Credit Card Disputes: What They Are and How to Raise One

Credit cards make transactions easy, secure, and fast. But sometimes, things can go wrong—like unauthorized charges or wrong billing amounts. That’s when you need to know how to raise a credit card dispute. Whether it's a fraud charge or a merchant error, understanding the dispute process helps you protect your money.

What Is a Credit Card Dispute?

A credit card dispute is when you ask your bank to cancel a charge you didn’t approve or that’s wrong. If your bank agrees, they take back the money from the seller and return it to you. This can happen if:

• Someone else used your card (fraud)
• You were charged twice
• The amount was wrong
• You didn’t get what you paid for
• A refund didn’t come through

When Should You Raise a Dispute?

• If you see a charge you didn’t make: If your credit card statement shows a transaction that you don’t remember doing, it might mean someone else has used your card without your knowledge. This could happen if your card was lost, stolen, or misused. In such cases, inform your bank or credit card company immediately.
• If there’s a mistake in the bill: Sometimes, you might get charged twice for the same thing or see a wrong amount. These are billing errors. That’s why it’s important to check your credit card statement every month. If something looks wrong, you can raise a dispute with your bank to correct it.
• If you received a wrong or damaged product: If you used your credit card to buy something online or offline and the item you got is damaged, fake, not working, or completely different from what was shown, you can file a dispute. First, try to solve it with the seller. If they don’t respond or help, contact your card issuer.
• If you think your card details are stolen or misused: If you feel that your card information was stolen (like through a phishing email, fake call, or suspicious website), report it to your bank right away. This is considered fraud, and the bank will guide you to raise a dispute and block further misuse.

How to Raise a Dispute (Step-by-Step)

• Check the Charge: Look closely at your card statement. Make sure the charge is really wrong (sometimes store names look different).
• Talk to the Merchant (Optional): If it seems like a mistake, try contacting the seller. They might fix it faster.
• Contact Your Bank: Use the bank’s app, website, customer care number, email, or visit a branch.
  Give details like:
  • Date and amount of the charge
  • Why you’re disputing it
  • Any proof (screenshot, receipt, email)
• Fill the Dispute Form: Some banks may ask you to fill out a simple form. Just fill, sign, and send it back (online or by email).

What Happens After You File a Dispute?

Once you raise a dispute, your bank starts looking into the matter. They may give you a temporary refund while they check things out. Next, the bank contacts the seller’s bank and asks them to provide proof of the transaction. The seller then gets a few weeks — usually 30 to 45 days — to respond. After getting all the information from both sides, the bank reviews it and makes a final decision. If the charge truly was a mistake or fraud, your bank will give you a full refund. If not, the original amount will stay on your card statement.

Tips to Avoid Credit Card Disputes

• Keep all your proofs safe: Always save your receipts, messages, and emails after making a purchase—whether it's online or in a store. These can really help if you ever need to raise a complaint.
• Act fast when you spot something wrong: If you see a charge you didn’t make or something looks off in your bill, don’t wait. Call your bank or credit card company as soon as possible. The sooner you report it, the easier it is to fix.
• Know what your card allows: Take a few minutes to understand the rules that come with your credit card. This includes how disputes work, how long you have to report an issue, and what the bank will cover. It helps to know what you’re entitled to.
• Follow up regularly: After raising a dispute, stay in touch with your bank. Sometimes, they might need extra info from you. Checking in also helps you stay updated on what’s happening with your case.

The bottom line

A credit card dispute is your right. If you see something wrong, don’t ignore it. Raise the issue quickly and give the right information. Most banks are helpful if your request is genuine. Knowing how this works will help you stay safe and smart with your credit card.