar may help jog your memory of the purchase. If it's still unfamiliar, you may be the victim of fraud and you should take action to protect yourself immediately, including by filing a chargeback request.\n*   **An incorrect charge amount**: Perhaps a server calculated your tip incorrectly or accidentally charged you twice. To resolve the error, start by looking for your receipt, and then contact the merchant. If the merchant won't correct the charge, your next step is to request a chargeback.\n*   **A product or service you never received**: Did you order a package that was never delivered, or cancel a membership fee and still got charged? Prepare phone records or documents to support your case, and then contact the vendor to get the charge reversed or otherwise made good. If you're unsuccessful, you can request a chargeback from your credit card issuer.\nIn some circumstances, a chargeback isn't an option you should consider. If you have trouble paying for a purchase, or simply don't feel like it, you should not request a chargeback—abusing the system could be considered an act of criminal fraud.\nIf you received a damaged or broken product, skip the chargeback request and reach out directly to the merchant for a refund or a replacement.  \nWill Requesting a Chargeback Impact Credit?\n-------------------------------------------\nThe outcome of chargeback can affect your credit if it changes the amount of credit you're using relative to your credit limit—your credit utilization ratio.\nYour credit card balances are a big factor in calculating your credit scores, which means a high-dollar purchase could cause scores to dip. If the charge is inaccurate or fraudulent and ends up being removed, you should see your scores come back up. On the other hand, if your chargeback request is unsuccessful and causes your balance to stay elevated, a credit utilization ratio above 30% can start to harm your credit scores.\nWhile the chargeback request is being sorted out by the card issuer, a notation may be added to the account on your credit report to indicate that the account is in dispute. These notations don't directly affect your creditworthiness, but a creditor may ask about it or require it to be resolved before moving forward with your credit application.  \nHow to Protect Your Credit Card\n-------------------------------\nMost credit cards come with fraud protection features, but creditors can't always catch incorrect or suspicious charges. Your best defense is to practice good financial habits, which include reviewing your credit card statements on a weekly basis.\nYou can also catch signs of fraud by regularly monitoring your credit reports. Make sure to look for unfamiliar credit accounts and evidence of applications for new accounts (hard inquiries). For some added peace of mind, sign up for identity theft monitoring and security alerts so you can respond to suspicious activity as soon as it takes place. END