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Bank Dispute Timeline — What to Expect

Step-by-step timeline from spotting a fraudulent charge to provisional credit and final resolution.

Last updated: 2026-07-02

Typical dispute timeline

Day 1: Contact your bank, open a dispute, receive a case number.

Days 2–10: Provisional credit may post for debit unauthorized claims.

Days 10–45: Bank investigates with the merchant and card network.

Day 45+: Final decision — credit permanent or reversed if merchant wins.

Step-by-step

  1. 1

    Document the charge

    Screenshot your statement, note the descriptor, date, and amount. Save any emails or receipts tied to the merchant.

  2. 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. 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. 4

    Report to regulators

    File at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If your bank delays or denies the dispute, escalate through the CFPB complaint portal.

  5. 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

Can the bank reverse a provisional credit?
Yes, if the investigation finds you authorized the charge. Keep all documentation.

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