Your Rights when Using Credit Cards

What are your credit card rights?

In some ways, it is actually safer to use your credit card than use cash. In fact, federal law protects many aspects of your credit card use. For example:

• If you purchase a defective product with your credit card and the merchant refuses to replace it, you may have recourse.
• If you discover mistakes on your periodic statement, the law provides a way for you to correct these.
• If your card is lost or stolen, your liability for unauthorized charges is limited as long as you follow proper notification procedures.

Other aspects of credit card transactions and use are governed by law as well.


Can a merchant demand additional identification?

Most credit card companies require only that a merchant match your signature on the receipt with the signature on the back of your card and ensure that the card is not expired. When a clerk requires you to fill in your address or phone number or insists that you show your driver's license, he or she may be breaking the law in some states. If this happens, you may wish to register a complaint.


Should you show your credit card when you write a check?

One of the most useful features of a credit card is that it lets you write checks for your purchases. However, in some states, the merchant does not have the right to write your credit card number on your check. Recording your credit card number does not protect the merchant in any way because the merchant cannot charge your credit card for the merchandise unless you sign a credit receipt. Also, if your check bounces, the merchant is prohibited from charging your credit card for the amount of the check or for the bounced check fee.