Credit card users have strong federal protections against billing errors and unauthorized charges. The key is to act within the deadlines and to dispute in writing.
What you can dispute
- Charges you did not make.
- Wrong amounts or duplicate charges.
- Goods or services you did not receive or that were not as described.
- Failure to credit a return.
The Fair Credit Billing Act
For billing errors on a credit card, you generally must send a written dispute to the address your issuer lists for billing errors within 60 days after the first statement that shows the problem. The issuer must acknowledge in writing within 30 days and resolve the dispute within two billing cycles, no more than 90 days. While it is under review, you generally do not have to pay the disputed amount.
Steps to dispute
- Contact the merchant first when practical and keep a record.
- Send a written dispute to your card issuer with details and evidence.
- Keep paying the undisputed part of your bill.
- Keep copies and follow up.
- If you lose, ask for the issuer's explanation and consider small claims court or a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Debit cards and other methods
Debit card protections differ and depend on how quickly you report the problem. Payment apps, wires and gift cards offer far less protection, so use a credit card for risky purchases.
Frequently asked questions
Does disputing hurt my credit?
A pending dispute generally should not be reported as delinquent while under review.
What if the merchant is out of business?
You can still file a dispute with the card issuer for goods or services not delivered.