A “Concept 2 CTS” charge on your credit or debit card statement is a payment to Concept2, Inc., the Vermont company that manufactures and sells indoor rowing machines, ski ergometers, and bike ergometers directly to consumers. In almost every case it reflects a one-time purchase of a machine or accessories from concept2.com, not a recurring subscription. If nobody in your household recognizes it, the fastest path to an answer is calling Concept2’s customer service line.
What the Charge Usually Represents
Concept2 is best known for the RowErg, which retails for $990. The company also sells the SkiErg at $850, the BikeErg at $1,100, and the StrengthErg at $1,350 to $1,500 depending on configuration.1Concept2. RowErg Product Page Shipping runs between $55 and $250 depending on destination, and sales tax is added on top. Because these are large-ticket items, a Concept2 charge is usually a single sizeable amount. A smaller charge often points to an accessory or replacement part.
Concept2 does not run a paid subscription service. Its ErgData app and online workout logbook are free.2Concept2. ErgData A recurring monthly charge in Concept2’s name would be unusual and worth investigating as a possible error or unauthorized transaction.
Why the Descriptor Reads “CTS”
Card statements shorten and truncate merchant names, and “CTS” alongside “Concept 2” or “Concept2” is a shortened form of the company’s billing descriptor. The same three letters turn up in unrelated contexts, such as centralized travel-card programs at some universities and state agencies, but when the descriptor also carries the Concept2 name, it points to the rowing-equipment company.
How to Identify an Unfamiliar Charge
Before opening a formal dispute, work through a few quick checks:
- Ask anyone with access to the card. A spouse, family member, or authorized user may have ordered a machine, parts, or accessories.
- Match the amount. A figure near $990, $850, $1,100, or $1,350 to $1,500 (plus tax and shipping) lines up with one of Concept2’s machines. Smaller amounts usually mean an accessory.
- Call Concept2. Customer service can look up transactions by card number or order details at 800-245-5676, Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, or by email at rowing@concept2.com.3Concept2. Contact Us
Returning a Recent Purchase
If the charge is yours but you want the equipment back off your card, Concept2 accepts returns from U.S. and Canadian customers who bought directly from the factory within 30 days of shipment. The item must be in original condition, and you pay return shipping and bear the risk of loss in transit.4Concept2. Terms and Conditions Call 800-245-5676 first to get a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number; nothing should ship back without one. Refunds are typically processed within five business days of Concept2 receiving the return and are credited to the original payment method.5Concept2 Help Center. Do You Have a Return Policy Original shipping and handling is not refunded, and the policy covers factory-direct sales only. Purchases from third-party retailers follow those retailers’ rules.
Disputing an Unauthorized Charge
If the charge is not yours and Concept2 cannot resolve it, federal law gives you a formal dispute route. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you can dispute a billing error by sending written notice to your card issuer’s billing-inquiry address within 60 days of the statement containing the charge.6Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. How Do I Dispute a Charge on My Credit Card Bill Include your name, account number, and a description of the disputed charge, with copies of any supporting documents.
The issuer must acknowledge the dispute in writing within 30 days and resolve it within two billing cycles, up to 90 days.7Federal Trade Commission. Using Credit Cards and Disputing Charges You can withhold payment on the disputed amount during the investigation without being reported delinquent, but you still owe the rest of the bill. Federal law caps liability for unauthorized credit card charges at $50, and many issuers waive that under zero-liability policies.
If the charge hit a debit card instead of a credit card, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act governs, and the protections are different. Because the money has already left your account, call the bank as soon as you spot the charge.