The Federal Timeline for Disputing a Charge
You have up to 60 days from the date the charge appears on your statement to file a dispute with your card issuer. This is the window set by the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA), a federal rule that applies to all credit cards issued in the United States. The 60 days starts when you receive the statement showing the charge, not when the transaction happened.
If you miss the 60-day window, your card issuer is no longer required to investigate the charge or reverse it. Some issuers may still look into disputes filed after 60 days, but they are not legally obligated to do so. The sooner you report the charge, the sooner the investigation can begin.
Key Takeaways
- You must file a dispute within 60 days of the statement date showing the charge, or your card issuer has no legal duty to investigate.
- The dispute process itself typically takes 30 to 90 days from the date you file, not from the date of the original charge.
- Your card issuer must acknowledge your dispute in writing within 30 days and complete the investigation within two billing cycles (roughly 60 days).
- Fraudulent charges and billing errors follow the same 60-day filing deadline, but the investigation process and outcome may differ.
- Keeping copies of your statements, receipts, and all correspondence with the card issuer is essential to support your dispute.
How to Count the 60 Days Correctly
The clock starts on the date your statement is mailed or made available to you online, not the date you open it or notice the charge. If your statement date is the 15th of the month, your 60-day window closes on the 14th of the second month after that. For example, if your statement closes on January 15, you have until March 16 to file a dispute (60 days from January 15).
Credit card statements are typically mailed or posted online between the 1st and the 28th of each month, depending on your card issuer's billing cycle. Check your most recent statement to find the exact statement date. If you are unsure when a charge first appeared, request a copy of the statement from your card issuer—they are required to provide it.
Do not wait until the last day. Filing your dispute in writing (by mail or through your online account) creates a paper trail. If you call your card issuer to report a charge, ask them to confirm the dispute in writing and note the date and time of your call.
What Happens After You File a Dispute
Once you file a dispute, your card issuer must send you a written acknowledgment within 30 days. This letter should include your dispute reference number, a summary of what you reported, and an explanation of what happens next. Keep this letter—you will need the reference number to track your case.
The card issuer then has up to two billing cycles (roughly 60 days, though this can vary) to investigate and reach a decision. During this time, they will contact the merchant, review the transaction details, and examine any evidence you provided. They may also place a temporary credit on your account while the investigation is ongoing, though this is not may provide.
At the end of the investigation, the issuer will send you a final letter explaining whether the charge was reversed, upheld, or partially reversed. If the charge is reversed, it is removed from your account. If it is upheld, you owe the full amount. If you disagree with the outcome, you have the right to submit additional evidence, but the issuer is not required to reopen the case.
Disputes for Fraudulent Charges Versus Billing Errors
The 60-day filing deadline applies to both fraudulent charges and billing errors, but the investigation process can differ. A fraudulent charge is one you did not authorize—someone used your card number without permission. A billing error is a charge that was authorized but is incorrect, such as being charged twice for the same purchase or being charged the wrong amount.
For fraudulent charges, your card issuer may also invoke the rules under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act (EFTA) or Regulation E, which can offer additional protections depending on how the fraud occurred. If the fraud involved a debit card or a PIN, different timelines may apply. For credit card fraud, the FCBA 60-day rule is the standard.
Billing errors—such as duplicate charges, charges for items you returned, or math errors on your statement—follow the same 60-day deadline and investigation process. The outcome may be faster if the error is clear-cut, such as being charged twice for the same item on the same day.
What Happens If You Miss the 60-Day Deadline
If you file a dispute after 60 days have passed, your card issuer is not legally required to investigate under the FCBA. However, some issuers have internal policies that allow them to review disputes filed slightly after the deadline, particularly if you have a good account history or if the charge is clearly fraudulent.
Your best option if you have missed the deadline is to contact your card issuer directly and explain the situation. Ask whether they will review the charge as a courtesy. If they refuse, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or your state's attorney general, though this does not may provide the charge will be reversed.
To avoid this situation, set a calendar reminder for 30 days after each statement closes. This gives you time to review charges and file disputes well before the 60-day window closes.
Temporary Credits and Your Account During a Dispute
While your dispute is being investigated, your card issuer may place a temporary credit on your account. This credit is not a final decision—it is a hold that protects you while the investigation proceeds. The temporary credit typically appears within two billing cycles of filing your dispute.
You are not required to pay the disputed amount while the investigation is ongoing. However, if the charge is ultimately upheld, you will owe the full amount plus any interest that accrued during the dispute period. If a temporary credit was applied and the charge is upheld, the credit will be removed and you will be responsible for the original charge.
If the charge is reversed, the temporary credit becomes permanent and you owe nothing. Make sure you understand whether a credit on your account is temporary or final by reviewing the letter your issuer sends when the investigation concludes.
Documentation You Need to Keep
To support your dispute, gather and keep copies of the following: your original statement showing the charge, any receipts or confirmation emails from the merchant, copies of any correspondence with the merchant, and a record of any calls you made to report the charge (including the date, time, and name of the representative you spoke with).
If you are disputing a fraudulent charge, also keep any evidence that your card was compromised—such as a police report if you reported identity theft, or documentation of when you first noticed unauthorized activity on your account. If you are disputing a billing error, keep records showing what you actually purchased or returned.
Submit copies of this documentation with your dispute, either by mail or through your card issuer's online portal. Do not send originals. Keep your own copies for your records and for any follow-up communication with the issuer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I dispute a charge after 60 days if I just noticed it?
No, the 60-day deadline is based on when the charge appeared on your statement, not when you noticed it. If you did not review your statements regularly, you may have missed the deadline. Contact your card issuer to ask if they will review the charge as a courtesy, but they are not legally required to investigate.
Does the dispute timeline change if the merchant is overseas or international?
No, the 60-day filing deadline and the investigation timeline remain the same regardless of where the merchant is located. However, international disputes may take longer to investigate because the issuer has to contact a foreign merchant, which can delay the process. The legal deadline does not change, but the practical timeline may extend beyond the standard 60 to 90 days.
What if my card issuer does not respond to my dispute within 30 days?
Your card issuer is required by law to acknowledge your dispute in writing within 30 days. If they do not, send a follow-up letter referencing your original dispute and the date you filed it. If you still do not receive acknowledgment, file a complaint with the CFPB or your state's attorney general. Keep copies of all correspondence you send.
Can I dispute a charge if I authorized the transaction but changed my mind?
No, disputing a charge simply because you changed your mind is not a valid reason under the FCBA. Disputes are for unauthorized charges or billing errors. If you want to return an item, contact the merchant directly. If the merchant refuses to refund you, you may have a civil claim against them, but that is separate from a credit card dispute.
How long does it take to get my money back after a dispute is resolved in my favor?
If the charge is reversed, the credit should appear on your account within one to two billing cycles after the investigation concludes. If a temporary credit was already applied, it becomes permanent. The exact timing depends on your card issuer's processing schedule, but you should see the final credit within 30 days of the dispute resolution letter.