You have up to 60 days from when you receive your statement to dispute a charge with your credit card company
The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) sets this important date. It starts the day your statement arrives — whether by mail or email — not the day the charge posted to your account. If you miss the 60-day window, your card issuer is not required to investigate the dispute, though some may do so anyway as a courtesy.
The clock matters because disputing within the window gives you legal protection. Your card issuer must acknowledge your dispute in writing within 30 days and complete an investigation within two billing cycles (usually 60 days). If you dispute after 60 days, you lose that legal right and depend entirely on the card company's goodwill.
This important date applies to all credit cards — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and others. Debit cards have different rules and shorter windows, so if you used a debit card, check with your bank separately.
Key Takeaways
- The 60-day window starts when your statement arrives, not when the charge posted, so check your statement date carefully.
- Disputes filed within 60 days trigger a legal investigation process; disputes after 60 days have no legal backing.
- Your card issuer must acknowledge your dispute within 30 days and finish investigating within two billing cycles.
- You should dispute in writing (by mail, email, or through your online account) and keep copies of everything you send.
- Debit cards, prepaid cards, and bank accounts have different dispute windows — usually shorter — so do not assume the 60-day rule applies to them.
When the 60-day clock actually starts
The FCBA defines the start date as the day you receive your statement, not the day the charge appeared on your account. If your statement arrives on the 15th of the month, your 60 days begin on the 15th, even if the disputed charge posted on the 10th.
For statements mailed to you, the date on the statement itself is what counts. For statements sent by email, the date you receive the email is the start. If you receive a paper statement and an electronic statement, the earlier date is when your clock starts.
This matters because charges often post several days before your statement closes. A charge from the 5th might not appear on your statement until the 20th. You do not start counting until the 20th arrives.
What happens when you file a dispute within 60 days
Once you notify your card issuer of a dispute, the law requires them to send you a written acknowledgment within 30 days. This acknowledgment should include your dispute reference number, the amount in question, and an explanation of what happens next.
Your card issuer then has up to two billing cycles (roughly 60 days, though it can vary) to investigate. During this time, they will contact the merchant, review the transaction details, and decide whether the charge was unauthorized, fraudulent, or the result of a billing error. They may also ask you for additional information — receipts, correspondence with the merchant, proof of return, or other evidence.
While the investigation is underway, the card issuer must remove the disputed amount from your bill. You do not have to pay it. If the investigation finds in your favor, the charge stays removed. If they find against you, they will add it back and notify you in writing of their decision and your right to respond.
What happens if you dispute after 60 days
After 60 days, you lose the legal protections of the FCBA. Your card issuer is no longer required to investigate, acknowledge your dispute in writing, or remove the charge from your bill while they look into it. You become a customer asking for a favor, not someone with a legal right.
Many card companies will still investigate disputes filed after 60 days, especially if the charge is clearly fraudulent or if you have been a long-standing customer. But they have no obligation to do so, and they can refuse without explanation. Some will investigate only if you have a strong case — for example, a charge you never made and never authorized.
The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather evidence. Merchants delete transaction records, emails get lost, and your own memory of the event fades. If you suspect a problem with a charge, dispute it as soon as you notice it rather than waiting.
How to file a dispute the right way
Contact your card issuer through the method that creates a written record. This usually means:
- Logging into your online account and using the dispute tool (most card companies now offer this).
- Calling the number on the back of your card and asking to file a dispute in writing, then following up with an email or letter.
- Sending a letter to the address listed on your statement for billing disputes.
Do not rely on a phone call alone. The card issuer must send you written acknowledgment of your dispute, and having a paper trail protects you if there is a disagreement later about whether you filed on time or what you said.
In your dispute, include the transaction date, the merchant name, the amount, and a clear explanation of why you are disputing it — for example, "I did not make this purchase," "The merchant charged me twice," or "I returned this item but was not refunded." Attach copies of any supporting documents: receipts, emails from the merchant, proof of return, or screenshots of your account.
Different rules for different card types
The 60-day rule applies only to credit cards. If you used a debit card, the window is shorter and the process is different. Debit card disputes typically have a 60-day window as well under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, but the investigation process is faster and the protections are weaker.
Prepaid cards and gift cards often have even shorter windows — sometimes 30 days — and may not be covered by the FCBA at all. Check the terms that came with your card or contact the issuer directly.
If you dispute a charge on a bank account (not a card), the rules are the same as debit cards: 60 days, but faster investigation and less protection. Always confirm the specific rules for the type of card or account you used.
What to do if your dispute is denied
If your card issuer investigates and rules against you, they must send you a written explanation of their decision. You have the right to respond in writing and ask them to reconsider, though they are not required to change their mind.
You can also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) if you believe the card issuer did not follow the law. The CFPB cannot overturn the card issuer's decision, but they can investigate whether the process was fair and whether the company violated your rights.
If the charge was truly fraudulent — for example, someone stole your card number — and the card issuer refuses to remove it, you may have grounds for a lawsuit, though this is rare and usually not worth the cost. Most disputes are resolved through the investigation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 60-day clock reset if I dispute the same charge twice?
No. The clock starts when you receive your statement and does not restart. If you file a second dispute on the same charge, it must still be within 60 days of your original statement date. However, if the card issuer made an error in their investigation, you may be able to request a new investigation based on new evidence.
What if my statement was delayed in the mail?
The 60 days still starts from the date on your statement, not the date you received it. If your statement was delayed, you may have received it after the 60-day window had already passed. This is why checking your account online regularly — rather than waiting for paper statements — protects you.
Can I dispute a charge if I authorized it but changed my mind?
Technically, yes, but the card issuer will likely deny it. The FCBA covers unauthorized charges, billing errors, and charges for goods or services you did not receive. Buyer's remorse does not may have access to. However, if you can show the merchant promised something they did not deliver, or if you cancelled a subscription and were still charged, you have a stronger case.
What if the merchant goes out of business before my dispute is resolved?
Your dispute continues with your card issuer regardless. The card issuer will attempt to contact the merchant, but if they cannot, the card issuer must still investigate based on the information you provide. A closed merchant actually strengthens your case in many situations because the card issuer cannot get a response from them.
Do I have to pay the disputed charge while the investigation is happening?
No. If you dispute within 60 days, the card issuer must remove the amount from your bill while they investigate. You are not required to pay it. If the investigation finds against you, they will add it back and you will owe it then, but during the investigation period itself, you do not have to pay.