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Unknown charges on your credit card? Get your money back

Payments you never made are appearing on your credit card statement? In cases of card misuse you are usually well protected: the bank must refund unauthorized charges. What matters is acting immediately.

Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:

Demand a refund

Your chances of getting your money back

For payments you did not authorize, the bank must refund the amount without delay (§ 675u BGB). Your own liability for misuse is generally limited to 50 euros (§ 675v BGB), provided no gross negligence or intent on your part is involved.
Act immediately: have the card blocked (blocking hotline 116 116), object to the charges and file a police report. Anyone who grossly disregards security rules (for example keeping the PIN with the card) risks full liability.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Block the card immediately

    Call the blocking hotline 116 116 and have the card blocked.

  2. 2

    2. Object to the charges

    Object to the unauthorized transactions in writing to the bank and demand a refund.

  3. 3

    3. File a police report

    File a report with the police; this supports your claim.

  4. 4

    4. Meet the deadlines

    Check your statements regularly and dispute promptly; observe complaint deadlines.

Frequently asked questions

Do I get my money back in cases of credit card misuse?

As a rule, yes. For unauthorized payments the bank must refund the amount without delay (§ 675u BGB). Your liability is generally limited to 50 euros (§ 675v BGB), provided no gross negligence or intent can be attributed to you. Block the card immediately and object to the charges.

What must I do right away?

Have the card blocked immediately via the blocking hotline 116 116, object to the unauthorized charges in writing to your bank, and file a report with the police. Check your statements regularly and dispute incorrect charges promptly to keep within the deadlines.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.