Writing a Credit Card Charge Dispute Letter (with Samples)
Use these sample credit card charge dispute letters as templates for your formal dispute letter.
Last updated on January 16th, 2019
There are many billing errors that would necessitate a credit card charge dispute letter. On most credit card bills there is the fine print that says calling about billing errors will not preserve the consumer’s rights. This is why the dispute needs to be in writing.
Some of the most common reasons for disputes are:
Errors can be Corrected
These errors can be corrected through dispute settlement procedures that are provided by the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA). If these procedures are not followed, the consumer could lose the dispute because of a technicality such as not filing within the time limit or not informing of the dispute in writing. The FCBA applies only to billing errors and not to disputes about the quality of goods and services.
Some of the most common reasons for disputes are:
- Charged twice for the same item
- Failure to credit a payment to the account
- Charged for merchandise not received or returned
- Math mistakes
- Unauthorized charges
- Charges with the wrong date or amount
Errors can be Corrected
These errors can be corrected through dispute settlement procedures that are provided by the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA). If these procedures are not followed, the consumer could lose the dispute because of a technicality such as not filing within the time limit or not informing of the dispute in writing. The FCBA applies only to billing errors and not to disputes about the quality of goods and services.
The time limit for notifying the credit card company about an incorrect charge is 60 days from the date the bill was mailed. The credit card company must resolve the dispute in less than 90 days or within two billing periods after they have received the consumer’s letter.
Dispute Department
The letter should be sent to the correct department for disputes such as the dispute department or billing enquiries. It should not be sent to customer service or to the address where bills are paid. Consumers can call the credit card company or look in the billing rights summary on the statement for the correct address.
Dispute Department
The letter should be sent to the correct department for disputes such as the dispute department or billing enquiries. It should not be sent to customer service or to the address where bills are paid. Consumers can call the credit card company or look in the billing rights summary on the statement for the correct address.
While the credit card company is investigating the dispute, the consumer may withhold payment for the disputed amount. However, other parts of the bill that are not in dispute must be paid.
The credit card company may not take any legal action against the consumer during the investigation, and the account may not be closed or restricted, but the disputed amount may be applied against the consumer’s credit limit.
Decision Must be in Writing
If the dispute ends in favor of the consumer, all charges, late fees and any other charges that are related to the error must be removed, and the consumer must be informed of the decision in writing. If the dispute ends in favor of the credit card company, the consumer may appeal the result in writing within 10 days after receiving the explanation from the credit card company.
At this time, the credit card company my begin proceedings to get the money from the consumer, but if the consumer has sent written objection, this must be included by the credit card company when they report to any credit reporting company. If the consumer's credit report has been affected negatively, the company must report the continuing process to each person who got a copy of the report.
FCBA Rules
If the credit card company does not follow correct procedures in relation to a dispute, and the consumer who is disputing can prove it, the credit card company cannot collect any money from the consumer even if the investigation ends in the credit card company’s favor. For this reason, it is important for the consumer to be sure everyone is following FCBA rules.
Here are sample credit card charge dispute letters. They should be sent by certified mail, so the consumer has proof the letter was sent and received as well as proof of the date on which it was sent. The consumer should save the originals of any documents or statements sent.
The credit card company may not take any legal action against the consumer during the investigation, and the account may not be closed or restricted, but the disputed amount may be applied against the consumer’s credit limit.
Decision Must be in Writing
If the dispute ends in favor of the consumer, all charges, late fees and any other charges that are related to the error must be removed, and the consumer must be informed of the decision in writing. If the dispute ends in favor of the credit card company, the consumer may appeal the result in writing within 10 days after receiving the explanation from the credit card company.
At this time, the credit card company my begin proceedings to get the money from the consumer, but if the consumer has sent written objection, this must be included by the credit card company when they report to any credit reporting company. If the consumer's credit report has been affected negatively, the company must report the continuing process to each person who got a copy of the report.
FCBA Rules
If the credit card company does not follow correct procedures in relation to a dispute, and the consumer who is disputing can prove it, the credit card company cannot collect any money from the consumer even if the investigation ends in the credit card company’s favor. For this reason, it is important for the consumer to be sure everyone is following FCBA rules.
Here are sample credit card charge dispute letters. They should be sent by certified mail, so the consumer has proof the letter was sent and received as well as proof of the date on which it was sent. The consumer should save the originals of any documents or statements sent.
Sample 1 - Credit Card Charge Dispute Letter
Consumer’s Name
Consumer’s Address
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Dispute Department (Billing Inquiries)
Credit Card Company
Street Address or P.O. Box
City, State, Zip Code
Re: CONSUMER'S ACCOUNT NUMBER
Dear Credit Card Company,
I am writing to dispute an incorrect charge on my statement of DATE. I have enclosed a copy of my DATE statement and circled the disputed charge.
I dispute this charge because I have been charged twice for the same item. I have also enclosed copies of evidence that supports my dispute.
Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, I am requesting the incorrect charge from my statement be removed and an accurate statement be mailed to me.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Consumer’s Signature
Consumer’s Printed Name
List of Enclosures
Sample 2 - Credit Card Charge Dispute Letter
Consumer’s Name
Consumer’s Address
City, State, Zip Code
Credit Card Account Number
DATE
Name of Credit Card Company
Billing Inquires
Credit Card Company’s Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Sir or Madam:
This letter is a formal dispute for a charge on my account for the amount of $$$. This charge should not be made to me because I returned the merchandise in question and received a full refund. I would like to request that the error be corrected, and the amount be removed from my record.
If there are any related charges, they should be removed too. I would like to receive an accurate copy of my credit card statement when this item is removed.
I have enclosed copies of the receipt for the returned item that clearly shows the purchase was cancelled and a refund given. Please investigate the incorrect charge on my bill and correct the error as soon as possible. If any further information is required, I can be reached at 555-123-4567 or at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Consumer’s Signature
Consumer’s Name Printed
List of Enclosures
By Andre Bradley
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