A “Famous Player Montreal” charge on your credit card or bank statement is almost certainly a purchase at a Cineplex movie theatre in the Montreal area that used to belong to the Famous Players chain. It can be a one-time ticket or concession charge, or a recurring CineClub subscription fee. The Famous Players name lingers in some payment systems even though the brand was retired years ago, which is why the descriptor looks unfamiliar.
Why the Old Name Still Shows Up
Cineplex Galaxy Income Fund bought the Famous Players theatre business from Viacom Inc. in July 2005 for $500 million, creating the largest movie-theatre company in Canada.1Cineplex. Cineplex Galaxy Completes Acquisition of Famous Players Two decades on, the corporate entity “Famous Players Co.” still exists inside the Cineplex structure as the general partner of “Famous Players Limited Partnership.” That legal entity is likely the merchant of record for some transactions, so statements read “Famous Player” or “Famous Players” instead of “Cineplex.” The Famous Players brand itself is no longer marketed to the public.2Cineplex. Cineplex 2024 Annual Information Form
At least one Montreal-area theatre still carries an internal “FP” prefix in Cineplex’s own location records: the FP Carrefour Angrignon in LaSalle, a 10-screen location.3Cineplex Media. Cineplex Cinema Location List Other Montreal-area Cineplex theatres that were originally Famous Players locations may also process payments under the legacy name.
Visa’s merchant data rules require the descriptor on your statement to match the name you’re most likely to recognize, and to stay consistent across transactions.4Visa. Visa Merchant Data Standards Manual When an acquired business doesn’t fully update its payment processing, the old name sticks. That’s what’s happening here.
What “QPS” Means in the Same Line
You may see “QPS” alongside the merchant name. QPS is Mastercard’s Quick Payment Service, a program that speeds up high-volume checkouts at places like theatres and fast-food restaurants by dropping the signature requirement.5emerchantpay. Quick Payment Service (QPS) It’s not a sign of anything wrong with the charge.
If the Charge Repeats Every Month
A recurring Famous Player charge is most likely a CineClub membership, Cineplex’s subscription program. As of mid-2026, CineClub costs $10.99 per month or $120.89 per year, and it renews automatically.6Yahoo Finance Canada. Cineplex Raises Price of CineClub Memberships
To cancel, log into your account at cineplex.com or through the Cineplex mobile app. Cancellation has to be completed at least one day before the end of the current billing period to avoid the next charge. Monthly memberships are generally non-refundable. Annual members who cancel within 30 days of their renewal date can get a refund for the remaining 11 months by contacting Cineplex Guest Services within 120 days of cancellation.7Cineplex. CineClub Terms and Conditions
If You Don’t Recognize the Charge
Start with Cineplex. Guest Services can look up the transaction details, tell you the location and time, and refund the charge if it was made in error. If nobody in your household made the purchase and Cineplex can’t resolve it, take the dispute to your card issuer. The procedure depends on where you bank.
Canadian Cardholders
At federally regulated Canadian banks, liability for unauthorized credit card charges is capped at $50, provided you haven’t been grossly negligent in protecting your card and PIN. In Quebec, that standard is called “gross fault.” Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Interac have all committed to zero-liability policies for unauthorized use when the cardholder has taken reasonable care.8Government of Canada. Protection Against Unauthorized Transactions
Quebec consumers have an added route through the Office de la protection du consommateur. If a merchant fails to provide a refund within 15 days of a cancellation, you can submit a written chargeback request to your credit card issuer within 60 days. The issuer must acknowledge receipt within 30 days and credit the account within 90 days or two complete statement periods, whichever is shorter.9Office de la protection du consommateur. Cancelling and Refund
U.S. Cardholders
Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, your liability for unauthorized credit card charges is limited to $50, and you owe nothing for charges made after you report a card stolen.10Discover. Fair Credit Billing Act To formally dispute a billing error, send written notice to your card issuer within 60 days of the statement date. Include your name, account number, the disputed amount, and an explanation of the error.11Federal Trade Commission. Using Credit Cards and Disputing Charges The issuer must acknowledge the dispute within 30 days and resolve it within 90 days.12Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. How Do I Dispute a Charge on My Credit Card Bill
While the investigation is open, you can withhold payment on the disputed amount. The issuer cannot close or restrict your account, report you as delinquent on the disputed charge, or sue to collect it during that time.11Federal Trade Commission. Using Credit Cards and Disputing Charges If the charge turns out to be legitimate, the issuer has to explain its findings in writing and give you a payment deadline. You can appeal in writing and file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.12Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. How Do I Dispute a Charge on My Credit Card Bill
If You Think Your Card Is Compromised
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency recommends contacting your card issuer immediately to block the card, setting up real-time transaction alerts, filing a report with local law enforcement, and placing a fraud alert with one of the three major credit bureaus.13Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Credit Card and Debit Card Fraud