How do I get money back from a credit card dispute?
Daniel Santos
Updated on February 19, 2026
The first step in the dispute process should be to go directly to the merchant and request a refund. This may require you to bring the item back to the store with a copy of your receipt, or you may be able to contact customer support and get a refund online.
How do I file a dispute with my credit card company?
If you want to dispute a billing error on your credit card statement under the FCBA, write your card issuer at the address listed under “billing inquiries” (it may be different from where you send your payments). Check out the Federal Trade Commission’s sample dispute letter to help you get started.
How do credit card companies resolve disputes?
After you file a dispute, the credit card company must send you a letter acknowledging the dispute within 30 days. But if it turns out you do owe the money, you must receive a written letter explaining why, and you’ll have to pay the amount in dispute plus any interest.
What can I do if my credit card dispute is denied?
If your dispute is denied, which occasionally happens, you can request an explanation and appeal the dispute. However, you only have 10 days to make your appeal. Another option is to report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau or the Better Business Bureau.
How long do I have to dispute a credit card charge for services not rendered?
Disputing a credit card charge
| Type of dispute | Time limit | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Fraudulent charges | Unlimited | Call your issuer directly |
| Billing error | 60 days | Requires specific protocol. See below. |
| Bad service or service not rendered | 60 days | Requires specific protocol. See below. |
What do you need to know about credit card disputes?
They typically fall into one of three categories: fraudulent charges, billing errors, or a complaint about the quality of goods or services purchased with your card. The Fair Credit Billing Act helps consumers in these situations by giving them the right to dispute the charge with their credit card company.
When are customers entitled to dispute a charge?
Credit Card Disputes – When Are Customers Entitled to Dispute a Charge? A credit card dispute, more commonly known as a credit card chargeback, occurs after your customer, identifying a transaction they believe is not valid, disputes the transaction to the issuing bank. The bank files that dispute on the cardholder’s behalf, overturning the sale.
Can a merchant dispute a credit card charge?
If the merchant is unwilling to work with you to resolve the problem or if you can’t come to a compromise with the merchant that leaves you satisfied, the Fair Credit Billing Act and federal law do give you the right to dispute charges for transactions that you’re dissatisfied with.
How to dispute a billing error on a credit card?
If you want to dispute a billing error on your credit card statement under the FCBA, write your card issuer at the address listed under “billing inquiries” (it may be different from where you send your payments). Check out the Federal Trade Commission’s sample dispute letter to help you get started.
