If you feel a charge on your credit card is inaccurate, you can file a credit card dispute. Filing a dispute means you disagree with a charge on your statement and would like the credit card company to remove or adjust it.
Being able to dispute a charge is a benefit and added protection for credit card users. Let’s look at some of the reasons why you might dispute a credit card charge and what steps to take.
Reasons to dispute a credit card charge
There are a few reasons you might dispute a charge, such as:
- A business charged your card for an incorrect amount
- A business charged you twice for the same product or service
- You returned something but weren’t refunded the amount you are owed
You may also be able to dispute a charge for products or services you bought due to other issues you are experiencing if the merchant won’t address the problem. For example, you can dispute a charge if the product you received was defective or if you did not receive what you ordered. If the merchant refuses to reverse the charge, your credit card company may be able to help.
You can also dispute a charge you don’t recognize on your credit card statement. If you don’t recognize a charge, that can indicate fraud. In this case, you should contact your card issuer to report the issue and request a replacement card. Many cards offer $0 liability for unauthorized charges.
How to dispute a credit card charge
Before you dispute a credit card charge, first try contacting the merchant to resolve the dispute. If, for example, the dispute is for an incorrect amount, accidental double charge or pending refund, the merchant may be able to easily resolve the problem.
If the merchant refuses to resolve the issue, the next step is disputing the charge with your credit card company.
When disputing a charge, first gather any evidence that will help you support your claim. This can include any relevant communication with the merchant, purchase orders, order confirmations, the merchant’s terms and conditions and receipts.
You can usually contact your credit card issuer to dispute the charge via phone, your card company’s app, email, mail or through your online account. The credit card company may ask you to provide relevant documentation.
With Citi credit cards, you can dispute a transaction by visiting your Account Details page. You can also manage your open and closed disputes by visiting the Dispute Center in your online credit card account. You must contact Citi to dispute a charge within 60 days after the error appears on your statement.
What happens once you dispute a credit card charge?
Typically, while the dispute is under review, you are not obligated to pay for the charge or charges you are disputing, and you are not subject to any interest on those charges. You may get a temporary credit until they resolve the dispute. If the credit card company decides you are not responsible for the charge, the credit becomes permanent.
Does disputing a charge affect your credit?
Disputes typically do not impact your credit. You are not obligated to pay for a charge that you’re disputing while it’s under review, and the issuer can’t charge you interest on that charge, but you are still responsible for paying all the other charges on your credit card statement in a timely manner.
What happens once your dispute is resolved?
If the card issuer agrees in the cardholder’s favor, any temporary credits will become permanent, or you will be issued a credit if you haven't received one. They will also send you a correction notice.
If the card issuer agrees in the merchant’s favor, the issuer must mail an explanation of why they rejected the dispute, and you must then pay the amount that was disputed.
If you disagree with your dispute results, you can appeal the decision within a certain timeframe. You can also submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.
