Type the code from your dispute notice to see what it means, what evidence usually helps you respond, and how to stop it happening again. Covers Visa and Mastercard.
Every dispute arrives with a reason code, and evidence that answers that specific reason is what wins. Keep an eye on your chargeback ratio too, because processors and underwriters watch it closely.
Your processor sets the response window, and it's usually much shorter than the time the cardholder had to file. Respond early.
How chargebacks work →Send evidence that answers the reason on the notice. A pile of unrelated documents rarely helps.
Check your chargeback ratio →Customers sometimes dispute purchases they really made. Proof of delivery and order history are your best evidence.
Friendly fraud →Look for patterns in your reason codes and fix the cause, whether it's slow shipping, unclear billing or fraud.
Billing descriptors →It's a short code the card network attaches to every dispute to show why the cardholder disputed the charge, such as fraud, an item not received or a cancelled subscription. It tells you what evidence you'll need to respond.
Your processor sets the deadline, and it's usually much shorter than the time the cardholder had to file. Check the date on your dispute notice and respond as early as you can.
Mastercard has folded many older codes, such as 4855 and 4860, into broader ones like 4853. This lookup includes the retired codes and shows which current code replaced each one.
It's harder, but possible, especially if you can show what you've changed. See the approval checklist, or apply in about 3 minutes and a payments specialist will review your application.
.avif)