What is a chargeback?

What is a chargeback?

chargeback, also referred to as a payment dispute, occurs when a cardholder questions a transaction and asks their card-issuing bank to reverse it. The ability to dispute a payment is meant to protect consumers from unauthorized transactions, but it can mean big headaches for businesses, especially when they’re issued in error.

The Federal Trade Commission and other regulatory bodies mandate a fair amount of protection to consumers using credit cards. Among other protections, you have the right to accurate billing, protection from unauthorized charges and the right to dispute charges for goods or services that are different than described. In addition to regulatory protections, your bank, credit card issuer or card association may provide you with additional rights.

Most often, chargebacks are issued for one of the following reasons:

  1. Fraud or unauthorized use—Someone uses your card without your authorization to purchase goods or services.
  2. Goods or services were not as described—Goods or services provided were materially different than they were described or agreed to.
  3. Goods or services not delivered—You paid for something, but never received it or you paid for a service that was never provided.
  4. Return credit not processed—You returned an item or cancelled a service within a merchant’s return policy and never received credit for the return.
  5. A recurring billing was not stopped—A subscription service continued to be billed after you canceled it.
  6. Incorrect amount—The amount charged was incorrect.