Carfax

Automotive100% confidence

Carfax provides detailed vehicle history reports based on data from DMVs, service shops, insurance companies, and other sources to help consumers and dealers evaluate used cars.

Centreville, Virginia, USA
Owned by S&P Global

About Carfax

Carfax is a vehicle data company best known for its Carfax Vehicle History Reports, which compile information about a car’s past, including title history, reported accidents, service and maintenance records, odometer readings, and prior use (such as rental, fleet, or personal). Consumers typically purchase individual reports when shopping for used cars, while auto dealers and other businesses may use subscription or bulk-access products to run many reports. Carfax also offers used-car listings and tools to help shoppers identify vehicles with cleaner histories.

A Carfax charge on your card usually relates to purchasing one or more vehicle history reports through carfax.com, or to a dealer, lender, or business account using a subscription or package of reports. Individual buyers commonly see one-time charges for a single report or a multi-report package. Dealers and professionals may see recurring or usage-based charges tied to their Carfax for Dealers or business account plans. In some cases, a temporary authorization hold may appear when you first enter or update your payment method.

If you have questions about a Carfax charge, first check your email for a receipt from Carfax matching the date and amount on your statement, and review your Carfax account purchase history if you created an account at checkout. For dealership or business accounts, log into your Carfax for Dealers or Carfax business portal to see recent billing activity or invoices. If something doesn’t look right, you can contact Carfax customer support through their website or help center with your full name, email address used at purchase, and the last four digits of the card that was charged so they can locate the transaction and assist with refunds, corrections, or subscription changes.

Bank Statement Variations

1 known variations

These are the raw merchant codes that appear on bank and credit card statements that we've identified as belonging to Carfax.

  1. CARFAX INC

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was I charged by Carfax when I only remember viewing a listing?

Viewing used-car listings on Carfax is free, but if you clicked to purchase a Vehicle History Report, you may have completed a checkout for a single report or a report package. Check your email for a Carfax receipt around the date of the charge and sign in to your Carfax account (if created) to review your order history.

What are typical amounts Carfax charges for vehicle history reports?

Carfax typically charges a fixed price for a single Vehicle History Report and offers discounted bundles for multiple reports (for example, a multi-report package for shoppers comparing several vehicles). Pricing can change over time, so the exact amounts on your statement should match the current prices listed on carfax.com at the time of purchase.

Does Carfax have subscriptions that might cause recurring charges?

Most individual consumers pay one-time fees per report or report bundle, but dealerships and other automotive businesses often use Carfax on a subscription or volume-based plan that bills monthly or periodically. If you see recurring Carfax charges, confirm whether your dealership or business account is set up with an ongoing plan in your Carfax for Dealers or business portal.

How can I cancel a Carfax business or dealer billing plan?

For dealer or business accounts, log into your Carfax business portal or Carfax for Dealers account and go to the billing or account settings section to review your plan details. To change or cancel your plan, follow the provided instructions or contact your Carfax account representative or support through the dealer support contact links on carfax.com so future recurring charges can be stopped or adjusted.

How do I request a refund or dispute a Carfax charge I don’t recognize?

Start by locating any Carfax emails or invoices that match the charge, then contact Carfax customer support via the help or contact section on carfax.com, providing the date and amount of the transaction, the last four digits of the card, and any order numbers. They can investigate whether the charge is valid, associated with your email or business account, and advise on eligibility for a refund or billing correction.

Why do I see a small or temporary Carfax charge that later disappeared?

Carfax may place a small authorization hold or a temporary pre-authorization when you enter or update your payment card to verify it. This hold is not a completed charge and should automatically drop off your statement or move from “pending” to “removed” within a few days, depending on your bank’s processing time.

How can I get a copy of my Carfax receipt or invoice for expense records?

If you created an account or checked out with an email address, you should have received a confirmation email with your receipt. You can also log into your Carfax consumer or business account to view past purchases and download invoices. If you can’t find them, contact Carfax support with your account email and approximate purchase date so they can resend documentation.

Can someone else buying a report on my computer cause a Carfax charge on my card?

Yes, if your card details were saved in a browser or on a shared device, another person could unintentionally use your stored payment information to purchase a Carfax report. Check with household members and review your browser’s saved payment methods. If you still don’t recognize the charge, contact Carfax support and, if needed, your bank to report unauthorized use.

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