Have you ever checked your credit card statement and spotted a mysterious AGI Protection Plan charge on credit card? It can be confusing at first.
Many people see it and wonder if it’s a scam or something they forgot about. In this post, we’ll break it down step by step.
Table of Contents
What Is the AGI Protection Plan?
AGI stands for Assurant Group or similar terms in billing. Assurant is a big company that provides protection plans for things like phones, appliances, and even homes.
They partner with retailers and service providers to offer these plans.
For example, if you bought a new fridge at Lowe’s and added a protection plan, the monthly fee might show as AGI*LOWES PROTECT PLAN.
The same goes for other stores or services. Assurant handles the backend, so their code “AGI” pops up on your statement.
These plans cover repairs, replacements, or insurance against damage. They can be handy if something breaks. But the charge name isn’t always clear, which leads to questions.
Think about your recent purchases. Did you buy electronics, sign up for phone insurance, or get renters coverage? That’s often where AGI comes in.
Common Types of AGI Charges on Credit Cards
AGI charges vary based on what you bought.
Here are some frequent ones:
- Device Protection Plans: These cover smartphones or tablets. For T-Mobile customers, it might appear as AGI TMO Service Fee. This is for phone insurance against loss or damage.
- Appliance or Electronics Warranties: From stores like Best Buy or Lowe’s. Look for AGIBESTBUY or AGILOWES PROTECT PLAN. These are extended warranties for items like TVs or washers.
- Renters or Condo Insurance: If you have home insurance through partners, it could show as AGI*RENTERS/CONDO INS. This covers personal belongings in a rental.
To make it easier, here’s a small table of examples:
| Charge Description | Likely Source | Typical Amount |
|---|---|---|
| AGI*LOWES PROTECT PLAN | Lowe’s appliance warranty | $5-20/month |
| AGI*BESTBUY.CA | Best Buy Geek Squad plan | $10-30/month |
| AGI TMO Service Fee | T-Mobile device insurance | $15-18/month |
| AGI*RENTERS/CONDO INS | Renters insurance policy | $10-25/month |
This table shows just a few. Your exact charge might differ based on your plan.
Why Does the AGI Protection Plan Charge Appear?
Most times, this charge is from a plan you agreed to. When you buy something, the salesperson might offer a protection option. You say yes, and it gets added to your credit card.
These plans often bill monthly. That’s why the charge keeps coming back. It could be an auto-renewal from last year. Or maybe it’s a delayed billing from a purchase.
Sometimes, it’s tied to a subscription. For instance, if you have T-Mobile phone protection, AGI handles the fee. Check your account with the original provider to see details.
Ask yourself: When was the last time I bought something with an add-on warranty? That might jog your memory.
Is the AGI Charge a Scam or Legitimate?
Good news: Most AGI charges are legit. They come from real companies like Assurant. But fraud happens too. Scammers can mimic names to slip in fake charges.
How can you tell? Look at the amount. Legit ones are usually small and regular, like $10 to $30. If it’s huge or one-time, investigate.
Also, check the phone number on the charge. Many include 866-866-6285 for T-Mobile or 800-370-1990 for insurance. Call them to verify.
People on forums like Reddit report unauthorized AGI charges. In some cases, it’s a mix-up. In others, it’s fraud. Always double-check.
If it’s legit, great. If not, act fast to dispute it.
How to Verify an AGI Charge on Your Statement
Don’t panic if you see it.
Follow these steps to confirm:
- Review your recent receipts. Look for any protection plan mentions.
- Log into your credit card app. See the full description and date.
- Contact the merchant. For Best Buy, call Geek Squad. For Lowe’s, check your account.
- Call Assurant directly. Their customer service can explain the charge.
- Use online tools. Sites like WhatsThisCharge.com list common AGI entries.
Taking these steps usually clears things up quickly.
What to Do If the Charge Is Unauthorized
Suppose you didn’t sign up for anything. It could be an error or fraud.
Here’s what to do:
- Dispute with your bank. Most cards let you flag charges online.
- Freeze your card if needed. This stops more fees.
- Report to Assurant. They might cancel if it’s their plan.
- Monitor your statement. Watch for similar charges.
In many cases, banks refund disputed amounts fast. Just provide details.
One user on Reddit shared how they disputed an AGI*LOWES charge and got it removed. It turned out to be a billing mistake.
Tips to Avoid Surprise AGI Charges in the Future
Prevention is key.
Here are some ideas:
- Read fine print when buying. Ask about billing for add-ons.
- Set calendar reminders for renewals. Cancel if you don’t need it.
- Use virtual cards for subscriptions. Some banks offer them.
- Check statements monthly. Catch issues early.
- Opt out of auto-renewals where possible.
These habits keep your finances tidy.
How to Cancel an AGI Protection Plan
Ready to stop the charge? It’s straightforward.
First, identify the source. If it’s T-Mobile, log into your account and remove device protection.
For Best Buy, contact Geek Squad. They’ll need your plan number.
For renters insurance, call the number on the charge.
Assurant has a portal for some plans. Visit their site and follow cancel steps.
Expect a prorated refund if applicable. It might take a billing cycle.
Benefits of Keeping an AGI Protection Plan
Not all charges are bad. These plans can save money.
For example, phone insurance covers costly repairs. Appliance plans fix breakdowns without big bills.
Weigh the cost versus risk. If you have expensive gadgets, it might be worth it.
Many users say the peace of mind is valuable.
FAQs: AGI Protection Plan Charge on Credit Card
Q. What does AGI stand for in credit card charges?
A. AGI typically refers to Assurant Global or a similar billing code used by Assurant for their insurance and protection services.
Q. How do I contact AGI for help with a charge?
A. Look for the phone number on your statement, like 866-866-6285 for T-Mobile plans or 800-370-1990 for insurance. You can also visit Assurant’s website for support.
Q. Can I get a refund if the AGI charge is unauthorized?
A. Yes, dispute it with your credit card company. They often refund while investigating, especially for fraud.
Conclusion
Seeing an AGI protection plan charge on credit card can be puzzling, but now you know it’s often from legitimate services like device or home protection. Check your purchases, verify the details, and act if needed.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not financial or legal advice. Consult your bank or a professional for specific situations.
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