
Disputing a debit card charge can be a stressful experience, but it's often necessary to protect your finances. If you've been charged incorrectly, you have the right to dispute it.
One of the most common reasons to dispute a debit card charge is unauthorized transactions. According to the article, this can include charges made by someone else using your card without your permission, or even charges made by a business without your consent.
You can dispute a debit card charge if the product or service wasn't as described. For example, if you bought a defective item or a service that wasn't delivered as promised, you can dispute the charge.
If you've been charged for a duplicate transaction, you can also dispute the charge. This can happen if a business accidentally charges you twice for the same purchase.
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Dispute Reasons
You can dispute a debit card charge due to merchandise or services not received, or goods/services not as described. This is a common reason for disputes.

If you're caught off guard by a dispute, it's a good idea to call your client to understand why they issued a dispute. They may have done it in error or be willing to compromise.
The following are some valid reasons for debit card chargebacks: notice of an unauthorized transaction, non-delivery of items or services, significant differences between products or services received and those described, overcharging, or failure to process a refund after an item was returned or a service was canceled.
Here are some common dispute reasons:
- Merchandise/Services Not Received.
- Goods/Services Not as Described.
- Canceled Merchandise/Services.
- Canceled Recurring Transaction.
- Duplicate Billing.
- Other Fraud - Card Absent Environment.
Common Dispute Reasons
Dispute reasons can be frustrating, but understanding them can help you navigate the process more smoothly. Merchandise or services not received is a common reason for disputes, often due to a business's cancellation policy being violated.
A disputed charge may be due to goods or services not being as described, which can be a result of miscommunication between the merchant and the customer. Canceled merchandise or services can also lead to disputes, especially if the customer was not notified or did not agree to the cancellation.

A canceled recurring transaction can cause issues, especially if the customer was not notified or did not agree to the cancellation. Duplicate billing is another common reason for disputes, where a customer is charged multiple times for the same item.
Other fraud, such as card absent environment, can also lead to disputes. If you're caught off guard by a dispute, it's a good idea to call your client to understand why they issued a dispute. They may have done it in error, or they may be willing to compromise and have the dispute reversed with their Card Issuing Bank.
Here are some common dispute reasons:
- Merchandise/Services Not Received
- Goods/Services Not as Described
- Canceled Merchandise/Services
- Canceled Recurring Transaction
- Duplicate Billing
- Other Fraud - Card Absent Environment
Keep in mind that each dispute reason has its own unique circumstances and requirements. Understanding these reasons can help you respond to disputes more effectively and resolve them in a timely manner.
Chargeback Essentials
You have 60 days from when the error appears on your statement to dispute a transaction. This is a critical deadline to keep in mind.

A debit card chargeback is a reversal of a debit card transaction, with the bank pulling funds from the merchant's account and returning them to the cardholder's account. This can happen due to various reasons, including unauthorized transactions, non-delivery of products or services, and defective items.
To dispute a billing error, write a letter to the issuer, including your name, address, account number, and a description of the mistake. Use certified mail to ensure proof of delivery.
You can dispute a debit card chargeback if the cardholder's claim is invalid or unfounded. In such cases, you can represent the transaction through a process called representment.
Here are some valid reasons for disputing a debit card chargeback:
- Unauthorized transactions
- Non-delivery of products or services
- Defective items
- Chargebacks tied to genuine fraud or errors on your part (in which case, it's better to just accept the claim)
Keep a copy of your dispute letter and include copies of receipts or other documents that support your position. The issuer must acknowledge your complaint in writing within 30 days and resolve the dispute within 90 days.
Chargeback Process

A debit card chargeback is a debit card charge that has been reversed by a bank, with the bank pulling the funds from the merchant's account and returning them to the cardholder's account.
Most debit card chargebacks start when a cardholder contacts their bank to dispute a transaction, claiming it's the result of fraud or abuse.
The issuing bank will respond by retrieving the transaction funds from the merchant's account.
If a debit cardholder is a victim of identity theft, they can get their funds back through a chargeback.
A chargeback is a critical layer of consumer protection.
You can fight a debit card chargeback if it's invalid, but you should never challenge a chargeback tied to genuine fraud or an error on your part.
Merchants can fight back against invalid chargeback debit card claims through a process called representment.
It can take up to 90 days for research and a resolution to a dispute, depending on the type of transaction.
You have 60 days from when the bank sent or made available the first statement on which the error appears to dispute a transaction.
Explore further: How to Charge Back Debit Card
Preventing Chargebacks

You should never challenge a chargeback tied to genuine fraud or an error on your part, as it's better to just accept the claim.
Merchants can fight back against invalid chargeback debit card claims through a process called representment.
To fight an invalid claim, sellers need evidence, which can include transaction details, photographs, transcripts of conversations with the cardholder, and tracking or shipping information.
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Filing a Dispute
To file a dispute, cardholders can follow specific steps. You should attempt to resolve issues with the merchant before filing a chargeback.
A valid reason for a chargeback includes unauthorized use of your account. If someone has used your account without your permission, contact your bank immediately. You can call, visit a branch, or write to the bank, including your name, contact information, account number, and a description of the error.
Multiple charges for the same transaction, subscription charges after cancellation, and charges for more than the amount on your receipt are examples of when to file a dispute. You can also dispute a product or service you were charged for but never received, or a purchase return or cancellation that you were promised credit for but never received.
Take a look at this: Disputing Charges

Here are some key steps to take when filing a dispute:
- Write to the issuer, using the address for billing inquiries, and include your name, address, account number, and a description of the mistake.
- Send your letter within 60 days of receiving the first bill with the error.
- The issuer must acknowledge your complaint in writing within 30 days and resolve the dispute within 90 days.
Draft a Rebuttal Letter
Drafting a rebuttal letter is a crucial step in filing a dispute, and it's essential to get it right. The letter should explain the situation and make a compelling argument for why the debit card chargeback should be reversed.
The rebuttal letter must include a clear and concise explanation of the situation, making it easy for the merchant to understand the dispute. It's a good idea to keep the letter organized and easy to follow.
A well-written rebuttal letter can make all the difference in getting the chargeback reversed. In fact, the article suggests that the letter should be succinct, yet compelling. This means getting straight to the point and making a strong argument for why the chargeback should be reversed.
The rebuttal letter should be written in a professional tone, using clear and concise language. This will help to build trust with the merchant and increase the chances of a successful outcome.
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When to File a Dispute?

If you believe someone has used your account without your permission, call the bank's customer service number, visit a branch, or write to them as soon as possible. You can also file a dispute online through the bank's website.
You have 60 days from when the bank sent or made available the first statement on which the error appears to dispute a transaction.
Multiple charges for the same transaction are a valid reason to file a dispute. A subscription you were charged for, but canceled, is also a good reason to dispute a transaction.
A charge for more than the amount on your receipt, a product or service you were charged for but never received, and a purchase return or cancellation that you were promised credit for but never received are all valid reasons to file a dispute.
Here are some examples of when to file a dispute:
- Multiple charges for the same transaction
- A subscription you were charged for, but canceled
- A charge for more than the amount on your receipt
- A product or service you were charged for, but never received
- A purchase return or cancellation that you were promised credit for, but you never received
You can file a dispute if you've paid with a Visa credit, debit, or pre-paid card and your purchase has gone wrong. Your first step should always be to contact the seller, but if you're unable to resolve the situation to your satisfaction, your card provider may still be able to help you.
If Paid with Digital Wallet

If you paid using a digital wallet, you can file a chargeback or Section 75 claim just like you would if you paid directly with your card. This is because the payment was made with a linked card, and the rules for chargebacks and Section 75 claims apply the same way.
If the linked card was a credit card, you'll need to follow the instructions for paying with a credit card. If the linked card was a debit or pre-paid card, you'll need to follow the instructions for paying with a debit or pre-paid card.
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Contact Your Provider
Contact your bank or card provider to discuss your situation. A good place to start is to visit their website and look for details on ‘disputed transactions’ or ‘chargeback claims’.
Chargeback is not a legal right, and a refund is not guaranteed. However, there are a set of rules in place that participating card providers follow.

You need to contact your credit card provider and tell them you want to make a claim to get your money back. Your card provider will decide the best route for your claim - either chargeback or Section 75.
Section 75 is part of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and gives you extra protection that goes beyond chargeback. This protection covers the whole cost of an item or service even if you have only paid the deposit on your credit card.
To make a claim, visit your card provider’s website and look for details on ‘Section 75 claims’ or ‘payment disputes’. If you can't find it, get in touch with your card provider.
For another approach, see: Bcbs Provider Dispute Form
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dispute reason?
For buyers, the best dispute reason is fraud or unauthorized activity. This reason is often considered the most effective for resolving disputes.
Sources
- https://support.boulevard.io/en/articles/9011910-common-dispute-reasons-and-recommendations-on-how-to-respond
- https://chargebacks911.com/debit-card-chargeback/
- https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/using-credit-cards-and-disputing-charges
- https://www.huntington.com/Privacy-Security/online-dispute-forms
- https://www.visa.co.uk/how-you-pay-matters/chargeback-purchase-disputes.html
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