Credit Card Disputes With Your Long Distance Movers
- American National Movers
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Unfortunately, billing disputes between consumers and moving companies are common. That's largely because moving estimates are rarely set in stone, especially for long-distance relocations. Initially, you may get a consultation where a representative quotes a price. But once move day arrives, costs can change for various reasons:
Inaccurate Weight or Inventory: You accidentally omitted some items or understated the weight.
Premeditated Fee Hike: Sometimes, a company may intentionally lowball your quote and inflate charges on loading day.
Paying Movers With Credit Card (They Prefer Cash)
Many movers prefer certified funds (cash, money order, or certified checks) over credit card payments at pickup and delivery to avoid chargebacks. Too often, past customers have disputed their completed transactions as "services not as described," "services not rendered," or even "unauthorized," prompting the bank to reverse charges. This leaves the mover in a financial bind after state to state moving services has already been performed.
Can You Chargeback A Credit Card Transaction For Movers?
You may dispute the credit card transaction if services were not rendered or you feel misled because your mover did not honor the contract. However, this does not guarantee a favorable outcome, especially if you signed a contract agreed to the charges and the services were rendered:
Additional Charges On Move Day.
It is normal to want to contact your credit bank and chargeback a transaction after being charged more than estimated. However, if your agreement was not a binding price and just an estimate, your state to state movers are within their rights to re-negotiate your costs.
Were The Services Rendered, Or Did You Cancel?
Here is what you need to know about disputing credit card transaction with movers:
If You Cancel Services.
If a moving company charged you additional fees on loading day and you canceled services, then you will be successful at disputing your credit card for movers.
If You Allowed The Move To Proceed.
If you disagreed with the increased fees but still signed the bill of lading and let them proceed, disputing your card may be unsuccessful. You consented to the higher rate by continuing the service and signing the contract with the new charges.
The FMCSA Allows Interstate Movers To Increase Costs Before Loading.
According to federal regulations, long-distance movers may increase their rate before loading your goods if they inform you upfront. However, if they load first and then change the price, that can be deceptive. In such a scenario, ask them to unload your belongings. Should they refuse, you may be dealing with a hostage situation—immediately contact the FMCSA, your local police, and, if necessary, an attorney for legal assistance.
When You Might Win A Charge Back With Your Movers.
Despite a long distance moving company cancellation policy, if they do not provide a service, your bank must fight for the funds back. Especially if you can prove you canceled services by sending a screenshot of text messages or an email.
If a long distance moving company charges your credit card without your permission or signature, this is considered an unauthorized transaction. Then, your bank must dispute that transaction with the movers, and you should not be held liable for those charges.
Bottom Line
Disputing a credit card transaction with a moving company is possible—but outcomes hinge on whether you canceled before loading or if the final price was legitimately re-negotiated under a non-binding contract.
Review your bill of lading, gather evidence of any wrongdoing, and be prepared to document changes in your moving agreement. While credit cards can protect consumers from genuine scams, being fully informed of your mover's policies—and verifying the type of estimate you receive—remains the best way to avoid disputes in the first place.
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