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CREDIT CARD DISPUTE LETTER TEMPLATE FOR UNAUTHORIZED CHARGES

If you have an unauthorized charge on your credit card or bank account, you need a dispute letter that is clear, specific, and supported by evidence. This page gives you a basic template, the details to include, and the mistakes that can weaken a dispute.

This is informational only, not legal or financial advice. Bank rules, deadlines, and investigation timelines vary by institution, card network, and country.

Do not submit a vague dispute. Banks can reject or delay disputes when the claim only says “I did not make this charge.” You need the date, amount, merchant name, evidence, and a clear explanation of what you already checked.

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What a Dispute Letter Must Include

  • Your full name
  • Your account or card identifier, such as the last four digits
  • The date the charge appeared
  • The exact amount
  • The merchant name as it appears on the statement
  • A clear statement that you did not authorize or do not recognize the charge
  • What you already checked, such as merchant contact, account history, or cancellation attempts
  • What you are requesting, such as reversal, refund review, or provisional credit where applicable
  • Your signature and date if submitting by mail

Free Credit Card Dispute Letter Template

Use this basic template only if the charge is straightforward and you can fill in all details accurately.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Date]

[Bank Name]
Dispute Department
[Bank Address]

Re: Unauthorized Charge — Account ending in [XXXX]

Dear Dispute Department,

I am writing to formally dispute a charge on my account.

Charge details:
- Date posted: [date charge posted]
- Amount: $[amount]
- Merchant: [merchant name as shown on statement]

I do not recognize or did not authorize this charge. I have reviewed my records and cannot match this transaction to a purchase, subscription, or service I approved.

I have already taken the following steps:
- [e.g., checked my account history]
- [e.g., contacted the merchant on DATE]
- [e.g., cancelled or attempted to cancel the related service, if applicable]

I am requesting that this transaction be reviewed and reversed if it is confirmed to be unauthorized.

I have attached the following evidence:
- [statement screenshot]
- [merchant emails or receipts]
- [cancellation confirmation]
- [support messages]

Please confirm receipt of this dispute and advise on the next steps.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]

What Evidence To Attach

  • Screenshot of the charge on your statement
  • Email receipts or lack of receipts from the merchant
  • Cancellation confirmations
  • Support messages with the merchant
  • Screenshots showing account activity
  • Notes showing when you contacted the merchant or bank
  • Any documents proving the amount, date, or merchant is wrong

How To Submit the Letter

  • Online: many banks let you dispute a charge from the transaction details in your app or online account
  • Phone: call the number on the back of your card and ask for the dispute process
  • Mail: if your bank requires written disputes, use the address listed in your card agreement or bank documents
  • Keep copies of everything you submit
  • Record the date you submitted the dispute

Dispute rules and deadlines vary. Check your bank’s terms and act quickly.

Common Mistakes That Weaken Disputes

  • Using vague wording without the date, amount, and merchant name
  • Waiting too long before contacting the bank
  • Filing before checking account history or merchant records
  • Submitting no evidence
  • Sending the dispute to the wrong channel
  • Disputing a recognizable subscription without first checking cancellation status
  • Making claims you cannot support with documentation

When To Use the Paid Letter Instead

The free template works for simple cases. Use the pre-written dispute letter if the charge is unclear, recurring, merchant-related, or you are not sure how to phrase the dispute clearly.

  • The merchant refused to help
  • The charge keeps coming back
  • The descriptor is confusing or incomplete
  • You already cancelled but were charged again
  • You need stronger wording for your bank submission
  • You want a cleaner, ready-to-send letter instead of filling out a blank template

Get a ready-to-send dispute letter for your situation.

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FAQ

Is this credit card dispute letter template free?

Yes. The basic template on this page is free to copy and adapt. The paid dispute letter is for users who want a clearer, pre-written version built for suspicious, unauthorized, or recurring charges.

How long do I have to dispute a charge?

Dispute deadlines vary by bank, card network, account type, and country. Many banks use deadlines based on the statement date, so you should check your bank’s rules and act quickly.

What if the merchant refuses to refund me?

Document the refusal, save messages or emails, and include that evidence when you contact your bank. A written refusal can help show that you attempted to resolve the issue first.

Can I dispute a charge after I already paid the statement?

In many cases, paying the statement does not automatically remove your ability to dispute a charge, but rules vary. Check your bank’s dispute policy and submit the claim as soon as possible.

What happens after I submit a dispute letter?

Your bank will review the claim and may ask for more information. Timelines vary depending on the bank, card network, and dispute type, so keep copies of all evidence and communication.

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