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What Is a Credit Card Chargeback?

Understand the card-dispute process for eligible billing problems.

Quick Answer

A chargeback is a formal dispute through the card issuer/payment network; first gather receipts, cancellation/return evidence, and merchant communications.

Step by Step

  1. Use the merchant, marketplace, carrier, bank, or card issuer's official website/app rather than a link in an unexpected email or text.
  2. A chargeback is a formal dispute through the card issuer/payment network; first gather receipts, cancellation/return evidence, and merchant communications.
  3. Save receipts, order numbers, tracking details, cancellation notices, and relevant communications.
  4. For unresolved billing or delivery problems, follow the official merchant/payment-provider escalation process and observe any applicable deadlines.

If That Doesn't Work

  • Pending authorizations, merchant billing names, refund timing, and dispute rights vary by merchant, financial institution, payment network, and transaction type.
  • Never send passwords, one-time verification codes, full card credentials, or remote computer access to someone who contacts you unexpectedly about an order or payment.