How Long Do You Have to File a Chargeback?

A chargeback allows for the reversal of a credit or debit card transaction. This process is initiated through the cardholder’s bank, serving as a recourse when direct resolution with a merchant proves unsuccessful. Chargebacks safeguard consumers from issues such as billing errors, fraudulent activity, or disputes over products and services.

General Chargeback Deadlines

There is not a single, universal deadline for filing a chargeback; time limits vary depending on the circumstances of the dispute. These timeframes are influenced by factors like the specific card network involved and the nature of the issue. Generally, the “clock” for a chargeback begins ticking from one of several key dates.

The start date for the chargeback window can be the original transaction date. For goods or services that were not received, the clock often begins from the expected delivery date. In situations where an issue, such as an unauthorized transaction or defective merchandise, is discovered later, the timeframe may start from the date of discovery.

Card Network Specific Time Limits

Each major card network establishes its own timeframes for initiating chargebacks, though a common window for cardholders is often around 120 days. These deadlines can vary based on the reason for the dispute, with some situations allowing for extensions or different starting points for the clock. Issuing banks may also have internal policies that are sometimes more stringent than the network rules.

For Visa transactions, cardholders typically have 120 days to file a dispute. This period generally begins the day after the transaction processing date. Common reasons falling under this 120-day limit include fraud, duplicate transactions, incorrect amounts, and merchandise not received or defective. In some specific cases, such as certain authorization issues or invalid data, a shorter 75-day window might apply. However, for disputes related to services not provided or goods not received, the timeframe can extend up to 540 days from the transaction date, provided the dispute is filed within 120 days of the expected delivery date.

Mastercard generally provides cardholders with a 120-day window to dispute a charge, with the clock often starting on the transaction date itself. Certain issues, like an incorrect transaction amount or an account number not on file, might have a shorter 90-day limit. For specific cases where goods or services were not received or not as described, the time limit can extend up to a maximum of 540 days from the transaction date, provided the dispute is initiated within 90 to 120 days of the cardholder becoming aware of the issue.

American Express typically allows cardholders 120 days from the transaction date to file a dispute. However, American Express sometimes acts as both the card network and the issuing bank, which can influence the process. For defective or damaged products, the 120-day clock starts from the delivery date, while for unreceived products, it begins on the expected delivery date or when the cardholder becomes aware of non-receipt, whichever is earlier. While American Express previously had more flexible dispute windows, they have formalized the 120-day cap, though exceptions can occur.

Discover generally sets a 120-day limit for cardholders to file a chargeback, measured from the transaction date. While this is the standard, Discover may consider claims filed outside this window on a case-by-case basis.

Steps to File a Chargeback

Initiating a chargeback requires careful preparation and adherence to specific procedures set by your issuing bank. Before contacting your bank, gather all relevant information and documentation related to the disputed transaction to support your claim. Essential details to collect include the transaction date, the exact amount of the charge, and the merchant’s name. Any attempts to resolve the issue directly with the merchant should also be documented, including dates of communication, emails, chat logs, and records of return attempts or receipts. For disputes involving non-delivery or defective items, proof such as tracking information, photographs of defects, or detailed descriptions of the product’s condition should be collected.

Once all necessary information and documents are compiled, you can proceed with filing the chargeback. Contact your issuing bank using the phone number provided on the back of your card, through their online banking portal, or via their mobile application. When speaking with a representative or completing an online form, clearly state that you wish to dispute a charge and provide the transaction details you have gathered. Follow the bank’s instructions for submitting your supporting documentation, which may involve uploading files, emailing them, or mailing physical copies.

After Your Chargeback is Filed

After you file a chargeback with your bank, the process moves into an investigative phase. Your bank will review the details and evidence you provided to determine the validity of your claim. During this period, it is common for the bank to issue a temporary or provisional credit to your account for the disputed amount.

The merchant involved in the transaction is then notified of the chargeback and is given an opportunity to respond and present their own evidence. This response from the merchant is known as “representment.” The bank will consider both your evidence and the merchant’s response before making a final decision.

Potential outcomes of a chargeback investigation include the chargeback being upheld, meaning the funds are permanently returned to you, or denied, which means the charge remains on your account. In some instances, a partial refund may be issued if the bank determines that only a portion of the charge is valid for dispute. The resolution process can vary in length, typically taking several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of the case and the responsiveness of all parties involved.