Can You Dispute Only Part of a Charge?

You can often dispute only a portion of a charge on your credit card or bank statement. This allows consumers to address discrepancies without invalidating an entire transaction. Successfully disputing a partial charge requires understanding the issue and preparing a clear case. Your credit card company or bank will guide you through their procedures once you initiate contact.

Understanding Partial Charge Disputes

A partial charge dispute focuses on a specific part of a transaction rather than the entire amount. This differs from a full charge dispute, which seeks to cancel the entire payment, perhaps due to fraud or a completely unfulfilled order. Partial disputes become necessary when a consumer receives only some of the goods ordered, or when a service is partially rendered but not completed as agreed.

Other common scenarios include an unapplied discount or an unfulfilled partial refund. A portion of the total transaction amount must be clearly identifiable as incorrect or unsatisfactory.

Gathering Information for a Partial Dispute

Before contacting your financial institution, first attempt to resolve the issue directly with the merchant. This often leads to quicker resolution without a formal dispute process. When communicating with the merchant, document the date and time of your calls, the names of the individuals you speak with, the outcome of the discussion, and any reference numbers provided. Keep records of all correspondence, whether through email or written letters, as this creates a verifiable trail.

Thorough documentation is important for building a strong case for your partial dispute. You should gather original receipts, order confirmations, and invoices related to the transaction. Include any email correspondence, screenshots of product listings, or service agreements that outline the terms of the purchase. Delivery confirmations or return tracking information can also serve as important evidence, as can photographs of damaged goods if physical items are involved.

It is important to clearly identify and calculate the precise amount you are disputing and the specific reason for it. For example, if you ordered ten items but only received eight, document the cost of the two missing items. This detailed preparation ensures that when you approach your credit card issuer, you can present a concise and well-supported claim.

Initiating a Partial Chargeback

Once you have gathered all necessary information and attempted to resolve the matter with the merchant, the next step is to formally initiate the partial dispute with your credit card issuer or bank. Most financial institutions offer several methods for submitting a dispute, including online portals, phone calls to customer service, or sending a written letter. Utilizing the online portal or calling the customer service number on the back of your card are common and often efficient ways to begin the process.

When you contact your card issuer, be prepared to provide all transaction details, including the merchant’s name, the date of the transaction, and the full amount. Clearly state the exact amount you are disputing and provide a concise explanation for the discrepancy. You will need to explain why the partial charge is incorrect, referencing the documentation you have prepared.

Consumers have a limited timeframe to dispute a charge, often 60 days from the statement date on which the error first appeared. Some disputes, particularly those related to the quality of goods or services, may allow for a longer period, such as up to 120 days. Adhering to these time limits is important to ensure your dispute is considered under consumer protection guidelines.

The Dispute Resolution Process

After you initiate a partial dispute, your financial institution will acknowledge receipt of your claim, often within 30 days. During the investigation, a provisional credit for the disputed amount may be applied to your account, meaning you are not required to pay the contested portion of your bill while the issue is under review. This temporary credit helps prevent negative impacts on your credit standing.

The bank will then investigate the claim, which involves contacting the merchant for their version of events. Merchants are given an opportunity to respond to the dispute, often by providing evidence that supports the original charge. This back-and-forth process can take some time, with investigations concluded within two billing cycles, or up to 90 days.

Upon completion of the investigation, your financial institution will make a final decision and notify you of the outcome. If the dispute is resolved in your favor, the provisional credit becomes permanent, and any associated finance charges or fees are removed. If the dispute is denied, the provisional credit may be reversed, and you would then be responsible for the original charge.