How To Dispute a Credit Card Charge

If you find a mistake on your bill charges, you can dispute the charge and withhold payment on that amount while the charge is being investigated. The error might be a charge for the wrong amount, for something you didn't accept, or for an item that wasn't delivered as agreed.

If you see an unauthorized charge on your statement, write to the creditor or card issuer within 60 days after the first bill containing the disputed charge is mailed to you. However, if more than 60 days have passed since you were billed for the item, you still might be able to dispute the charge if you only recently found out about the problem. Send your letter to the billing inquiries address. Do not send the letter with your payment. Be specific in your letter. In your letter, give your name and account number, the date and amount of the charge disputed, and a complete explanation of why you are disputing the charge. Keep a record of receipt to document that your letter was received. You might wish to send it by certified mail with a return receipt requested.

Once you have raised a dispute, the credit card company is required to investigate and report back to you in writing. The creditor must acknowledge your complaint in writing within 30 days of receipt, unless the problem has been resolved. At the latest, the dispute must be resolved within two billing cycles, but not more than 90 days. In many cases, the charge will be canceled. Often a merchant whose billing is challenged will back off rather than risk losing the privilege of accepting business by credit card. Interest associated with a successfully disputed debt must also be cancelled. Until the dispute is resolved, you need not pay the disputed portion of your bill. However, you must make a payment to cover any undisputed amount.

If you regularly find erroneous charges on your bill, it may be because someone has access to your credit card number and is using it illegally. In this case contact your credit card company immediately.