Can You Dispute a Charge From a Year Ago?

Discovering an unfamiliar charge on a financial statement from a year ago can be unsettling, prompting immediate questions about whether such an old transaction can still be addressed. While the passage of time does introduce complexities, the possibility of disputing a charge from a year ago depends on various factors, including the type of account involved and the nature of the transaction. Understanding these nuances is important for anyone seeking to resolve an aged financial discrepancy.

Understanding Time Limits and Regulations

Federal regulations establish specific timeframes for disputing charges primarily to protect consumers from billing errors and unauthorized transactions. For credit card disputes, the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) provides a 60-day window from the statement date on which the error first appeared for consumers to report a “billing error.” This includes charges for goods or services not accepted or delivered, charges for which you requested clarification, and unauthorized charges. While the FCBA offers protections, a charge from a year ago falls well outside this standard statutory period.

Debit card and other electronic fund transfer disputes are governed by the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA), which also stipulates a 60-day period from the statement date for reporting unauthorized transactions. If your debit card is lost or stolen, liability for unauthorized transactions is limited if reported promptly, often within two business days. Delays beyond 60 days can result in full liability for all unauthorized transactions.

When a charge is significantly older than these federal time limits, statutory protections no longer apply. However, some financial institutions or credit card networks may offer extended dispute periods as a courtesy, particularly for clear fraud or merchant misconduct. These extended periods are not legally mandated and vary by institution. Even without federal protection, pursuing a dispute might still be possible through the bank’s internal processes.

Gathering Information for Your Dispute

Before initiating any dispute, gather all information related to the questionable charge. Identify the exact date, amount, and merchant name associated with the transaction, found on your bank or credit card statements. Note any transaction identification numbers or reference codes provided on the statement, as these are unique identifiers for the payment.

Determine the precise nature of your dispute. This could involve an unauthorized transaction or an incorrect amount billed for a legitimate purchase. Other common dispute reasons include goods or services not received, duplicate charges, or a credit that was never posted to your account.

Collect any supporting documentation that corroborates your claim. This might include receipts, order confirmations, or invoices for legitimate purchases. If the transaction was online, screenshots of order pages, confirmation emails, or communication with the merchant can be valuable. Records of attempts to resolve the issue directly with the merchant, such as call logs or email correspondence, should also be compiled.

Submitting and Tracking Your Dispute

Once all necessary information and supporting documentation have been compiled, submit your dispute to your financial institution. Most banks and credit card issuers offer several methods for initiating a dispute, including contacting customer service via phone, using an online dispute portal, or sending a written letter. When making initial contact, provide the specific details of the charge, such as the date, amount, and merchant name.

After you submit your dispute, the financial institution will begin an investigation into the transaction. For credit card disputes, a provisional credit may be applied to your account while the investigation is underway, though this is less common for very old charges. The institution has a specific timeframe, often 30 to 90 days, to investigate and reach a determination regarding the validity of your claim.

Throughout the dispute process, maintain detailed records of all communications with your financial institution. Note the dates of calls, the names of representatives you speak with, and any reference numbers provided for your dispute case. Keep copies of all documents you submit and any correspondence you receive from the bank or card issuer. Regularly follow up on the status of your dispute, especially if you have not received updates within the expected timeframe.