Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney in your area.
Credit cards offer powerful consumer protections that many people don't fully utilize. Whether you're dealing with fraud, a merchant dispute, or billing errors, understanding the chargeback process can help you recover your money. Learn more about your credit card rights from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's credit card resources.
60-Day Rule: Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you generally have 60 days from the statement date to dispute charges. Act quickly to preserve your rights.
Types of Credit Card Disputes
Unauthorized Transactions
- Fraudulent charges you didn't make
- Card theft or skimming
- Account hacking
- Family member misuse
Billing Errors
- Incorrect amount charged
- Duplicate charges
- Charges for items not received
- Mathematical errors
- Charges on wrong account
Merchant Disputes
- Item not as described
- Service not rendered
- Defective merchandise
- Cancelled subscription still billing
- Refund promised but not processed
Your Legal Rights
Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA)
Federal law protects you from:
- Billing errors must be corrected
- Maximum $50 liability for unauthorized charges
- Most issuers offer $0 liability as policy
- Issuer must investigate disputed charges
- Cannot collect disputed amount during investigation
Additional Card Protections
- Purchase protection (damage/theft)
- Extended warranty coverage
- Price protection (some cards)
- Return protection
Debit vs. Credit: Debit cards have weaker protections. Liability can be $500+ if not reported within 2 days. Always prefer credit for purchases when possible.
How to File a Dispute
Step 1: Try the Merchant First
For merchant disputes (not fraud):
- Contact merchant customer service
- Request refund or resolution
- Document your attempt
- This strengthens your dispute case
Step 2: Contact Your Card Issuer
- Call number on back of card
- Explain the dispute clearly
- Get reference number
- Ask about provisional credit
Step 3: Submit Written Dispute
Within 60 days, send written notice:
- Your name and account number
- Description of the error
- Amount and date of charge
- Why you believe it's an error
- Supporting documentation
Step 4: Investigation Period
- Issuer must acknowledge within 30 days
- Must resolve within 2 billing cycles (max 90 days)
- Cannot collect disputed amount during investigation
- Cannot report as delinquent to credit bureaus
Strengthening Your Dispute
Documentation to Provide
- Receipts or order confirmations
- Photos of defective items
- Correspondence with merchant
- Shipping/tracking information
- Return receipts
- Screenshots of product listings
Effective Dispute Language
- Be specific about dates and amounts
- Explain what you ordered vs. received
- Detail attempts to resolve with merchant
- Reference applicable card benefits
Common Dispute Scenarios
Item Not Received
- Show order confirmation
- Provide tracking (if shows non-delivery)
- Document contact attempts with seller
- Usually straightforward to win
Item Not as Described
- Screenshots of product description
- Photos of what you received
- Explanation of material differences
- Evidence of return attempt if applicable
Cancelled Service Still Billing
- Cancellation confirmation
- Date of cancellation
- Communications with company
- Evidence of continued charges
Refund Not Processed
- Refund promise documentation
- Return tracking/receipt
- Time elapsed since return
- Merchant communications
If Your Dispute Is Denied
Request Reconsideration
- Ask for written explanation
- Provide additional documentation
- Request supervisor review
- Escalate to executive office
Regulatory Complaints
- CFPB: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- OCC: For national banks
- State AG: Consumer protection division
Legal Options
- Small claims court against merchant
- Private attorney for larger amounts
- Arbitration if required by card agreement
Preventing Future Issues
Safe Shopping Practices
- Use credit cards (not debit) for purchases
- Save receipts and confirmations
- Review statements monthly
- Set up transaction alerts
- Use virtual card numbers when available
Red Flags to Watch
- Unfamiliar merchant names
- Small "test" charges
- Recurring charges you don't recognize
- Charges from foreign countries
Special Situations
Recurring Charges
- Can dispute ongoing unauthorized charges
- May need to close card to stop charges
- Document cancellation attempts
Free Trial Traps
- Read terms before providing card
- Set calendar reminder to cancel
- Screenshot all terms
- Dispute if terms were deceptive
International Purchases
- Same dispute rights apply
- May be harder to resolve with merchant
- Document everything carefully
- Consider exchange rate issues
Support Your Credit Card Dispute
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