Keep the Information Flowing
Small contributions go a long way. Your donation to Consumer Action, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, can help us cover the cost of research, writing, and translation of our materials. To keep our services free for those who need them. Select an amount to give.
Released: January 18, 2006
Help Desk FAQ
Credit Cards
Debit Cards
Gift Cards
Prepaid Cards
What does “zero liability” on my card mean?
MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express have policies that go beyond federal guidelines so that you will not be held financially liable for fraudulent purchases on your card. And many of the banks that issue payment cards (such as credit, debit, prepaid and gift cards) voluntarily offer "zero liability" to cardholders. Ask your card issuer about the kinds of card transactions that are covered under its zero liability protection policy.
If your bank imposes any liability on you for card fraud (in other words, it doesn't have a zero liability policy), it must give you a summary of your potential liability for unauthorized transactions as well as its policy for resolving unauthorized transactions. If you don't have copies of these documents, ask your bank to send them to you.
Quick Menu
Support Consumer Action
Join Our Email List
Consumer Help Desk
- Help Desk
- Submit Your Complaints
- Presente su queja
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Links to Consumer Resources
- Consumer Service Guide (CSG)
- Alerts
- Consumer Booknotes