Unauthorized Charge Dispute Process

If you notice a charge on your card that you don't recognize, don't authorize, or believe is incorrect, there's a general process you can follow to address it. The exact steps can vary by bank and card network, but most disputes follow a similar path.

Step 1: Verify the Charge

Before disputing anything, double-check the transaction. Look for unfamiliar merchant names that might actually be a subscription or a purchase made by a family member, and check the date and amount against your own records. Many "unrecognized" charges turn out to be legitimate once the merchant name is identified.

Step 2: Contact the Merchant

If the charge still looks wrong, many issues can be resolved faster by contacting the merchant directly. Billing errors, duplicate charges, and undelivered goods or services are often corrected without involving your bank at all.

Step 3: Contact Your Card Issuer or Bank

If the merchant can't resolve the issue, or you believe the charge is fraudulent, contact your card issuer or bank to formally dispute it. They will typically ask for details about the transaction and why you're disputing it, and may issue a provisional credit while they investigate.

Step 4: Provide Documentation

Be ready to support your dispute with any relevant documentation: receipts, correspondence with the merchant, screenshots, or records showing you didn't authorize the charge. Clear documentation generally helps the investigation move faster.

Step 5: Investigation and Resolution

Your bank or card network will investigate the dispute, which can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of billing cycles depending on the complexity of the case. The outcome will either restore the charge to your account if it's found to be valid, or finalize the reversal if the dispute is upheld.

Getting Help With Your Dispute

If you're unsure how to proceed, or the process feels overwhelming, you don't have to handle it alone. ChargebackUS connects you with independent, experienced professionals who assist with unauthorized charge and payment dispute cases — with no upfront fees. This page is provided for general informational purposes and is not legal, financial, or banking advice.