Chargeback Basics for US Consumers
What a chargeback is, when to request one, and how Regulation E and FCBA protect debit and credit card holders.
Last updated: 2026-07-02
Chargeback vs. refund
A refund comes from the merchant. A chargeback reverses the transaction through your bank or card network when the merchant will not cooperate or the charge was unauthorized.
Chargebacks are not unlimited — banks track dispute ratios. Use them for genuine fraud or billing errors, not buyer's remorse.
Debit vs. credit disputes
Debit card disputes under Regulation E can temporarily restore funds to your checking account during investigation.
Credit card disputes under FCBA let you withhold payment on the disputed amount while the issuer investigates.
Step-by-step
- 1
Document the charge
Screenshot your statement, note the descriptor, date, and amount. Save any emails or receipts tied to the merchant.
- 2
Contact your bank or card issuer
Call the number on the back of your card. Say the charge is unauthorized. Ask for a provisional credit while they investigate.
- 3
File a formal dispute
For debit cards, Regulation E gives you 60 days from the statement date. For credit cards, the Fair Credit Billing Act applies.
- 4
Report to regulators
File at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If your bank delays or denies the dispute, escalate through the CFPB complaint portal.
- 5
Monitor for recurrence
Scammers often retry small charges or rotate descriptors. Watch the next two billing cycles and consider a new card if fraud continues.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a chargeback take?
- Most issuers resolve disputes within 10–45 business days. Complex cases can take up to two billing cycles.
- Do I need police report for a chargeback?
- Usually no for card disputes. File IC3 for larger fraud or identity theft, but your bank dispute does not require it.