How to Dispute a Credit Card Purchase

December 04, 2013

Have you ever paid for a service with a credit card and just weren’t satisfied? Or bought something and found yourself unable to return it because of some obscure policy? If your answer to either of these questions is “yes,” take solace in the fact that you’ve got some recourse. As long as you made your purchase with a credit card that provides a dispute process – which almost all do – you may have a way to get your money back. However, there’s a right way and a wrong way to engage this process. To learn more about how to properly dispute your credit card purchases, read on.

1. Contact the Business First
Before you contact your credit card company, contact the business you made the purchase from. Don’t just settle for a customer service rep, speak to the owner or a manager. The credit card company is going to want to know that you’ve exhausted all other options beforehand. Keep your conversation cordial and clearly state your case as to why you think you deserve a refund. Be sure to keep notes in case you need to take your dispute to the credit card company. If, however, you’re able to resolve the issue before that stage, take advantage of it.

2. Reach Out to Your Credit Card Provider
If that route doesn’t produce results, call the credit card company. Tell the representative you want to dispute a credit card purchase and your case is usually going to be assigned to a dispute specialist, who gives you further instructions. Be sure you have all pertinent information on-hand such as dates, purchase order numbers, invoices, photos (if relevant), and details surrounding why you weren’t satisfied.

3. Follow Instructions
From there, your rep is going to tell you exactly how to proceed. The beginning of the process usually requires sending in a description of your experience. If that’s the case, include as much detail as possible – when you purchased the item or service, what went wrong, and what you discussed with the owner or manager. The rep is also going to ask that you mail in paper copies of all documents – keep copies for your own records, as well. The degree to which you follow instructions can have a real impact on whether or not you get your money back.

4. Take Notes on All Conversations
Whenever you speak with your representative at the credit card company, take notes of what was discussed and when. These reps have a lot of cases on their hands so it’s important to keep things organized. When you do speak, politely inquire about an expected time frame for when the dispute is expected to be reviewed and completed.

5. Follow Up
After you begin, the ensuing back and forth between the credit card company and the business could take months. It’s important to ensure that your case doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. Check in with your agent regularly and always remain patient and positive. The credit card company is on your side, and if your claim is legitimate you should see your desired results.

If you’re thinking about disputing a $10 purchase at a toy store, you might be better off chalking that up to a learning experience. With the time commitment involved, it’s probably just not worth it. However, if you’re talking about a $1,000 electronics or furniture purchase, by all means dispute it if you feel you were wronged. It’s important to fight back and make things right both for yourself and for others in order to keep businesses honest. Go about it the right way and you may receive a little love, just like I have several times through my own credit card purchase disputes.

Have you ever disputed a credit card purchase?