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CPC or SCP Charge on Your Credit Card: What Does It Mean?

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It can be unsettling when you see a charge on your credit card statement and don’t understand what it is. You may immediately think it is a scam, but often there is a simple explanation.

This is often the case if you’ve received a CPC or SCP charge on your credit card.

If you’ve never seen one of these, you may not be sure what it is. However, you can relax: it’s not a scam. In fact, this refers to a Canada Post charge.

Read on to learn about these charges, including what they are and why you might see one on your statement.

Key Takeaways

  • Seeing charges on your credit card statement that you don’t understand can be worrying.
  • One common charge you may encounter is the CPC/SCP charge.
  • This is a charge from the Canada Post Corporation / Societe Canadienne des Postes, and it is not a scam or anything to worry about.
  • It is usually associated with shipping an item you have bought either in Canada or internationally.
  • However, whenever you don’t understand a charge that appears in your statement, contact your card issuer to find out more.

What is CPC/SCP?

CPC stands for the Canada Post Corporation, the country’s postal service provider. However, it’s also called Societe Canadienne des Postes, or SCP. CPC and SCP are simply abbreviations Canada Post Corporation uses on credit card statements.

The Canada Post Corporation has a history going back to 1867, and it used to be called the Royal Mail of Canada before it changed its name. There are currently over 6,000 post offices in Canada.

It covers all sectors, including private and commercial, and ships mail and packages domestically and internationally. It services millions of addresses and provides a wide range of services.

What is the CPC/SCP Charge on Your Credit Card?

So, why are you seeing a CPC/SCP charge on your credit card? It’s not uncommon to find these, and many people will see them from time to time.

Essentially, if you make a transaction that involves Canada Post using your credit card, you will see the CPC/SCP charge.

You may not have bought something directly from Canada Post, which is where the confusion often lies. Instead, you may have bought something from another store in Canada or internationally.

Canada Post often charges customs fees and other charges, which is why you may see a charge from CPC/SCP on your Mastercard or Visa statement.

You may not immediately know what it relates to, but you can be confident that it is not a scam and is legitimate.

Canada Post Services that Could Be Charged as CPC/SCP

You may see a CPC/SCP charge if you have purchased something from the USA or another country. You might see the fee Canada Post charges, along with other taxes and customs fees.

But you could also see a CPC/SCP charge on your statement if you buy something that is shipped domestically.

Canada Post also offers several other services. As well as delivery and shipping services, it offers gift cards, money transfers and even some banking services.

Conclusion

Anytime you use your credit card and pay Canada Post, you may see a CPC or SPC charge on your credit card statement. However, don’t be worried because this is not a scam fee.

However, if you don’t recognize the fee or think you have been charged erroneously, you can contact your credit card provider to find out more.

FAQs

Is a CPC/SPC charge on my credit card legitimate?

CPC/SPC charges are made by the Canada Post Corporation. They are legitimate charges and are not a scam, and they are usually charges related to shipping.

What should I do if I see a CPC/SPC charge on my credit card statement?

Try to work out why you have been charged. It is usually related to a shipping charge for an item you have bought. If you cannot work out where the charge comes from, contact your credit card issuer.

What is a merchant category code?

Merchant category codes, or MCCs, are four-digit codes assigned by credit card companies to classify merchants in Canada, like grocery stores and gas stations.

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Author

Gravatar for Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)
Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)

Enoch Omololu, personal finance expert, author, and founder of Savvy New Canadians, has written about money matters for over 10 years. Enoch has an MSc (Econ) degree in Finance and Investment Management from the University of Aberdeen Business School and has completed the Canadian Securities Course. His expertise has been highlighted in major publications like Forbes, Globe and Mail, Business Insider, CBC News, Toronto Star, Financial Post, CTV News, TD Direct Investing, Canadian Securities Exchange, and many others. Enoch is passionate about helping others win with their finances and recently created a practical investing course for beginners. You can read his full author bio.

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