Have you ever checked your credit card statement and spotted a ViacomCBS Streaming charge on credit card? If you’re scratching your head, wondering what it is, you’re not alone. Many people see this charge and feel confused. Don’t worry, I’m here to break it down for you in a simple way. Let’s dive in!
What Is ViacomCBS Streaming?
ViacomCBS, now known as Paramount Global, is a big name in the entertainment world. It owns popular brands like CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Pictures. They also run several streaming services that bring movies, TV shows, and live TV to your screens.
If you see a “ViacomCBS Streaming” charge on your credit card, it’s likely tied to one of their services. Here are the main streaming platforms under ViacomCBS:
- Paramount+: A premium service with exclusive shows, movies, and live TV, like NFL games or Star Trek series.
- Pluto TV: A free, ad-supported platform offering live TV and on-demand content.
- Showtime: A service with original series, movies, and sports, often bundled with Paramount+.
- BET+: A streaming service focused on Black culture, with movies and shows like Tyler Perry’s Sistas.
These services cater to different tastes, but they all might appear as a ViacomCBS charge on your statement.
Why Is There a ViacomCBS Charge on My Card?
Seeing a charge you don’t recognize can be frustrating. Let’s explore the common reasons why a ViacomCBS streaming charge might pop up on your credit card.
Common Reasons for the Charge
- Subscription Renewal: You signed up for a monthly or yearly plan, and it auto-renewed.
- Free Trial Ended: You tried a service like Paramount+ for free, but forgot to cancel before the trial ended.
- Content Purchases: You rented or bought a movie or show not included in your subscription.
- Account Upgrades: You switched to a higher-tier plan, like ad-free Paramount+.
- Family or Shared Account: Someone else, like a family member, used your card to subscribe.
How Charges Might Appear
The charge might not always say “ViacomCBS Streaming.” Depending on your payment method or bank, it could show up differently. Here’s a quick table to help you spot it:
| Platform | Possible Charge Name |
|---|---|
| Paramount+ | PARAMOUNTPLUS.COM, VIACOMCBS PARAMOUNT PLUS |
| CBS All Access (old) | CBSAA, CBS MOBI |
| Showtime | SHOWTIME, VIACOMCBS SHOWTIME |
| Pluto TV | PLUTO TV (less common, usually free) |
If you see something like “Roku for ViacomCBS” or “PARAMOUNT SAN FRANCISCO,” it’s likely tied to a subscription through a third-party platform like Roku or Amazon.
How Much Are These Charges?
The cost of ViacomCBS streaming services varies. Let’s break down the typical charges you might see.
- Paramount+:
- Ad-supported plan: $4.99–$7.99/month.
- Ad-free plan: $9.99–$12.99/month.
- Annual plans: $49.99–$99.99 (cheaper long-term).
- Showtime: Around $10.99/month, or bundled with Paramount+ for $11.99–$14.99/month.
- BET+: Approximately $9.99/month.
- Pluto TV: Free, but you might see charges for premium add-ons.
Additional costs can include:
- Taxes: Varies by location.
- Service Fees: Some payment methods add small fees.
- Late Fees: If your payment fails, a fee might apply.
Always check the final amount when signing up to avoid surprises.
What to Do If You Don’t Recognize the Charge
An unfamiliar charge can feel alarming, but don’t panic. Follow these steps to figure it out and take action if needed.
- Check Your Subscriptions:
- Log into your Paramount+, Showtime, or BET+ account at their official websites (e.g., paramountplus.com/account).
- Look for active subscriptions or recent purchases.
- If you use Roku, Amazon, or Apple TV, check those accounts too.
- Review Your Email:
- Search your inbox for receipts from Paramount+, CBS, or ViacomCBS.
- Check spam or junk folders for subscription confirmations.
- Contact Customer Support:
- Reach out to Paramount+ at 1-888-274-5343 or through their help center (help.paramountplus.com).
- For other services, visit their official websites for support options.
- Dispute the Charge:
- If you’re sure the charge is unauthorized, contact your bank or credit card company.
- Explain the situation and provide details like the charge date and amount.
- Your bank may reverse the charge and investigate.
- Cancel Unwanted Subscriptions:
- Log into the service’s website or app and navigate to account settings.
- Cancel before the next billing cycle to avoid future charges.
- For third-party platforms, cancel through their subscription management (e.g., Amazon Prime Video Channels).
Tips to Avoid Unexpected Charges
Here’s a quick list to keep your credit card safe from surprise fees:
- Track Free Trials: Set a reminder to cancel before the trial ends.
- Monitor Statements: Check your credit card statement monthly.
- Use One Card: Use a single card for subscriptions to make tracking easier.
- Secure Your Account: Don’t share your login details with others.
- Update Payment Info: Ensure your card details are current to avoid late fees.
Managing Your Streaming Budget
Streaming services are awesome, but they can add up fast. A ViacomCBS charge is just one piece of the puzzle. To keep your entertainment budget in check, try these ideas:
- Bundle Services: Combine Paramount+ and Showtime for a discount.
- Choose Annual Plans: They’re often cheaper than monthly billing.
- Pause Subscriptions: Cancel services you’re not using and resubscribe later.
- Share Plans: Split costs with family or friends (check terms for limits).
- Look for Deals: Watch for student discounts or promos, like T-Mobile’s free Paramount+ offer.
A little planning goes a long way to avoid bill shock.
When to Suspect Fraud
Sometimes, a ViacomCBS charge might not be your fault. If you’ve never signed up for their services or canceled long ago, it could be fraud. Here’s what to watch for:
- Charges on a card you don’t use for subscriptions.
- Multiple charges for the same service.
- Charges after you canceled a subscription.
If you suspect fraud, act fast:
- Contact your bank to freeze the card or dispute the charge.
- Reach out to Paramount+ or ViacomCBS support to report the issue.
- Change passwords for your streaming and bank accounts.
FAQs: ViacomCBS Streaming Charge on Credit Card
Q: Why does my statement show “Roku for ViacomCBS”?
A: This means you subscribed to a ViacomCBS service, like Paramount+, through Roku. Check your Roku account at my.roku.com to manage or cancel it.
Q: Can I get a refund for an unauthorized charge?
A: Refunds are rare, but contact Paramount+ customer support within 60 days of the charge. If it’s fraudulent, dispute it with your bank.
Q: How do I know which service I’m paying for?
A: Log into paramountplus.com, showtime.com, or bet.plus to see active subscriptions. Check your email for receipts or confirmations.
Q: What happens if I cancel mid-subscription?
A: You’ll still have access until the end of the billing period, but you won’t get a refund for the remaining time.
Final Thoughts
A ViacomCBS streaming charge on credit card is usually tied to a subscription like Paramount+, Showtime, or BET+. By understanding what these charges are and why they appear, you can manage your subscriptions with confidence.
Whether it’s checking your account, canceling an unwanted plan, or spotting a fraudulent charge, you’ve got the tools to stay in control. Streaming should be fun, not stressful, so keep an eye on your statements and enjoy your favorite shows worry-free!
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for general guidance only and is accurate as of April 25, 2025. Always verify details with your bank or the streaming service provider. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on this content.
