The number one rule when disputing unauthorized or inaccurate charges is to do it in writing and do it within 60 days of when you received the statement with the questionable charge. An unauthorized charge is one that is made on your credit account without your consent, actual or implied. When writing your creditor to dispute unauthorized charges or billing errors, be sure to include the following items in your letter:

• The date and amount of the charge

• The reason you think the charge is incorrect

• Your name, address, and account number

• A description of the problem

Some issuers may have a short dispute form that you can use to start the process for disputing a charge. Read the fine print on your card holder agreement statement and the back of your monthly credit card statement for details on how to dispute a charge on your credit card statement.

 Make certain that you send the dispute letter to the special address on your monthly statement for billing errors or questions. That address is usually on the back of your statement in fine print. It is often a different address than the one where monthly payments are mailed.

Owning a credit card includes the responsibility of learning how to use the credit card. Understanding the monthly credit card statement is essential to your success as a consumer of credit. Take the time to review the information on your credit card statement. Verify changes posted to your account every month to make sure that they are correct. If you neglect your credit card statement, there is always a possibility that an error could occur and you could end up paying for someone else's fancy dinner or new lawnmower. .

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