Credit Card Chargeback: Complete Guide to Getting Your Money Back
How to dispute a credit card charge step by step. Success rates, time limits, what to say, and when NOT to use a chargeback.
What Is a Chargeback?
A chargeback is a credit card charge reversal initiated by your bank. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA), you have 60 days from the statement date to dispute unauthorized or incorrect charges. The average chargeback success rate is 40-60%, but proper documentation can push this to 80%+.
When to Use a Chargeback
Valid reasons: 1) Unauthorized charge, 2) Service not delivered as described, 3) Duplicate charge, 4) Company refuses cancellation despite FTC rules, 5) Fraudulent charges. Invalid: buyer's remorse (you might lose future disputes).
Step 1: Contact the Merchant First
Always try to resolve with the merchant before filing. This creates a paper trail that strengthens your case. Send a formal dispute letter (Dispute Gremlin has free templates) and give them 14 days to respond.
Step 2: File the Chargeback
Call your credit card company's dispute department. Provide: merchant name, charge date, amount, your dispute reason. Upload evidence: emails, screenshots of cancellation attempts, copies of dispute letters sent.
Step 3: The Investigation
Provisional credit is typically issued within 48 hours. The merchant has 30 days to respond with evidence. Your bank decides based on both parties' evidence. Process takes 30-90 days.
Section 75 (UK)
UK consumers using credit cards for purchases £100-£30,000 have additional protection under Section 75. Your card provider is jointly liable with the merchant for breach of contract or misrepresentation.
Pro Tips
Keep ALL correspondence. Take screenshots before canceling anything. Send dispute letters via email with read receipts. Note times, dates, and names of customer service reps. If your first chargeback is denied, you can usually appeal once.
Need help with a dispute?
Free templates for 173+ services with legal citations.