Many consumers are a bit leery of contacting their credit card’s customer service department. After all, credit companies are at times known for their harsh collection practices and insatiable need for charging fees. However, there is no reason to assume that your credit card company will treat you this way. A few bad experiences by members of the general public need not leave a bad taste in your mouth. There are many reasons and circumstances under which you might want to contact your Chase credit card customer service.

Some of the most important situations are detailed below.

Your Card is Lost or Stolen

If your card becomes lost or stolen, you should contact your Chase credit card customer service immediately! Lost or stolen credit cards are the number one cause of identity theft, which can cause long lasting and devastating affects. Consumers who have been victim to identify theft have lost their credit status, their homes, and at times even their employment. And despite what you might think, identity theft is not easy to reverse.

A simple call to your credit card company will not erase the damage that is done, but it can prevent it from occurring. Even if you think your card is just misplaced around your house, it is best to contact customer service and have a hold put on your account. The bank may require that your account be closed and reopened under a new account number. This may seem like a hassle, but it beats the lifelong hassle of identity theft.

A Charge or Chargeback is Disputed

Another way to prevent identity theft is by diligently checking your statement each month. Even if you think you know what’s on there, this is a crucial step to staying informed about your credit line and your credit history could be at stake. Contact your Chase credit card customer service right away if you see any charges that you don’t recall making. While it is possible that the company you made a purchase from recorded the transaction under a name you don’t recognize, it’s always best to double check anything you aren’t positive about.

It is unlikely that you will see any chargebacks that you do not recognize, but it’s possible. A chargeback is the recording or a refund or return, sometimes because of fraud on part of the seller. You are most likely to come across purchases that you don’t recognize instead. This can happen if your card is lost or stolen, though it is possible for someone to charge on your account without having the card. Therefore, even if the card is in your possession, it is important to check your statement each month.

Questions About Your Credit Limit or APR

Chase credit card customer service representatives will be more than happy to help you if you have general questions about your account. Don’t be afraid to call even if you simply want to inquire on your credit limit or interest rate. Credit card companies don’t advertise their helpfulness all the time, but there are great banks out there that will help in any way. If you need a higher limit to make the purchase of the lifetime, let them know and see if they will work with you.

Alternatively, if you are falling behind on payments and need a reduction in your interest rate, it doesn’t hurt to ask. Many credit card companies will be more than happy to do this for you if it means that they will receive your payment, and on time. Many banks will also help if you need to skip a payment or two – auto companies are known to do this occassionally for customers who are having a bad month or two. They will simply extend the life of the loan by the period of time you skip your payment – for a fee of course.