What to Do If a Restaurant Charges You Twice

Being charged twice for a single meal at a restaurant can be a frustrating experience, leading to confusion and inconvenience. This unexpected error can disrupt personal budgeting and raise security concerns. Understanding the proper steps to address this issue protects your financial interests. This guide provides a clear path to resolve a double charge, from immediate action at the restaurant to disputing it with your financial institution.

Addressing the Double Charge at the Restaurant

Discovering a double charge while still at the restaurant calls for immediate action to resolve the issue directly. Approach a manager or senior staff member to explain the situation clearly. Have your physical or digital receipt readily available as initial proof. Compare the receipt with any immediate notification from your bank or credit card app to highlight the discrepancy.

Restaurants sometimes place a pre-authorization hold on a card, a temporary hold on your available credit, before processing the final charge. This hold typically drops off within a few business days, leaving only the correct charge. In other instances, a server might accidentally swipe a card twice, leading to two identical posted transactions. Requesting a voided transaction slip for the incorrect charge or a clear explanation for the duplicate amount from the restaurant staff is advisable. Obtaining confirmation of the resolution from the restaurant before you leave is important.

Gathering Supporting Documentation

Even if a resolution seems to have occurred at the restaurant, document all aspects of the double charge for any further action. Retain all receipts, including the itemized bill, the credit card transaction slip, and any digital confirmations received via email or text. These documents provide evidence of the original transaction and any subsequent errors.

Access your bank or credit card statements online or via mobile app to identify both the pending and posted duplicate charges. Note details like the date and time of each transaction, the exact amounts, the name of the restaurant, and any unique transaction identification numbers. Record the names of any restaurant staff members or managers you spoke with, along with the dates and times of these conversations. This information strengthens your position for further dispute actions.

Disputing the Charge with Your Financial Institution

If direct resolution with the restaurant is unsuccessful or not possible, dispute the charge with your bank or credit card issuer. Most financial institutions offer several avenues: customer service, online banking, or a written form. Provide the transaction date, the amount of the charge, the merchant’s name, and a clear explanation of why you are disputing the charge.

Upon receiving your dispute, the financial institution will initiate an investigation. This can take several weeks, up to 30 to 90 days, depending on complexity and regulatory requirements like the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) for credit card disputes. You may receive a provisional credit, meaning the disputed amount is temporarily credited back during the investigation. Adhere to any specific timelines or submission deadlines set by your financial institution for filing disputes, as these can vary. Maintain a record of all communications with your bank or card issuer, including dates, names of representatives, and reference numbers, is advisable.