Field-tested guides on disputing charges
How chargebacks actually work. What carriers, banks, and merchants do behind the scenes. The exact escalation paths that resolve disputes — and the ones that waste your time.
Fair Credit Billing Act explained — your federal credit card protections
The FCBA is a 1974 law (15 U.S.C. §1666) that protects credit card holders from billing errors and unauthorized charges. Here's exactly what it covers, what it doesn't, and how to invoke its protections.
Company won't let me cancel — here's what to do
When a company hides the cancellation flow or refuses to process a cancellation, you have four escalating paths: written cancellation notice, FTC click-to-cancel rule, chargeback for unauthorized recurring, and CFPB. Here's the order.
Fraud vs dispute — why the difference changes your refund outcome
Banks treat fraud and disputes through entirely different teams, with different liability rules and timelines. Filing as fraud when it's a dispute can hurt you (and vice versa). Here's how to know which is which.
Provisional credit vs final credit — what to expect during a chargeback
Provisional credit is a temporary refund posted while the bank investigates a dispute. It can be reversed if the merchant wins. Here's the timing per Reg E and FCBA, and what triggers a reversal.
Will the merchant know I filed a chargeback?
Yes. The merchant gets a chargeback notification with your name, transaction details, and reason code. They have a representment window to fight it. Here's what that means for your account with them.
Chargeback windows by card network — complete reference
FCBA gives you 60 days from the statement, but card networks themselves allow up to 540 days for some chargeback reason codes. Here's the full reference table.
How to file a CFPB complaint that actually gets results
CFPB complaints get a company response 98% of the time and partial relief frequently. The reason: they go to a different team than retail customer service. Template, timeline, and what to include.
Unauthorized charge — first 24 hours playbook
Six actions in order. The first one in the first 30 minutes determines your liability ceiling under Regulation E. Lock the card, log the charge, file the claim — exact steps with timing.
How to dispute a subscription you forgot to cancel
You can usually recover the most recent 1-2 cycles of a forgotten subscription, occasionally more. Here's the order of operations: company first, then chargeback for unauthorized renewals, then CFPB if the bank denies.
Free trial converted to paid — can I get a refund?
Yes, often. The FTC's negative-option rule requires clear consent for any charge after a free trial. Here are the four refund paths ranked by success rate, plus the chargeback codes that actually work.
Chargeback Rights: What Consumers Need to Know
Understanding your chargeback rights as a consumer, including federal protections, time limits, and when you can and cannot file a chargeback.
Digital Wallet Fraud: Protecting Your Apple Pay & Google Pay
Digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are safer than physical cards, but they're not immune to fraud. Learn the risks and how to protect yourself.