What action should a cardholder take if they notice a discrepancy in their billing statement?

When a cardholder notices a discrepancy in their billing statement, the appropriate action is to investigate the charge and follow dispute procedures. This approach is crucial to ensure that any unauthorized or incorrect charges are addressed promptly. Taking the time to investigate allows the cardholder to gather specific details about the transaction in question, including dates, amounts, and merchant information, which are needed to support any claims made during the dispute process.

Following established dispute procedures is essential because it provides a structured approach for resolution, ensuring that the cardholder's concerns are formally recognized and handled by the bank. Prompt action by disputing a charge can prevent further complications, such as accumulating payment for an erroneous charge or potentially affecting the cardholder's credit rating.

In contrast, contacting a supervisor or waiting for the next billing cycle does not directly resolve the billing issue and may result in ongoing problems. Ignoring the discrepancy could lead to the cardholder being liable for a payment they do not owe, making the situation even more challenging to rectify later.