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What is an unauthorized charge on my credit card account?

"Unauthorized use" is when someone other than the cardholder or a person that has the actual, implied or apparent authority uses a credit card and the cardholder receives no benefit from the use.

If you authorized a charge, but you are disputing the amount of the charge, then you should follow the bank's process for filing a billing error dispute, pursuant to the instructions appearing on your monthly billing statement.

Last Reviewed: April 2021

Please note: The terms "bank" and "banks" used in these answers generally refer to national banks, federal savings associations, and federal branches or agencies of foreign banking organizations that are regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). Find out if the OCC regulates your bank. Information provided on HelpWithMyBank.gov should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion of the OCC.

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