Disputing a credit card charge: how the law protects shoppers
One of the best reasons to shop online with a credit card is the federal billing-error process. It comes from the Fair Credit Billing Act, 15 U.S.C. 1666. This is a plain-English summary, not legal advice.
What counts as a billing error
The law covers things like charges you didn't make, charges for the wrong amount, charges for goods or services you didn't accept or that weren't delivered as agreed, and math or posting mistakes on your statement.
The deadline: 60 days
You have to send a written notice to the card issuer within 60 days after the issuer sent the first statement showing the error. Use the billing-error address on your statement (it is often different from the payment address). Many issuers also accept disputes online. If you dispute online, save a screenshot or confirmation number.
What the issuer has to do
Under the statute, the issuer must acknowledge your notice within 30 days, unless it fixes the problem sooner. It must resolve the dispute within two complete billing cycles, and no later than 90 days. While the dispute is open, you don't have to pay the disputed amount, but you still owe the rest of your bill.
How to write the dispute
- Your name, account number and the charge (date, merchant, amount).
- Why it's wrong, in one or two sentences ("ordered on Oct 2, never delivered; tracking shows no movement since Oct 4").
- Copies (not originals) of your receipt, emails with the seller, and tracking.
Contact the merchant first when it makes sense. Many problems get fixed faster that way. But don't let the 60-day clock run out while you wait.
Debit cards are different
Debit card and bank transfer protections come from different rules and are generally weaker for online shopping disputes. For big purchases from sellers you don't know, a credit card is the safer choice.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau takes complaints if an issuer won't follow the process. If you think you've hit a scam site, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Related: how to spot a fake shopping site · buying refurbished
Published October 25, 2026. Some links may be affiliate links; see our Affiliate Disclosure.