How long do I have to dispute a charge with Visa?

Tick-Tock! The Clock is Ticking on Your Visa Chargeback

We’ve all been there: a mysterious charge on your Visa statement, a product that never arrived, or a service that fell flat. Thankfully, Visa offers chargebacks to help you reclaim your hard-earned money. But here’s the catch – time is of the essence!

While reclaiming your funds through a chargeback might seem like a simple process, it’s crucial to understand the urgency involved. Visa chargebacks are time-sensitive and must typically be filed within 120 days of the transaction processing date. This means you have a limited window to act, and the clock starts ticking from the moment your transaction goes through, not when you notice the problem.

Here’s why sticking to the 120-day deadline is vital:

• Evidence Strength: The fresher the transaction in everyone’s memory, the stronger your case. Waiting too long can weaken your evidence and make it harder to dispute the charge.
• Merchant Cooperation: Merchants are more likely to cooperate and provide information when the transaction is recent.
• Bank Policy: Exceeding the time limit can lead to your bank automatically rejecting your chargeback request, leaving you with little recourse.

What can you do?

• Scrutinize your statements: Regularly review your Visa statements for any unfamiliar or incorrect charges.
• Don’t delay: If you spot a discrepancy, contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately. Don’t wait for the problem to resolve itself.
• Gather your evidence: Collect all relevant documentation, such as purchase confirmations, receipts, communication with the merchant, and any evidence of faulty products or services.

Remember, the 120-day time limit is a critical factor in the chargeback process. Don’t let procrastination jeopardize your chances of getting your money back. Be vigilant, act promptly, and stay within the stipulated timeframe to increase your odds of a successful Visa chargeback.