Dispute a Credit Card Charge
The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) gives you 60 days to dispute billing errors in writing, and your card issuer must acknowledge within 30 days and resolve within 90. Unauthorized charges, goods not received, and merchant disputes are all covered. Your card issuer cannot report the disputed amount to credit bureaus while investigating.
Success rate: 79% · Average recovered: $290 · Time limit: 60 days from the date the statement containing the error was mailed
Winning Arguments
- Charge is unauthorized — card was stolen or account compromised
- Goods or services were not delivered as promised
- Merchant refused to issue a refund for a legitimate return
- Charge appears twice (duplicate billing)
- Amount differs from what was agreed at point of sale
- Subscription was cancelled but charges continued
Laws That Protect You
- Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA)
- Electronic Fund Transfer Act (for debit cards)
- Regulation Z (Federal Reserve)
How to Dispute — Step by Step
- Identify the error on your statement
- Contact the merchant first for simple disputes (faster resolution)
- Send written dispute to your card issuer via certified mail
- Include copies of receipts, cancellation confirmations, or communications
- Issuer must acknowledge within 30 days and resolve within 90 days
- During investigation, you are not required to pay the disputed amount
What to Include in Your Dispute Letter
- Your full name, mailing address, and the account or bill number in question
- A clear statement that you are formally disputing the charge, and the specific reason why
- The law or billing right that supports your position (see the laws listed above)
- Copies — never originals — of receipts, statements, or correspondence as evidence
- A reasonable deadline for a written response, typically 30 days
A well-documented, written dispute that cites the right law puts the burden back on the biller to justify the charge. Keep a copy of everything you send, use certified mail when possible, and follow up in writing if you do not receive a timely response. ContestMyBill generates a letter that does all of this for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a dispute and a chargeback?A dispute is a formal complaint to your card issuer. A chargeback is when the issuer forcibly reverses the charge after investigating. Chargebacks require the merchant to prove the charge was valid.
What if the 60-day window has passed?You may still have options. Contact your issuer — many have extended policies for fraud. For non-fraud disputes, consider small claims court or state consumer protection if FCBA time has lapsed.
Can I dispute a charge if I agreed to it but am unhappy?You may dispute under 'unsatisfactory goods or services' but must first attempt to resolve with the merchant in good faith.
Ready to dispute your credit card charges?
Generate a professional AI dispute letter in minutes — free to start. No lawyer needed.
Start Your Dispute Letter →