Trying to get rid of unwanted payments can be a hassle. I realized it the hard way when I wanted to cancel a weekly subscription. I asked the owners, and they just ignored me! So, I found out everything about how to block a merchant on a Chase credit card. Take a good look at my findings.
How to Block a Merchant on a Chase Credit Card
You can block a merchant on a Chase credit card through your online account. Log in to your Chase checking account, and select “Edit Blocked Merchants” under “Account Management.” add the name of the merchant you want to block. Your account will be inaccessible to them.
Alternatively, you can call the seller directly to request canceling payments from your account. Call Chase Bank to cancel payments on your behalf if they do not consider your request. You can write to them, too. If your payments don’t stop even then, you are eligible for a reimbursement.
![Person handing out their credit card to a cashier](https://www.expensivity.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/expensivity-how-to-block-merchant-chase-credit-card-02-1024x682.jpg)
Hence, it is always wise to keep a record of your correspondence. On the other hand, barring a seller does not exempt you from paying the remaining interest, though. You must pay the bank even though you do not have the service on your list.
Reasons for Canceling a Merchant
There can be several reasons you want to avoid paying a repeat charge. Remember that you have a right to discontinue any dealings on your card any time before the payday.
You Don’t Need the Service Anymore
Your routine might prevent you from going to the gym anymore. That makes the monthly subscription useless, and it is sensible to stop it. Contrarily, you may have moved states, and the grocery delivery service becomes impractical.
The best way here would be to call the owners and explain your situation directly. You never know; you might get alternative rewards. If nothing, a good impression paves the way for further possible interactions.
You Have Outgrown It
Another reason for stopping a recurring charge could be that you have lost interest. You can no longer be enthusiastic about a magazine like you were two years ago. You can even opt out because the quality of the product or service has fallen.
You could even have discovered a better service at better rates and want to switch.
You Don’t Like the Merchant’s Attitude
A seller’s attitude determines their success, as they say. Some business owners can be negligent with your feedback. They may not strive to improve your experience, and you can decide to move on.
In contrast, they can be downright rude. If you encounter such sellers, you can opt out of their business.
You are Still Paying After Canceling
It is more common than you might assume. You informed the merchant that you wish to discontinue paying them. Perhaps they even replied accordingly. Despite that, the monthly, or weekly, deductions may continue.
The best approach here can be that you remind them. If the payments continue, you can block them on the Chase app. You can also call Chase for good measure.
You Suspect Fraud
You may be scammed by a criminal mimicking a business. You can even be approached by sham businesses disguised as genuine sellers. You should block them as soon as you find out.
![Person holding a credit card while using a laptop](https://www.expensivity.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/expensivity-how-to-block-merchant-chase-credit-card-01-1024x682.jpg)
Look for the URLs of websites to protect your identity. Also, be suspicious if anyone asks you for your account number or other details.
More Ways to Cancel Payments on Your Card
You might not want to block out a business altogether, only a single transaction. This leads you to look for alternative ways to stall the charges.
Canceling a Transaction
You can cancel a transaction only if it shows pending on your account balance. The better way to handle it is to contact the merchant to waive the charge if you:
- Don’t want the product anymore
- You were charged twice
- The item has not shipped yet
The seller will most likely hold the product and cancel the pending charge. If that does not happen, you can issue a dispute.
Disputing a Charge
You should use it as the last resort because this process is cumbersome. You file a dispute with your bank, and they review it for validity. Then they file a chargeback once they are satisfied.
The process is longer than it sounds because the vendor can challenge it back. No one wants to lose business and credibility. In the end, you may or may not get your refund.
Apart from blocking a business, you can also prevent new payments through your charge card. It can give you more room to stabilize your finances.
Freezing Your Card
Freezing your card restricts access to your credit sheet. You can consider it if you went through identity theft recently. It will allow you time to process the shock. You can protect your finances until you can disclose them to companies again.
Identity theft exposes your social security number to fraudsters. They may try opening credit lines in your name to make excessive purchases. You can further fall victim to illegal activities you never knew about. Freeze secures you from such phishing scams.
When Should You Unfreeze It?
You have to lift or remove the freeze when you consider:
- Getting a new charge card
- Buying a car or a new home
- Opening a bill payment account
![Couple holding a miniature house](https://www.expensivity.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/expensivity-how-to-block-merchant-chase-credit-card-03-1024x682.jpg)
Things to Remember
You should note that a card freeze does not affect your credit score. Also, your score would still be available to the legal bodies in case of a subpoena. It is rare.
However, it is not an iron-clad blanket. Thieves can still infiltrate your existing accounts. You will do better to explore protection plans and monitor your credit closely.
Blocking Your Card
It is the best option if your card is stolen. Blockage renders your charge card useless to make purchases. Fraudsters won’t stop exposing your identity for a second, so you should act quickly too. Moreover, you must report the loss to your bank within three days to get zero liability. The bank will not be responsible after it.
You can either block it online or call them through your bank’s website. You can also place a re-issue request at the same time.
Related Questions
Does Blocking a Card Stop Transactions?
Blocking a card can stop new transactions only. Repeat payments and bills can go through. Nonetheless, blocking or freezing your card may affect your creditworthiness if you have an invalid reason.
Can a Merchant Charge My Credit Card Without Authorization?
No, a merchant can not charge your card without authorization. Whenever you use your charge card, your card issuer automatically grants authorization. That said, this means that they can only take money from your card with you allowing them.
You can contact your bank if you want to mark a seller unauthorized.
Can a Merchant Keep My Credit Card on File?
Yes, a merchant can keep your card on file. Sellers can store details about your identity when you do business with them. However, their access is restricted legally once you finish dealing with them.
Conclusion
There are multiple ways to block a business from your Chase card. You can do it through the bank’s website or by calling customer support. You can also ask the vendor if they cancel deducting charges.