You Have the Right to Dispute Charges

If you spot an incorrect, unauthorized, or fraudulent charge on your credit card statement, you have a federally protected right to dispute it. The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) gives consumers significant power in these situations — but you need to act correctly and promptly to protect yourself.

What Types of Charges Can You Dispute?

Not every dispute is the same. The FCBA covers:

  • Unauthorized charges — charges you didn't make or authorize (e.g., fraud or identity theft)
  • Billing errors — being charged the wrong amount, double-charged, or charged for something not received
  • Goods or services not delivered — you paid for something that never arrived or wasn't as described
  • Merchant accounting errors
  • Charges for returned items — a refund that was promised but never appeared

Note: Disputes based on dissatisfaction alone (e.g., you just didn't like what you bought) may be handled differently and depend on your card issuer's policies.

Step-by-Step: How to Dispute a Charge

Step 1: Review Your Statement and Gather Evidence

Before contacting anyone, confirm the charge is truly an error or fraud. Gather:

  • Your credit card statement with the charge highlighted
  • Any receipts, order confirmations, or email correspondence
  • Documentation of any prior attempts to resolve the issue with the merchant

Step 2: Contact the Merchant First (When Possible)

For billing errors or undelivered goods, it's often faster to contact the merchant directly first. Keep a written record of the conversation. If the merchant resolves it, great — if not, proceed to your card issuer.

Step 3: File a Dispute with Your Card Issuer

Contact your credit card company — via phone, online portal, or written letter. Under the FCBA, written notice to your card issuer is the most legally protected method. Include:

  • Your name and account number
  • The date and amount of the disputed charge
  • The merchant's name
  • A clear explanation of why you're disputing it
  • Copies (not originals) of supporting documentation

Important deadline: You must submit your dispute within 60 days of the billing statement date on which the error appeared.

Step 4: Understand the Investigation Process

Once you file a dispute, your card issuer must:

  1. Acknowledge your complaint within 30 days
  2. Resolve the dispute within two billing cycles (no more than 90 days)
  3. Provide you a written explanation if they rule against you

During the investigation, you are not required to pay the disputed amount, and the issuer cannot charge interest on it or report it as delinquent.

Step 5: Follow Up and Escalate If Needed

If your dispute is denied and you believe the decision is wrong:

  • Request the specific reasons for denial in writing
  • Submit additional evidence if available
  • File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov
  • Contact your state's Attorney General's consumer protection office

Tips to Protect Yourself Going Forward

  • Review your credit card statements every month, not just when a bill arrives
  • Set up transaction alerts via your bank's app so you're notified of every charge in real time
  • Use a credit card (not a debit card) for online purchases — credit cards have stronger dispute protections
  • Screenshot your orders and save confirmation emails

The Bottom Line

The dispute process exists specifically to protect consumers. Don't hesitate to use it when you're legitimately charged incorrectly or fraudulently. Acting quickly, documenting everything, and following the proper channels gives you the best chance of a successful resolution.