If you’re like most Americans, you probably have at least one credit card from American Express. And if you’re like most people, you probably don’t know much about the company’s chargeback policy.
What is a chargeback?
A chargeback is when a credit card issuer refunds a customer’s money after a dispute. Chargebacks can happen for a variety of reasons, but they’re usually initiated by the cardholder.
For example, let’s say you buy a new pair of shoes online. But when they arrive, you realize that they’re the wrong size. You try to contact the company to get a refund, but you can’t get in touch with anyone. So you initiate a chargeback with your credit card issuer.
What is American Express’s chargeback policy?
American Express’s chargeback policy is relatively straightforward. If you have a dispute with a merchant, you can file a chargeback claim with American Express. The company will then investigate the claim and determine whether or not you’re owed a refund.
If American Express finds in your favor, you’ll get your money back. If not, you’ll have to accept the charges.
It’s important to note that American Express will only investigate claims that are made within 120 days of the original purchase date. So if you wait too long to file a claim, you won’t be eligible for a refund.
What are some common reasons for chargebacks?
There are a few different reasons why people might initiate chargebacks. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Merchandise wasn’t received: This is one of the most common reasons for chargebacks. If you order something online and it never arrives, you can file a chargeback claim.
- Merchandise was defective: If you receive merchandise that’s not as described or is defective, you can file a chargeback claim.
- Unauthorized charges: If you see charges on your statement that you didn’t make, you can file a chargeback claim. This can happen if your credit card is stolen and used without your permission.
- Billing errors: If you spot a mistake on your bill, you can file a chargeback claim. This could be something like being charged twice for the same item, or being charged for an item you never received.
What are the consequences of chargebacks?
If you initiate a chargeback, there are a few things you should know. First, American Express will close your account while they investigate the claim. This means you won’t be able to use your card for new purchases.
Second, if American Express finds that the charge was valid, you’ll be responsible for paying back the full amount of the charge, plus any fees associated with the chargeback.
Third, if you initiate multiple chargebacks, American Express may close your account permanently.
Fourth, if American Express finds that you’ve filed a false or fraudulent chargeback claim, you may be subject to criminal charges. So it’s important to only file a chargeback claim if you have a legitimate dispute.
What should you do if you have a problem with a purchase?
If you have a problem with a purchase, your first step should be to try to resolve the issue with the merchant. If you’re unable to reach an agreement, you can then contact American Express to file a chargeback claim.
American Express’s customer service number is 1-800-528-4800.
When you contact customer service, be sure to have your account information and purchase details handy. American Express will need this information to process your claim.
If you have any questions about American Express’s chargeback policy, you can find more information on the company’s website.