How do I dispute a charge on my credit card in U.S.?
Learn how to dispute a credit card charge in the U.S. Discover the best ways to file a dispute, understand your rights, and get a refund for unauthorized or incorrect charges.
Disputing a charge on your credit card in the U.S. is a legal right under the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) and your card issuer’s policies. You can dispute unauthorized transactions, billing errors, or charges for goods/services not received. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to handle a credit card dispute successfully.
1. Understand Valid Reasons for a Dispute
Not all disputes qualify for a chargeback. Here are the most common valid reasons:
Unauthorized or fraudulent charges – If someone made a purchase without your permission. Billing errors – Incorrect amounts, duplicate charges, or charges you never made. Canceled subscriptions or memberships – You were charged after canceling. Goods or services not received – The merchant charged you, but you never got what you paid for. Defective or misrepresented products – You received something different than what was advertised. Refund not received – The merchant promised a refund but never issued it.
Invalid reasons for a dispute:- Buyer’s remorse (simply changing your mind about a purchase).
- A dispute filed too late (most issuers have a 60-day limit).
- Disputing a charge without first trying to resolve it with the merchant.
2. Review Your Statement and Gather Evidence
Before filing a dispute, do the following:✔ Double-check the charge – Ensure it wasn’t a recurring charge, family member’s purchase, or pending authorization.
✔ Contact the merchant (recommended but not required) – Many businesses will refund a charge without needing a formal dispute.
✔ Collect proof – Gather receipts, emails, shipping confirmations, cancellation notices, or any other evidence supporting your claim.
3. Contact the Merchant (Recommended First Step)
If you recognize the merchant but believe the charge is incorrect, it’s best to contact them directly before filing a dispute.- Explain the issue and request a refund.
- Ask for a written confirmation of any resolution.
- If the merchant refuses or ignores your request, proceed with a dispute.
4. File a Dispute with Your Credit Card Issuer
If the merchant does not resolve the issue, dispute the charge directly with your credit card company.How to File a Dispute?
Most card issuers allow disputes through:- Online banking or mobile app (fastest option)
- Phone call (number on the back of your card)
- Mail (for formal written disputes)
What to Include in Your Dispute?
- Your name and credit card account number
- Details of the disputed transaction (date, merchant name, amount)
- Reason for the dispute (e.g., unauthorized charge, incorrect amount, product not received)
- Supporting documents (emails, receipts, delivery tracking, refund requests)
5. Investigation Process & Temporary Credit
- Once you submit a dispute, the bank may issue a temporary credit to your account while they investigate.
- The credit card company contacts the merchant to verify the details.
- By law, issuers must resolve the dispute within two billing cycles (maximum 90 days).
Possible Outcomes:
Dispute approved – The charge is permanently removed from your account. Dispute denied – The charge remains, and you may be responsible for payment.6. If Your Dispute is Denied
If your credit card issuer rejects your claim:
Ask for an explanation – Request written reasoning for the denial.
Provide additional evidence – If possible, submit more proof and appeal the decision.
File a complaint with:- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) – www.consumerfinance.gov
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – www.ftc.gov
- Your state attorney general’s office
7. How Long Do You Have to Dispute a Charge?
- Under the FCBA, you must dispute a charge within 60 days of receiving your billing statement.
- For fraudulent charges, some banks allow up to 120 days.
8. Dispute Timeframes by Major Credit Card Issuers
Each issuer has slightly different dispute policies:American Express – File within 60 days; typically resolved within 30 days.
Chase – File within 60 days; disputes take 30–60 days.
Capital One – File within 60 days; resolution in 30–90 days.
Citi – File within 60 days; decision usually within 60 days.
Discover – File within 60 days; temporary credit issued quickly.
Bank of America – File within 60 days; most disputes resolved in 45–60 days.
Key Takeaways
✔ Always check your statement for errors.✔ Try to resolve the issue with the merchant first.
✔ File a dispute within 60 days of the charge appearing.
✔ Keep evidence to support your claim.
✔ If denied, escalate your case to the CFPB or FTC.