What’s That Doing On My Credit Card Bill?

Ever bought anything online and been offered various “rewards programs,” “free trials,” or “extra 10% discounts”? 

Ignored them or turned them down? Better check your monthly credit card statement. 

Among the various purchases on your card you may find a monthly charge of as little as $9.95 for these innocuous sounding programs from companies you’ve never heard of. How the heck did they get your credit card number and permission to charge you?

They’re called “negative-option” plans, in which consumers are automatically charged for services or products until they take affirmative action to cancel them. Pop-up ads and check boxes authorize a “free” trial in buying, shopping, and travel clubs, privacy services and health programs. The authorization may come from an errant click or through an automatic sign up that flashes by unnoticed by internet shoppers.