Every credit card brand has a dispute resolution process in place, and the credit card account holder has certain rights for disputing charges placed on their card, but the rights will vary with each credit card provider such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club. These Chargeback Rules can be found on each credit card company website.

The operating rules for each credit card company will identify the time limits that are set for each type of dispute that can be made for credit card charges. Reporting the disputed charge within the set time limit is crucial. Some of the reasons for charge disputes are placed on the predetermined chargeback rules, and can be easily settled through the system. Some disputed charges will take additional time and effort to verify, and until the investigation is complete, no monies can be credit back into the account.

If the disputed charge on a credit card involves any type of electronic fund transfer, such as an ATM withdrawal, then the conditions and rules under the Electronic Funds Transfer Code of Conduct might apply. Each bank card company or the financial institution that sponsors a major credit card will have a dispute resolution section devoted specifically to restoring monies removed by fraudulent means. The terms and conditions for a Chargeback through Electronic transactions will vary by each lender policy.

Since many credit card providers offer rewards programs with their credit card product, the disputed charges might have to be corrected, or charged back, in two areas during the dispute resolution process. The terms and conditions of the rewards program should be consulted prior to starting the dispute, as well as the terms and conditions for electronic funds transfers.

Before any type of restoration of funds is requested through the Chargeback Rules, several things should occur. The credit card holder should try to solve the dispute of the charges on their own by contacting the merchant directly. Keep thorough records of the time, date, length of call, and the person that was contacted.

This should be done for any telephone conversations that occur between both parties, and it does not matter who initiates the call. A good rule of thumb to follow while going through the credit card dispute resolution process is to document everything. The time that the initial inquiry is made concerning the disputed charges will determine the limits of liability in some cases.

Statements from the card holder and all authorized users of the credit card should be obtained, and notarized. These statements of fact will provide the credit card company with documented proof of the disputed charges, and the statements will become a matter of record in the journey to having the chargeback process completed.

It is important to review credit card statement promptly due to the reporting limitations that are in place on all credit card transactions. After the Chargeback Rules investigation has been completed, it is important to review the monthly statements for additional disputes that might be placed by the merchant. A credit report should be reviewed often to identify fraudulent use of credit cards.

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