Noticed a mysterious “VIOC” charge on your bank statement and wondering what it means? You’re not alone—thousands of Americans see this abbreviation every month and don’t immediately recognize it. The good news: it’s almost certainly a legitimate charge from an automotive service you recently used.
What Is VIOC on My Bank Statement?
VIOC stands for Valvoline Instant Oil Change, one of the largest quick-lube chains in the United States with over 1,800 locations nationwide. When you see VIOC on your bank or credit card statement, it indicates a payment processed at a Valvoline service center for automotive maintenance services.
The charge typically appears as:
- VIOC (most common)
- VIOC Debit
- VIOC POS
- Valvoline Instant Oil Change
- VIOC [City Name] (e.g., VIOC HOUSTON, TX)
Common VIOC Charge Amounts
| Service Type | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Conventional Oil Change | $40 – $60 |
| Synthetic Blend Oil Change | $55 – $75 |
| Full Synthetic Oil Change | $75 – $100 |
| Tire Rotation | $20 – $40 |
| Air Filter Replacement | $15 – $50 |
| Transmission Fluid Service | $100 – $150 |
Prices vary by location and vehicle type.
Why Does My Statement Show VIOC Instead of Valvoline?
Banks and credit card processors use abbreviated merchant descriptors due to character limitations. “Valvoline Instant Oil Change” is too long for most statement displays, so it gets shortened to “VIOC”—the company’s official abbreviation.
If you’re having trouble tracking and identifying charges like VIOC across multiple bank accounts, YourBankStatementConverter.com can help. Our tool converts PDF bank statements into searchable Excel or CSV files, making it easy to search for “VIOC,” filter by amount, and organize all your automotive expenses in one place.
How to Verify a VIOC Charge Is Legitimate
If you don’t immediately recognize a VIOC charge, follow these steps:
- Check Your Calendar – Did you visit a Valvoline location recently? Oil changes typically take about 15 minutes, so it’s easy to forget.
- Look for Receipts – Check your email, glove compartment, or wallet for a Valvoline receipt.
- Ask Family Members – If you share a bank account or credit card, someone else may have visited Valvoline using your card.
- Match the Amount – Compare the charge to typical Valvoline pricing. A $45-$100 charge likely indicates an oil change service.
- Contact Valvoline – Call their customer service at 1-800-327-8242 with the charge date and amount for verification.
What to Do If You Don’t Recognize a VIOC Charge
If you’ve ruled out all legitimate explanations:
- Contact your bank immediately to report the suspicious charge
- Request a chargeback if the transaction was unauthorized
- Monitor your account for additional unfamiliar charges
- Consider freezing your card if you suspect fraud
Organizing your bank statements can help you spot unauthorized charges faster. Similar to how you might track streaming subscriptions like Hulu or payment apps like Venmo on your statement, keeping your automotive expenses organized prevents confusion.
VIOC Services That May Appear on Your Statement
Valvoline Instant Oil Change offers more than just oil changes. Your VIOC charge could be for:
- Oil changes (conventional, synthetic blend, full synthetic, high-mileage)
- Fluid services (transmission, coolant, brake, power steering)
- Battery replacement and testing
- Air filter and cabin filter replacement
- Wiper blade replacement
- Light bulb replacement
- Tire rotation
Understanding VIOC Bank Statement Charges: Key Takeaways
VIOC on your bank statement simply means you (or someone using your card) paid for automotive services at a Valvoline Instant Oil Change location. The charge is legitimate if it matches a recent service visit and falls within typical pricing ranges of $40 to $150 depending on services rendered.
To better manage and track recurring automotive expenses, maintenance subscriptions, and service charges across all your accounts, convert your PDF bank statements to Excel using YourBankStatementConverter.com. Search, filter, and organize all transactions—including VIOC charges—in seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VIOC a legitimate charge?
Yes, VIOC is a legitimate charge from Valvoline Instant Oil Change, a reputable automotive service chain operating over 1,800 locations across the United States since 1986.
Why was I charged by VIOC?
You were charged by VIOC because you or someone using your payment method received automotive services at a Valvoline Instant Oil Change location, such as an oil change, tire rotation, or fluid service.
How do I get a refund from Valvoline?
Contact Valvoline customer service at 1-800-327-8242 or visit the service center where you received the service. Bring your receipt and explain the issue. Refund policies vary by location.
Can I dispute a VIOC charge on my credit card?
Yes, if you believe a VIOC charge is fraudulent or unauthorized, contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to initiate a dispute and request a chargeback.
How often should I get an oil change at Valvoline?
Most vehicles require an oil change every 3,000-5,000 miles for conventional oil or 7,500-10,000 miles for full synthetic oil. Check your owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations.
Does Valvoline charge a subscription or recurring fee?
No, Valvoline does not charge recurring subscription fees. Each VIOC charge represents an individual service visit. However, some locations offer maintenance plans that may appear as periodic charges.
