How Do You Dispute a Credit Card Charge?
If you see a credit card charge that you believe is incorrect, unauthorized or related to a purchase problem, you may be able to dispute it with your credit card issuer. The right first step depends on what happened, so it is important to review the transaction, gather your records and understand whether you should contact the merchant or your card issuer.
What Is a Credit Card Dispute?
A credit card dispute is a process for questioning a charge on your account. Depending on the situation, a dispute may involve an unauthorized transaction, an incorrect amount, a duplicate charge, merchandise or services you did not receive, or another billing problem. Your card issuer reviews the dispute and determines how it should be handled.
What Types of Credit Card Charges Can You Dispute?
You may have reason to dispute a charge if you did not authorize it, were charged the wrong amount, were charged more than once for the same purchase, did not receive something you paid for or believe there is another billing error. The dispute process and your rights can depend on the circumstances.
Should You Contact the Merchant Before Disputing a Charge?
For a purchase you recognize, contacting the merchant first can sometimes resolve the problem quickly. The merchant may be able to correct an incorrect charge, issue a refund or explain the transaction. If you do not recognize the charge or suspect fraud, contact your card issuer promptly instead.
What Is the Difference Between a Refund and a Credit Card Dispute
A refund is generally issued voluntarily by a merchant, while a dispute asks your credit card issuer to investigate a charge. If a merchant has already agreed to refund your purchase, you may simply need to allow time for the refund to process rather than immediately opening a dispute.
How Do You Start a Credit Card Dispute?
Start by reviewing the transaction and gathering any receipts, emails, order confirmations or other information related to the purchase. Contact your credit card issuer using its available dispute process, explain why you believe the charge is incorrect and provide any requested documentation.
How Long Do You Have to Dispute a Credit Card Charge?
The amount of time you have to dispute a credit card charge can depend on the type of problem and the protections that apply. Some billing-error protections have specific deadlines, so review your statement promptly and contact your card issuer as soon as you notice a problem rather than waiting.
What Information Do You Need for a Credit Card Dispute?
Your card issuer may ask for the transaction date, merchant name, amount charged and an explanation of why you believe the charge is incorrect. Receipts, emails, cancellation confirmations, return records and communications with the merchant can also help document what happened.
What Happens After You Dispute a Credit Card Charge?
Your card issuer generally reviews the information you provide and may contact the merchant or payment network as part of its investigation. You may receive updates while the dispute is being reviewed, and the issuer will ultimately notify you of the outcome.
What Is a Temporary Credit During a Dispute?
In some cases, your card issuer may temporarily credit the disputed amount back to your account while it investigates. This does not necessarily mean the dispute has been decided in your favor. If the issuer later determines that the charge is valid, the temporary credit may be reversed.
Do You Have to Pay a Disputed Credit Card Charge?
How a disputed amount is handled while an investigation is underway can depend on the type of dispute and your card issuer’s procedures. Continue paying any undisputed amounts that are due, and follow the instructions provided by your issuer regarding the disputed charge.
How Long Does a Credit Card Dispute Take?
The time required to resolve a credit card dispute can vary depending on the type of issue, the information available and whether the merchant responds. Some disputes may be resolved relatively quickly, while others can take several weeks or longer to investigate.
What Happens if Your Credit Card Dispute Is Approved?
If your dispute is resolved in your favor, the disputed charge is generally removed or credited back to your account. Any temporary credit you received during the investigation may become permanent, depending on how your issuer handled the dispute.
What Happens if Your Credit Card Dispute Is Denied?
If the issuer determines that the charge is valid, you may remain responsible for the disputed amount. Review the issuer’s explanation carefully along with any supporting information, and contact the issuer if you have questions about the decision or available next steps
Can a Credit Card Dispute Affect Your Credit Score?
Filing a credit card dispute does not by itself mean your credit score will change. However, you should continue making any required payments on undisputed balances while the dispute is being reviewed. Missing required payments could affect your account and potentially your credit.
Can You Dispute a Pending Credit Card Charge?
Many card issuers require a transaction to post before a standard dispute can be opened. If you see a pending transaction you do not recognize, however, you should not ignore it. Contact your card issuer promptly to find out what steps it recommends.
What Should You Do if You Don’t Recognize a Credit Card Charge?
First, review the merchant name, transaction date and amount because the name shown on your statement may be different from the business name you recognize. If you still do not recognize the transaction, contact your card issuer promptly so it can help determine whether the charge may be unauthorized.
What Records Should You Keep During a Credit Card Dispute?
Keep copies of receipts, order confirmations, return or cancellation records, emails and other communications with the merchant. Also keep any confirmation numbers or messages from your card issuer related to the dispute until the issue is completely resolved.
Bottom Line
A credit card dispute can help you address an unauthorized transaction, billing error or unresolved purchase problem. Review your statements regularly, keep documentation and act promptly when something looks wrong. For purchases you recognize, contacting the merchant first may resolve the issue, while suspected unauthorized charges should be reported to your card issuer promptly.