Credit Card Dispute Guide

Dispute a Credit Card Charge

Free tool checks your rights under federal consumer protection law

So, What Is a Chargeback?

A chargeback is when your bank reverses a charge on your card and puts the money back in your account.

If something went wrong — you didn't authorize it, never received it, or got charged after canceling — your bank can get your money back from the seller. It's your legal right, and consumers win about 75% of the time.

How it works

Card Alert

Visa •••• 4242

Just now

New charge

−$120.00

ONLINE STORE INC

Does this sound like you?

Pick the one closest to your situation

How our tool works

📱

Tell us what happened

2 min, 6 simple questions

🔍

We analyze your case

Instant AI analysis

💰

Get your action plan

No signup needed

🛡️FCBA Protected

🆓100% Free

🔒No Login Required

⚡Results in 2 Min

Situation

Details

Status

Evidence

Diagnosis

Next Steps

What happened?

Select the option that best describes your situation

Learn

What Is a Chargeback?

A chargeback is a reversal of a credit or debit card transaction, initiated by your bank on your behalf. It's a consumer protection mechanism that lets you dispute charges that are unauthorized, fraudulent, or for goods/services you never received.

When you file a chargeback, your bank temporarily credits your account while they investigate. The merchant then has to prove the charge was legitimate — if they can't, the reversal becomes permanent and you keep your money.

Key fact

According to Mastercard's 2025 report, card issuers side with consumers in about 75% of chargeback disputes.

Your Rights

What the Law Says

Fair Credit Billing Act

Credit Cards

✓60 days to file a dispute from your statement date
✓Maximum $50 liability for unauthorized charges
✓Bank must respond within 30 days
✓Must resolve within 2 billing cycles (max 90 days)
✓You don't pay the disputed amount during investigation

Regulation E (EFTA)

Debit Cards

✓Report within 2 days: max $50 liability
✓Report within 60 days: max $500 liability
✓After 60 days: potentially unlimited liability
✓Weaker protection than credit cards
✓Bank must investigate within 10 business days

Pro tip

Credit cards have much stronger consumer protections than debit cards. Whenever possible, use a credit card for purchases — and if you need to dispute, always dispute through the credit card.

Process

How the Dispute Process Works

Contact the Merchant

Day 1

Reach out via email or phone. Document everything. Most banks require this as a first step.

File a Dispute with Your Bank

Within 60 days

Call the number on your card or use your bank's online portal. Reference the Fair Credit Billing Act.

Send a Written Dispute Letter

Within 60 days of statement

Mail a formal letter to your card issuer. Send certified mail and keep copies.

Bank Investigates

30–90 days

Your bank reviews the evidence and contacts the merchant. You don't pay the disputed amount during this time.

Resolution

Final

The charge is reversed (you win) or upheld. If denied, you can appeal or file a CFPB complaint.

Scenarios

Common Dispute Scenarios

🛡️

Unauthorized Charge

~75%

Someone used your card without permission. Strong legal protections make these highly successful.

📦

Never Received

~70%

You paid but the item never arrived or service was never provided.

⚠️

Not As Described

~55%

What you received doesn't match the listing — wrong item, defective, or damaged.

🔄

Canceled, Still Charged

~65%

You canceled a subscription but the charges keep coming.

✌️

Duplicate Charge

~80%

Charged twice for the same purchase. Usually the easiest to prove and win.

💲

Wrong Amount

~70%

The charge amount doesn't match what you agreed to pay.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Will filing a dispute affect my credit score?

No. Filing a dispute is a consumer right under federal law and does not appear on your credit report or affect your credit score.

How long does a dispute take?

Most disputes are resolved within 1-2 billing cycles (30-60 days). Your bank has a maximum of 90 days to resolve it. During this time, you don't have to pay the disputed amount.

What if my dispute is denied?

You can file an appeal with additional evidence, file a complaint with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint (banks must respond within 15 days), or consider small claims court for larger amounts.

Should I contact the merchant first?

Yes, most banks require that you attempt to resolve the issue with the merchant before filing a formal dispute. Keep records of all communication — it strengthens your case.

Can the merchant fight back after I win?

In some cases, a merchant can submit a 'second presentment' to challenge the reversal, but this is uncommon for consumer disputes and rarely succeeds.

Is there a deadline to file?

For credit cards, you have 60 days from your statement date under the FCBA. For debit cards, report within 2 business days for maximum protection. The sooner you act, the better.

Ready to check your case?

Our free diagnostic tool takes less than 2 minutes