#RestaurantCharge #CashandCard #BankRefund #RestaurantTransaction #CreditCardIssue
Hey there, have you ever been in a situation where you went to a restaurant, paid in cash, and then realized that they also charged the entire amount to your card? It can be frustrating and confusing, but don’t worry – you have options to resolve this issue. In this article, we’ll discuss what you can do in this scenario, and how you might be able to get a refund from the restaurant or your bank.
First off, let’s talk about what might have happened in this situation and why it’s important to address it promptly before diving into the possible solutions.
What might have happened?
It’s possible that the cashier made an error when processing your payment, resulting in the entire amount being charged to your card, in addition to the cash you handed over. Alternatively, there could have been a technical issue with the card machine that caused the incorrect charge to go through. No matter the reason, it’s essential to address the situation as soon as you notice the discrepancy.
What can you do?
Here are a few steps you can take to address the incorrect charge and potentially secure a refund:
1. Check your bank statement
As soon as you notice the incorrect charge on your card, check your bank statement or online banking app to confirm the transaction. If the charge is indeed there, make a note of the date, time, and amount for reference when you reach out to your bank and the restaurant.
2. Contact the restaurant
Reach out to the restaurant as soon as possible to explain the situation. Provide them with details of your visit, including the date and time, the amount of cash you handed over, and any relevant information about the transaction. Keep a record of any communication with the restaurant in case you need to provide it to your bank later on.
3. Reach out to your bank
If you don’t receive a satisfactory resolution from the restaurant, get in touch with your bank to report the incorrect charge. Explain the situation and provide them with any evidence or documentation you have, such as your bank statement and communication with the restaurant. Your bank may initiate a dispute process to investigate the charge and potentially issue a refund.
4. Gather evidence
If you have any evidence to support your claim, such as a recorded interaction with the restaurant staff or a written agreement for a refund, make sure to keep it handy. It can help strengthen your case when dealing with the restaurant or your bank.
5. Be persistent
Resolving payment discrepancies can sometimes be a lengthy process, so be prepared to be persistent in following up with both the restaurant and your bank. Keep track of all communication, take note of any promised resolutions or refunds, and follow up regularly to ensure that your issue is being addressed.
Is there anything the bank can do?
In the context of your situation, it’s crucial to involve your bank as soon as you notice the incorrect charge on your card. Given that you have proof of the transaction approval and the lack of a receipt for the supposed failed charge, your bank may have grounds to investigate and dispute the charge on your behalf, potentially resulting in a refund.
Final thoughts
Dealing with an incorrect charge on your card can be frustrating, but it’s essential to take action promptly and persistently to address the issue. By reaching out to the restaurant, keeping detailed records, and involving your bank, you can maximize your chances of securing a refund for the erroneous transaction.
Remember to remain calm and courteous throughout the process, as it can help facilitate a positive resolution. Hopefully, with the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to navigate the situation effectively and recoup the funds that were incorrectly charged to your card.
If you find yourself in a similar situation in the future, you’ll be better equipped to handle it with confidence and resolve the issue in your favor.
Good luck, and here’s to a swift and successful resolution to your payment discrepancy! 🍽️💳
Think you are going to have a hard time proving what you are saying. You can try a charge back but guessing it won’t be successful. Best bet is to work it out with the place directly if possible. If you saw they charged you, why didn’t you resolve on the spot?
What did the manager of the restaurant say?
You left the restaurant without verifying what was charged?
You don’t have much to work with now as far as disputing the transaction. You two are the only ones who knew you gave them cash. So it’s your word versus theirs and you signed a debit/credit receipt saying it’s ok to charge $36 to your card.
Definitely go to the police, you can also dispute it at your bank and inform them you have filed a police report. The bank will most likely ask for a copy of the police report so keep it handy. The way it should go down is the bank credits you the 30 and then later recovers the funds from the police/restaurant owners.
Do a chargeback with your credit card. If you have good credit history and a long relationship with them they will most likely approve the chargeback with no questions asked on a small sum like $30.
why did you leave before resolving this issue?
Why not just pay the whole thing in cash or the whole thing on your card? We’re talking about a whopping $36 here. Some people are just so needlessly complicated.
Depending on what POS system and CC processor they use, a possible scenario is the cashier authorized your card for the full value of the check mistakenly by not applying the cash payment first. This caused the pending charge you were able to immediately see on your account. Assuming the cashier realized his mistake, he then applied the cash, and finalized the CC payment for the correct amount of ~$6. But unfortunately, that doesn’t reverse the erroneous $36 authorization, which will pend for 1-2 business days, then (if this is what happened) change amounts once it posts. That could also be why he threw away the receipt.
From a service point of view, if that is what happened, he really should have explained it. Restaurants don’t really like the way the system works for exactly this reason – any mistake as a pending charge isn’t really fixable on the store ends, you just have to wait for the bank.
You learnt a valuable life lesson and it only cost you $30. Could’ve been more expensive. Always ask for receipts, setup email notifications for any transactions over $20, don’t mix and match cash / credit payments unless they are separate line items. Also on a separate note, do young people still use cash? I haven’t used cash regularly for at least 10 years.
The way I understand you, this all happened today, right? If so then the charge is still pending and you haven’t actually been charged anything yet.
If the above is true, don’t listen to all of the comments saying to file a dispute with your issuer or to go to the police. As of right now then you haven’t lost anything and you can’t even file a dispute with any issuer that I have had experience with until after the charge posts.
Wait and see if the pending charge actually posts or if it falls off before deciding what to do.
I’m a private investigator, in training, but I just bought a sick magnifying glass. I’ll pay you 15$ if you let me take the case.
Usually there is more than one manager too or ask for his boss
Come back and update this after the pending charge posts and let us know what it settles at.
If something like this was truly a mistake, the establishment has no problem fixing it. At this point I would bother with them anymore and refute the charge through your credit card company. The merchant won’t and have signed receipt to provide so the charge will go away.
You said you have evidence. Pursue with your credit card company and then write a nasty review. Assuming it actually charges. You need to wait.
I’d just call the credit card company and dispute the charge. Mine does it right in the app.
it’s wild people don’t get receipts when they pay with their cards.
i’ll stand there while they crumble it up and go to toss it like “uhh can i have that”
I don’t know what OP’s best course of action is here, if any. But I think we can all agree OP learned a valuable lesson that day. Don’t make it easier for dishonest people.
Is it still pending or did it go through? Sometimes the charges will drop off on their own
Go back and get it settled in person.
My credit card can send me an e-mail every time there is a charge greater than a certain limit. I’ve set that limit to $0.01. It’s super fast. In a restaurant, I get the e-mail before the waiter gets back to the table with the check (yes, I know you were at the register). It’s pretty common for them to enter the wrong number or charge your card for someone else’s table or… and it’s really easy to get it fixed when you are still sitting at the table (or standing at the register). The ‘manager who was on duty when this happened’ is still on duty…
If it was a debit card it was probably just a pre authorization charge that will disappear in 24-48 hrs it’s completely normal