We spend a lot of time discussing the best credit cards for various earning categories. We have entire articles dedicated to the best credit cards for gas, supermarkets, cruises and more. We also have a guide to the best credit cards for dining.
16.08.2024 - 17:19 / thepointsguy.com
On a recent Saturday morning, I was cozy on the couch with a blanket. Suddenly, my otherwise pretty monotonous online bill-paying routine was quickly and harshly interrupted as one of my credit card account balances was a few thousand dollars higher than I expected.
As I dug in to see what could have caused this huge discrepancy, I found a $2,314.07 charge for RC Hotels Ltd. that rang absolutely no bells for me. Some quick Googling revealed that this company was related to the Fairmont Singapore, which I'm sure is lovely, but isn't on my current list of past or future travel plans.
In other words, the charge wasn't mine and it seemed like my credit card had experienced a fraudulent charge for over $2,000 that went through and was pending as money I owed the bank.
Once I confirmed that the expensive charge was certainly not mine, I flipped my credit card over (a Chase-issued United card, for those curious) and called the customer service number on the back.
After a two-minute call explaining the situation to the first-line customer service representative, they got the fraud department on the line, which was briefed on the situation before I was transferred over.
My call with the fraud specialist was simple and straightforward, with them outlining several other international luxury hotel charges that had been attempted against my card that Chase had automatically declined. However, the large charge for the Fairmont in Singapore had gone through, but I was assured I would not be held responsible for the charges I did not make.
In total, I was on the phone for less than 10 minutes.
Related: Getting started with points, miles and credit cards
That credit card was canceled on the spot to prevent further fraudulent activity and a new card was on its way. I was told it would be about a week, though I was given the impression that if I needed or wanted a replacement card faster, that could have been arranged.
Later that same day, I received an email from Chase stating that the unauthorized charge was being investigated and I would not be held responsible for any fees or interest related to the charges until they confirmed the results of the claim. The note went on to explain that I did need to keep making at least minimum payments on the balance in the interim.
A few days after that, the original charge was now shown as credited back, as were the few dollars in interest that had accrued on it.
As you may have already experienced yourself, credit card fraud is, unfortunately, not unusual.
Even in a case such as mine, where the physical card is still safe and sound, there are many ways for fraud to occur, to the tune of hundreds of thousands of such events each year. Personally, I seem to deal with it at least
We spend a lot of time discussing the best credit cards for various earning categories. We have entire articles dedicated to the best credit cards for gas, supermarkets, cruises and more. We also have a guide to the best credit cards for dining.
While we love earning travel rewards here at TPG, there's also some real value in using a cash-back credit card to earn cold, hard cash back in your pocket. There are several cards that will give you a solid 2% cash back on every single purchase you make — with hardly any effort.
I turned 40 in 2022. Along with checking a different box for "age range" on forms these days, I'm also taking a fresh look at both my credit and my credit card strategy.
Deciding on a credit card for the best travel perks may have just gotten easier thanks to a new study.
Many people newer to points and miles initially gravitate toward airline programs. That isn't a huge surprise — the ability to get to your destination for almost free is a logical first step. But what about once you arrive?
I used to think that paying an annual fee for a credit card was a terrible idea and a waste of money.
Frontier Airlines is adding a new perk to its airline credit card, making it easier than ever to jet around the country on an epic ski or golf trip.
Seeing unauthorized charges on your credit card can be a headache. Removing these charges from your account and getting a replacement card isn't fun, either.
Many people use the terms "credit card" and "charge card" interchangeably. "No preset spending limit" is sometimes thrown into the mix. And while these cards have many similarities, they aren't the same.
When you apply for a great travel rewards card, the last thing you want is to be turned down. The sign-up bonus, the benefits and the points earned are luring you in, so you'll want to do everything possible to be approved.
One of the first lessons I learned when I got into the points and miles hobby is to put everything possible on a travel rewards credit card. However, it's also important to choose the best card to make sure that you get the biggest bang for your buck. This is especially true when it comes to making a large purchase. So, today I want to discuss nine things to consider next time you plan on swiping your credit card for a significant amount of money.
Whether it's time to look for a new credit card or your current card has been compromised online, you're going to need to dispose of your credit card at some point.