A chargeback is the reversal of a card transaction that you request through your card issuer — the bank that issued your credit or debit card — when you have a valid reason to dispute a charge.
Common reasons for a chargeback:
- A fraudulent or unauthorized charge you did not make.
- You were billed the wrong amount, or charged twice.
- You paid for goods or services that were never delivered.
- An item arrived damaged or significantly not as described, and the merchant will not make it right.
- A recurring charge continued after you canceled.
Chargeback vs. refund: a refund comes directly from the merchant when you return an item or they agree to give your money back. A chargeback goes through your bank — it is a formal dispute used when you cannot resolve the issue with the merchant. Try contacting the merchant first; it is usually faster.
How the process works: you file a dispute with your card issuer, the issuer reviews it (often providing a provisional credit while it investigates), the merchant can respond, and the issuer reaches a decision.
To dispute a charge on an RMO card, see how to dispute a credit card transaction. If the charge is fraud, also report suspected fraud right away.