If you’ve noticed a Solstice charge on your credit card, you’re not alone. Many consumers see unfamiliar charges and worry about fraud or billing errors. In most cases, a Solstice charge is legitimate, coming from Solstice Sunglasses, Solstice Benefits, or other merchants using the Solstice name. However, it could also indicate unauthorized use of your card. Understanding why the charge appears and how to verify it is essential for protecting your finances. This guide explains the possible reasons, verification steps, and how to dispute or prevent suspicious Solstice charges.
What Is the Solstice Charge on Credit Card?
If you’ve spotted a Solstice charge on your credit card statement, you’re not alone. The descriptor “Solstice” is used by multiple businesses in the U.S., which can make it tricky to identify the source. The most common ones include:
- Solstice Sunglasses: A luxury eyewear retailer with physical and online stores. Charges may appear as SOLSTICE SUNGLASSES NY or similar variations.
- Solstice Benefits: An insurance and dental/vision benefits company. Charges may show as SOLSTICE BENEFITS FL or related variations.
- Other Merchants or Events: Smaller businesses, seasonal festivals, or wellness workshops sometimes use Solstice.
Possible Reasons You See a Solstice Charge
Here are the main reasons a Solstice charge may appear on your credit card:
1. Eyewear Purchase
If you recently bought sunglasses or optical products from Solstice Sunglasses, the charge could reflect that purchase. Retailers often appear with a slightly different merchant name on statements.
2. Insurance or Vision Plan
Solstice Benefits offers dental and vision coverage. Monthly premiums or plan fees may appear as recurring charges on your credit card.
3. Subscription or Renewal Fee
Some Solstice-related services, such as memberships, wellness subscriptions, or insurance plans, renew automatically. This may trigger charges you didn’t immediately recognize.
4. Event or Seasonal Merchant
Charges could come from festivals, wellness workshops, or seasonal events branded as “Solstice.” These are generally legitimate but may appear unfamiliar.
5. Unauthorized Transaction
If you do not recognize the charge after reviewing purchases, it could be fraudulent activity, meaning someone used your card without permission.
How to Verify the Solstice Credit Card Charge
Before taking action, confirm whether the charge is legitimate:
- Check Your Recent Purchases: Review receipts, online orders, or in-store purchases for anything related to Solstice.
- Search Your Inbox: Look for emails with “Solstice,” “invoice,” or “receipt.”
- Match Transaction Details: Compare the charge date and amount with your spending history.
- Contact the Merchant:
- Solstice Sunglasses: www.solsticesunglasses.com
- Solstice Benefits: www.solsticebenefits.com
- Call Your Bank or Credit Card Issuer: If unsure, your bank can help trace the charge and verify legitimacy.
What to Do If You Don’t Recognize the Solstice Charge
If verification doesn’t clarify the charge:
- Contact the Merchant: Attempt to confirm the purchase.
- Report to Your Card Issuer: Notify your bank immediately if the charge is unexplained.
- Request a New Card: To prevent further unauthorized use.
- Monitor Your Account: Watch for additional unusual charges.
How to Dispute a Solstice Credit Card Charge
Under the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA), you can dispute unauthorized or incorrect charges:
- Contact Your Credit Card Company: Initiate the dispute within 60 days of the statement.
- Provide Charge Details: Include merchant name, date, and amount.
- Submit Supporting Evidence: Attach receipts, emails, or screenshots.
- Issuer Investigation: Your card company will review your claim and may issue a temporary credit.
Tips to Prevent Unknown or Unauthorized Charges
- Enable Transaction Alerts: Get notifications for every charge via your bank’s app.
- Avoid Storing Card Info on Unsecured Sites: Only use trusted merchants.
- Check Statements Weekly: Early detection prevents larger losses.
- Use Virtual Cards for Online Purchases: Reduces risk of unauthorized charges.
- Report Lost or Stolen Cards Immediately: Quick action prevents potential fraud.
U.S. Consumer Protections You Should Know
- Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA): Protects consumers from unauthorized or incorrect charges.
- Zero Liability Policies: Most major U.S. credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, Discover) offer full protection for fraudulent transactions.
- Act Quickly: Promptly disputing charges increases the likelihood of resolution.
Read Also- Q Labs Inc Charge on Credit Card
FAQ About Solstice Charges
What is the Solstice charge on my credit card?
It may come from Solstice Sunglasses, Solstice Benefits, or another merchant using the Solstice name.
Is the Solstice charge legitimate or a scam?
It depends. Verify recent purchases or contact your card issuer.
How can I contact Solstice Benefits about a charge?
Visit www.solsticebenefits.com or call the customer support number on your plan.
What should I do if I didn’t authorize the charge?
Contact your card issuer and dispute it under the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA).
Can Solstice charges be recurring?
Yes, dental or insurance plans may auto-renew — check your plan details.
How long does it take to resolve a dispute?
Typically 30–90 days, depending on the card issuer’s investigation.
Conclusion
A Solstice charge on your credit card isn’t automatically a sign of fraud. It could be a legitimate payment for eyewear, dental benefits, or seasonal services. Always verify unfamiliar transactions, act quickly if fraud is suspected, and monitor your credit card regularly.
Emma Rose is a U.S.-based personal finance writer and a regular contributor at Cardix.us. She focuses on topics like credit cards, credit scores, and everyday money management. Emma’s writing makes complex financial concepts simple and practical, helping readers make smarter credit and spending decisions with confidence.
