Have you received a CPC or SCP charge on your credit card, and you aren’t sure what it means?
Canada Post serves more than 16.7 million addresses five days a week and offers international and domestic services.
Because of its wide-ranging operations, when a customer makes a purchase with their credit card through Canada Post, a CPC/SCP charge will show up on their statement.
What Is CPC/SCP?
Canada Post Corporation is the postal service provider in Canada. The abbreviations CPC/SCP stand for Canada Post Corporation/Societe Canadienne des Postes.
This postal service organization was formed in 1867 and covers the business, commercial, and private sectors.
Why Does a CPC/SCP Charge Show Up?
If you want to ship a package or buy supplies from Canada Post with your credit card, you’ll end up with a charge from CPC/SCP. Don’t worry; it isn’t a scam and is a legitimate charge.
Every retailer or business entity will have a merchant category code (MCC) assigned to them. CPC/SCP is the code for Canada Post.
Clarification on Specific CPC/SCP Codes
For those unfamiliar with banking terminologies, seeing different transaction descriptions alongside the CPC/SCP code can be confusing. Below is a table detailing what each of these terms means:
| Transaction Description | Explanation |
| CPC/SCP #0271187 | Standard charge from Canada Post Corporation with the specific code 0271187. |
| CHKCARD CPC/SCP #0271187 | The charge was made using a check card, which is similar to a debit card, from Canada Post. |
| POS DEBIT CPC/SCP #0271187 | A Point of Sale (POS) debit transaction was made, indicating an immediate deduction of funds. |
| POS PUR CPC/SCP #0271187 | A purchase was made at a POS terminal using the specified code. |
| POS PURCH CPC/SCP #0271187 | Another abbreviation indicating a purchase at a POS terminal. |
| POS PURCHASE CPC/SCP #0271187 | An extended version, once again highlighting a POS purchase. |
| POS REFUND CPC/SCP #0271187 | A refund was processed at a POS terminal using the mentioned code, indicating funds returned. |
| PRE-AUTH CPC/SCP #0271187 | A pre-authorization was made, reserving a specific amount before the actual transaction occurs. |
| PENDING CPC/SCP #0271187 | The transaction with the specified code is pending, meaning it has not yet fully processed. |
| VISA CHECK CARD CPC/SCP #0271187 | The transaction was made using a Visa-branded check card at Canada Post with the given code. |
The Basics of Canada Post
Initially formed as the Royal Mail of Canada, the postal service was a part of the government until the 1980s. To separate itself and showcase its own financial independence and security, part of the rebranding meant changing the name to Canada Post.
Today, Canada Post serves nearly 17 million addresses with affordable rates and reliable delivery. There are over 6,200 post offices throughout the country, with many located in corporate offices or private franchises.
You can mail letters and packages through the service, but shipping prices will vary based on the parcel’s weight and its destination location.
In addition to mailing your packages, Canada Post can help you keep track of them through their free tracking service. You can use your email, phone, or the company’s website to keep tabs on your parcels.
If you use Priority Mail or Flat Rate Boxes, you’ll automatically get assigned tracking via a reference number or delivery notice card.
Understanding the Possible Scam
Although the CPC/SCP code is legitimate, you must cross-verify any charges you don’t recognize. Fraudsters have become sophisticated and may mask their transactions under seemingly genuine MCC codes. If you spot a CPC/SCP charge that you can’t account for, it’s crucial to investigate it further to rule out any possibility of fraudulent activity.
How Shipping and Customs Impact Charges
If you’re shipping items internationally via Canada Post, you’ll also need to be mindful of duties and customs charges. These may or may not be calculated at the time of your initial payment. Often, customs fees appear as separate charges and may also be billed as CPC/SCP, which can be confusing if you’re not expecting additional costs.
Miscellaneous Charges and Fees
Apart from regular shipping fees, your CPC/SCP charges might include various additional costs. For example, if you’re using money transfer services or availing yourself of MyMoney Loans through Canada Post, the charges for these services will also reflect in your statement under the same MCC code, CPC/SCP.
Steps to Dispute Unrecognized Charges
- Begin by reviewing your receipts and online account to see if the charge aligns with any recent Canada Post activities.
- If the charge remains unclear, contact Canada Post’s customer service for detailed information.
- For further insights, cross-reference the charge with your bank statement.
- If the issue remains unresolved, initiate a charge dispute with your credit card company.
- Stay vigilant and monitor any updates or changes in your account after raising the dispute.
- Regularly follow up on your dispute to stay informed on its progress.
Does Canada Post Ship Internationally?
Not only will Canada Post deliver to the United States, but they’ll also ship to more than 190 countries worldwide.
Whether you’re shipping personal items or business products, there are things you can do to save time. First, you can fill out a customs form before heading to the post office. You’ll need this to meet regulation and security standards.
Next up are custom codes. You’ll need to know a code for each item you ship. Codes by item description are located on Canada Post’s website.
Finally, before sending your parcel internationally, you can get an estimate of the duties and taxes at your destination.
Other Services Available
Not only will Canada Post send and deliver domestic and international mail, but they provide other services to their customers.
You can send, manage, and borrow money with a variety of options. Here’s how it works.
- Send money or pay bills through money order or Money Gram, an electronic money transfer service.
- Manage your money and what you spend with reloadable prepaid cards, giving you the control to keep an eye on your purchases.
- Canada Post, in combination with TD, offers MyMoney Loans, affordable personal loans for Canadians. You have a choice of variable or fixed interest rate loans up to $30,000 with flexible repayment terms.
- Looking for a quick gift idea? Stop in your local post office to browse the wide selection of gift cards available from your favourite retailers.
FAQs
How do I contact CPC/SCP customer service?
You can reach out to Canada Post customer service via their official website: www.canadapost.ca. For phone inquiries, you can call their helpline at 1-866-607-6301.
What is the difference between CPC and SCP charges on my credit card?
CPC stands for Canada Post Corporation, while SCP is its French abbreviation, Societe Canadienne des Postes. They both represent charges from Canada Post.
How can I prevent CPC/SCP charges from appearing on my credit card statement in the future?
To prevent future CPC/SCP charges, avoid using your credit card for Canada Post transactions or opt for alternative payment methods when using their services.
Final Thoughts
Using your credit card at Canada Post will mean a CPC/SPC charge will show up on your statement. However, don’t just assume Canada Post delivers mail, and that’s it.
They offer several services besides shipping and delivery, including money transfers, personal loans, and reloadable gift cards.
Looking for more information on Canadian postal rates? Check out my recent article for all the latest information.
