Have you ever checked your credit card statement and spotted a Mercatalyst charge on credit card? It can be confusing, especially if you do not remember making a purchase.
You are not alone. Many people notice these charges and wonder what they mean. In this blog, we will break it down step by step.
What Is Mercatalyst?
Mercatalyst is a company that runs several online shopping sites focused on daily deals and flash sales. They call themselves event-driven retail.
This means they offer limited-time offers on products like electronics, home goods, and gadgets. Their main sites include Meh.com, MorningSave.com, SideDeal.com, and others.
The company is based in Texas. They aim to give shoppers exciting deals every day. You might have bought something from one of their sites without realizing it was connected to Mercatalyst.
For example, if you shopped on MorningSave, the charge could appear as Mercatalyst on your statement.
They also have a membership program. This adds perks like free shipping or exclusive deals. But more on that later.
Why Does a Mercatalyst Charge Appear on Your Credit Card?
Seeing a Mercatalyst charge usually ties back to a purchase or subscription.
Here are the common reasons:
- Online Purchases: If you bought an item from one of their sites, the charge comes from Mercatalyst. It might be for the product price plus shipping. Shipping often costs around $8.99 per order for non-members.
- Membership Fees: Mercatalyst offers a monthly membership for $5.99. This gives you benefits like lower shipping costs or access to better deals. If you signed up, even by accident during checkout, you get charged monthly. Some users report taxes added, making it around $6.47 in some areas.
- Automatic Renewals: Memberships renew automatically. If you forgot to cancel, the charge keeps coming.
- Trial Periods: Sometimes, sites like MorningSave offer trials. After the trial, they charge the full membership fee.
These charges are often small, like $5 to $10. That makes them easy to overlook at first. But over time, they add up.
Let me share a quick example. Suppose you bought a gadget on Meh.com. The total was $20 for the item plus $8.99 shipping. Your card shows a $28.99 charge from Mercatalyst. It matches, but the name throws you off.
Is the Mercatalyst Charge Legitimate?
In most cases, yes, it is legitimate. Mercatalyst is a real company with a Better Business Bureau profile.
They process payments through secure services like Stripe. This keeps your card info safe.
However, there are complaints. Some people say they saw charges without authorizing them.
This could happen if:
- You forgot about a purchase.
- Someone else used your card.
- There was a mix-up during signup.
Reviews on sites like ComplaintsBoard show mixed experiences.
Some praise the deals, while others grumble about hard-to-cancel memberships.
To check if it is legit, look at your email for order confirmations.
Sites like MorningSave send receipts. If nothing shows up, it might be worth investigating.
Here is a small table to help you compare their membership options:
| Feature | Free Account | Paid Membership ($5.99/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping Cost | $8.99 per order | Free on most orders |
| Deal Access | Standard deals | Exclusive events and deals |
| Cancellation | Not applicable | Cancel anytime via account |
| Other Perks | Basic shopping | Daily new offers |
This table shows why some choose membership.
But if you do not shop often, it might not be worth it.
What to Do If You Spot an Unauthorized Mercatalyst Charge
Do not panic if the charge looks suspicious.
Take these steps to sort it out:
- Check Your Accounts: Log into sites like MorningSave or Meh.com. See if you have an account there. Look for purchase history.
- Contact Mercatalyst Support: Their support page is easy to use. Sign in for faster help. You can email or call their number, which is 972-755-9479. Ask for details on the charge.
- Dispute with Your Bank: If it seems unauthorized, call your credit card company. They can reverse the charge and investigate. Most banks have fraud protection.
- Cancel Membership if Needed: Go to your account settings. Find the membership section and cancel. They say it is straightforward, but some users report needing to confirm via email.
- Monitor Your Statements: Keep an eye on future bills. Set up alerts for small charges.
Following these steps usually resolves the issue quickly.
Many people get refunds if the charge was a mistake.
Common Scenarios and Tips
Imagine this: You bought a one-time deal on SideDeal.com. During checkout, you clicked a box for membership without noticing.
Next month, a $5.99 charge appears. It happens more than you think.
To avoid surprises, always read the fine print during checkout. Look for checkboxes about subscriptions.
If you like deals but hate fees, stick to free accounts. Or set reminders to cancel trials.
Mercatalyst partners with sites like Shop.Univision.com too. So charges might link to those.
Benefits of Shopping with Mercatalyst Sites
Despite some charge confusion, there are upsides. Their deals can save money on quality items. For instance, MorningSave often has kitchen gadgets at half price.
Members get first dibs on limited stock. If you shop online a lot, it could pay off.
Just remember to track your spending. Use apps that notify you of charges right away.
FAQs About Mercatalyst Charge on Credit Card
Q. What is the Mercatalyst phone number for support?
You can reach them at 972-755-9479. They handle questions about charges and memberships.
Q. How do I cancel my Mercatalyst membership?
Log into your account on their site. Go to the membership section and select cancel. It should stop future charges.
Q. Is Mercatalyst the same as MorningSave?
Yes, MorningSave is one of the sites run by Mercatalyst. Charges from MorningSave often show as Mercatalyst on your statement.
Q. Why was I charged extra taxes on membership?
Taxes vary by location. The base is $5.99, but some areas add sales tax, making it around $6.47.
Conclusion
Spotting a Mercatalyst charge on credit card can be puzzling at first. But now you know it usually comes from legitimate purchases or memberships on their deal sites.
By checking your accounts and contacting support, you can handle it easily. Remember to shop wisely and monitor your statements.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only. It is not financial advice. Always consult your bank or a professional for specific issues with charges.
Savita is a passionate finance writer with a strong background in the world of money management and financial planning. With over 4 years of blogging experience, she has been helping readers simplify complex financial topics and make smarter money decisions.
