Dispute a Credit Card Charge in the US (FCBA)
If a charge on your credit card statement is wrong, unauthorized, or for goods or services you never received, the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) gives you the right to dispute it in writing and have your issuer investigate. The FCBA applies to 'billing errors' on open-end credit (credit cards), not debit cards. This guide covers how to assert that right correctly so the clock and the protections work in your favor.
Skip the writing, get your claim in 15 seconds.
We'll draft a firm, ready-to-send demand tailored to your situation. Free.
Build my claim →Your rights
The federal Fair Credit Billing Act (15 U.S.C. 1666), implemented by Regulation Z (12 C.F.R. 1026.13), covers 'billing errors' including charges you didn't authorize, charges for the wrong amount, charges for goods or services not delivered or not as agreed, and math/posting errors. You must send a written dispute to the address your issuer designates for billing inquiries (not the payment address) so it arrives within 60 days after the first statement showing the error. The issuer must acknowledge your dispute within 30 days and resolve it within two complete billing cycles (and no more than 90 days). While the disputed amount is under investigation you do not have to pay it or related finance charges, and the issuer cannot report it as delinquent or take collection action on that amount. A separate FCBA provision (15 U.S.C. 1666i) lets you assert claims and defenses to withhold payment for defective goods or services over $50 bought in your home state or within 100 miles of your billing address, after first trying in good faith to resolve it with the merchant. Note: 'chargeback' rights through the Visa, Mastercard, or Amex networks are a separate, often broader and faster contractual remedy than the statutory FCBA right and can usually be started by phone.
Step by step
- 1Contact the merchant first and ask them to fix or refund the charge; note the date, who you spoke to, and the outcome (this often resolves it fastest and the $50/100-mile defective-goods right requires a prior good-faith attempt).
- 2If unresolved, start a dispute with your card issuer, online or by phone for a fast network chargeback, AND in writing to the issuer's billing-inquiries address to lock in your FCBA protections within 60 days of the statement that first showed the error.
- 3In your written dispute, give your name and account number, the charge date and amount, and a clear explanation of why it's wrong; attach receipts, order confirmations, screenshots, or proof of non-delivery.
- 4Withhold payment on the disputed amount only (keep paying the rest of the balance) and follow up if you don't get acknowledgment within 30 days or resolution within two billing cycles; escalate to the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov if the issuer mishandles it.
What they'll say, and your comeback
“You waited too long, the dispute window has closed.”
Comeback, The FCBA 60-day clock runs from the first statement that showed the error, not the transaction date. Confirm which statement first listed it. Even past 60 days, network chargeback rules may still allow a dispute, so ask the issuer to file one.
“You have to keep paying the disputed amount while we investigate.”
Comeback, Under the FCBA I'm not required to pay the disputed amount or finance charges on it during the investigation, and you can't report it as late. I'm withholding only the disputed amount and paying the rest of my balance.
“The merchant says the charge is valid, so there's nothing we can do.”
Comeback, The issuer must conduct a reasonable investigation and, if you deny the dispute, send me a written explanation and, on request, copies of the documentary evidence relied on. I dispute the merchant's account and am providing my own evidence; please complete the FCBA investigation.
FAQ
Does the FCBA cover my debit card too?
No. The FCBA covers credit cards (open-end credit). Debit card transactions and other electronic transfers are covered by a different law, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, implemented by Regulation E, which has its own timelines and a tiered liability cap that depends on how quickly you report. Report debit fraud as fast as possible.
What if my issuer rejects the dispute?
If the issuer denies your dispute it must explain why in writing and, on request, send the documents it relied on. You can then escalate by filing a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov, and the merchant remains separately liable to you for any defective goods or services.
Ready to get your money back?
Reclaim it now, free →More money you might be owed
- UKReclaim a Mis-Sold Payday Loan (Irresponsible Lending Refund)
- UKReclaim a Mis-Sold Doorstep / Provident Loan (Irresponsible Lending Refund)
- UKReclaim Mis-Sold Catalogue Credit (Very, Littlewoods Irresponsible Lending)
- UKReclaim a Mis-Sold Guarantor Loan (Irresponsible Lending Refund)
- UKMake a Section 75 claim for goods or services not provided
- PolandSankcja kredytu darmowego – odzyskanie kosztów kredytu konsumenckiego w Polsce
A self-serve tool, not a law firm. General information, not legal advice.