Short changed on foreign currency refunds

[Daver6]

Noticed a hotel I stayed at in the US put an extra charge on my Amex card in error and provided a credit for the same amount back in USD. However, in AUD it's almost $60 less, obviously due to some fee not being refunded.

I'm still overseas so contacted Amex via their online chat. In short, too bad, bad luck attitude. Given I didn't authorise the second charge, how can it be that I'm out of pocket? Amex tell me to contact the merchant, but I don't see how it's their issue either. They've refunded the full amount.

I'll probably just try calling Amex when I'm back home. Otherwise perhaps dispute the original charge as unauthorised. Failing that, there's always AFCA.

What's others experiences and thoughts on this nonsense?

 

[Cynicor]

I'd go to AFCA. You've made your complaint, don't waste your time on amex further

 

[levelnine]

How much is the fee as a percentage of the charge?

In the US, Amex takes about a 0.5-1% spread on their foreign transactions even if it is foreign transaction fee free, so that means if you get charged and refunded, you lose 1-2%. In other words, it may not be a fee, but instead their unfavourable foreign currency conversion process.

 

[Coops1]

Had played the game of using the ANZ as collateral, and even with specific direct instructions the hotel managed to put the charge through, instead of on 28 Degrees

Refund of near $2000 and ~$60 bank currency conversion fee. ANZ goodwill refunded the extra $60. Its nothing to do with the merchant at the end of the day, even with an incorrect charge.

I am presuming this is very common, and surprised there is not a definitive process to say the charge is valid or just a bit of goodwill if you complain