How do I dispute a credit card charge?

Question

ClearValue Editorial Team · Accepted Answer

Contact your issuer first — by phone or in writing — to report the error or unauthorized charge. If it isn't resolved, the Fair Credit Billing Act lets you file a formal written dispute within 60 days of the statement date and limits your liability while the investigation is pending. The Fair Credit Billing Act covers more than fraud: unauthorized charges, wrong amounts, goods not received or not as described, charges for returned goods, math errors, and unposted payments or credits. Most disputes resolve fastest by calling the number on the back of your card or using the issuer's online dispute tool — provide the date, merchant, and amount, and for unauthorized charges the issuer will typically cancel the card and reissue immediately. To preserve your full legal protections, send a written dispute to the issuer's billing-inquiries address (not the payment address) within 60 days of the statement date, ideally by certified mail, including your account number and the specific charge and reason. The issuer generally can't require payment on the disputed amount while it investigates.