Understanding Unfamiliar Credit Card Charges
If you’ve ever checked your credit card statement and noticed a CPC or SCP charge, you might be wondering what it is. These types of charges can appear unexpectedly, causing concern among cardholders.
In this guide, we’ll explain what CPC (Card Present Charge) and SCP (Secure Card Payment) charges mean, why they might appear on your statement, and what to do if you don’t recognize them.
What Is a CPC Charge?
A CPC charge (Card Present Charge) typically refers to a transaction where your physical credit card was used for payment. This can include:
- In-store purchases made with your chip, swipe, or tap
- Restaurant or retail transactions where your card was physically present
- Gas station payments using your credit card
A CPC charge simply means that the transaction was done in person rather than online or over the phone.
What Is an SCP Charge?
An SCP charge (Secure Card Payment) refers to a transaction where your credit card was used with an added layer of security. These transactions usually occur in the following situations:
- Online purchases requiring two-factor authentication
- Transactions processed using a secure digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay
- Payments where additional identity verification was required
Why Did a CPC or SCP Charge Appear on Your Statement?
These charges appear as part of a credit card processor’s way of categorizing transactions. If you see one on your statement, consider the following:
- Check your recent purchases—did you use your card at a store or online?
- Look at the transaction details to see if you recognize the merchant.
- If you don’t recognize the charge, contact your credit card issuer for clarification.
What to Do If You Don’t Recognize a CPC or SCP Charge
If you see a CPC or SCP charge that you don’t recognize, take these steps:
- Review your receipts and past transactions.
- Contact the merchant listed on your statement.
- Call your credit card provider to dispute the charge if necessary.
Unauthorized charges should be reported as soon as possible to avoid potential fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a CPC charge a scam?
No, a CPC charge typically refers to a legitimate transaction where your physical card was used for payment. If you don’t recognize it, check your recent transactions or contact your bank.
Can I dispute a CPC or SCP charge?
Yes, if you don’t recognize the charge or believe it to be fraudulent, you can dispute it by contacting your credit card issuer.
Why do some transactions show as SCP instead of CPC?
SCP charges usually indicate a payment made with extra security measures, such as two-factor authentication or a digital wallet. CPC charges, on the other hand, refer to in-person transactions.
Will I get a refund if I dispute an SCP charge?
If the charge is proven to be unauthorized or incorrect, your credit card provider may issue a refund. However, if it was a legitimate transaction, the dispute might not be successful.
How can I prevent unauthorized CPC or SCP charges?
To protect yourself from fraud, regularly review your credit card statements, enable transaction alerts, and use secure payment methods like digital wallets with two-factor authentication.
Final Thoughts
CPC and SCP charges are just different ways credit card transactions are categorized. If you see one on your statement, it likely represents a legitimate purchase. However, if you suspect fraud, it’s always best to contact your credit card issuer for assistance.