The TRAVELER'S JOURNAL: November eighth, evaluating plastic protection.

Many people assume paying with a credit card provides some recourse against transactions that go wrong. That's true, but only to a degree. While credit cards do offer valuable consumer protection, they don't cover everything. Here are quick details.

In general, card companies can do something about matters such as billing errors and unauthorized use, as well as misrepresentation or fraud. If a merchant falsely describes an item or ships one that is different from the one you bought, they may help you get satisfaction. But documentation is necessary. Without the details in writing, getting the law on your side can be hard. So in addition to a sales price on the receipt, have the merchant list definable characteristics of the goods you're purchasing. On big ticket items, ask the store manager to sign and date the receipt. If the store has a refund policy, get that in writing, as well as a certificate of authenticity. Never ship these papers with the item, since you'll need them if there are delivery problems.

But know that card companies can't do much if merchants have a no return policy or local laws don't require refunds. Ditto for shoddy craftsmanship or shoppers who simply overpaid or have regrets later.

If a problem arises, you must first try to settle it with the merchant, including making the goods available for return. If that doesn't work, the matter over to the credit card company. But you have to file your complaint within 60 days of when they mailed the statement to you. Be persistent. The first time around, many banks erroneously dismiss disputes for purchases made overseas.

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