How to Dispute a Charge on Your Card

By the Super Simple Digital Tools Team · Updated June 2026 · Easy · 20 minutes

Unrecognised, duplicate or incorrect charges happen, and card networks give you the right to dispute them. Acting promptly and gathering a little evidence makes the process smooth and improves your chances of a refund.

⚠ Safety: If you see charges you didn't make, treat it as fraud: contact your bank right away and freeze the card.

Steps

Confirm it's really wrong. Check that it isn't a delayed, renamed or family-member charge before disputing — many 'unknown' charges are legitimate under an odd merchant name.
Contact the merchant first. For an obvious error, a quick message to the seller is often the fastest fix and avoids a formal dispute.
Gather evidence. Collect the statement line, receipts, order confirmations and any messages showing the charge is wrong.
File the dispute. Use your bank or card app's 'dispute a transaction' option, or call the number on the back of the card. Explain clearly and attach your evidence.
Track the case. Note the case reference. The bank usually issues a temporary credit while it investigates, and gives a decision within a set number of days.

Tips

Report suspected fraud immediately and ask for a new card number.
Most disputes have a time limit (often 60–120 days) — don't sit on it.