Dispute a Charge on Your Bank of America Card
Bank of America lets you dispute a charge through their online banking portal, by phone, or in person at a branch. The process starts with reporting the transaction to their dispute team, who then contact the merchant and investigate. Most disputes are resolved within 10 business days, though some take longer depending on what the merchant provides.
You do not need to wait for a bill to arrive. You can dispute a charge as soon as you notice it, even if it is still pending. Bank of America will typically issue a temporary credit to your account while they investigate, so you are not out the money during the process.
Key Takeaways
- Report a disputed charge through your Bank of America online account, by calling 1-800-432-1000, or at any branch within 60 days of the transaction.
- Bank of America usually issues a temporary credit while investigating, so the charge does not sit on your account balance.
- The merchant has time to respond with evidence that the charge was valid, which can extend the investigation beyond the initial 10 business days.
- Keeping your receipt, confirmation email, or order number makes the dispute faster because you can provide proof of what you were charged for.
- If the dispute is denied, you can ask Bank of America to review the decision again or file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Dispute Through Online Banking
Log into your Bank of America account and go to the Accounts section. Find the card or account with the disputed charge, then look for the transaction in your recent activity. Click on the transaction and select "Report as Disputed" or "Dispute This Transaction" — the exact wording depends on whether the charge is pending or posted.
You will be asked to choose a reason: unauthorized charge, duplicate charge, incorrect amount, or merchant error are the most common. Describe what happened in the text box provided. Include specific details like what you ordered, what you were charged, and what the correct amount should have been. The more detail you give, the faster the investigation moves.
After you submit, you will see a case number on screen. Write this down or take a screenshot. Bank of America will send you a confirmation email with the same number. This is your reference for any follow-up calls or questions.
Dispute by Phone or at a Branch
Call Bank of America's dispute line at 1-800-432-1000 and select the option for fraud or disputes. Have your card number, the transaction date, and the amount ready. The representative will ask you the same questions as the online form: what the charge was for, why you are disputing it, and what the correct amount should be.
If you prefer to speak to someone in person, visit any Bank of America branch with your card and a photo ID. A representative can file the dispute on the spot and print your case number for you. This is useful if you want to discuss the charge in detail or if you have documents like receipts or emails to show.
What Happens During the Investigation
Once you report the dispute, Bank of America sends a notice to the merchant asking them to respond within a set timeframe — usually 10 to 30 days depending on the card network rules. The merchant can provide evidence that the charge was valid, such as a signed receipt, delivery confirmation, or your account history with them.
Bank of America reviews both your account of what happened and the merchant's response. If the merchant does not respond or their evidence is weak, the dispute is usually decided in your favor. If the merchant provides strong proof that the charge was legitimate, the dispute may be denied.
During this time, Bank of America typically holds a temporary credit in your account so the disputed amount does not count against your balance. If the dispute is decided in your favor, this credit becomes permanent. If it is denied, the charge goes back on your account.
Timeline and What to Expect
Bank of America aims to resolve disputes within 10 business days, but the actual timeline depends on how quickly the merchant responds. Some merchants reply within a few days; others take weeks. If the merchant does not respond at all, Bank of America may rule in your favor by default.
You will receive updates by mail and email as the investigation progresses. The final decision letter will explain whether the dispute was upheld or denied and why. If it was denied, the letter will also tell you how to request a second review or file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Documents and Information to Have Ready
Gather anything that supports your dispute before you report it. This includes your receipt, order confirmation email, shipping confirmation, or any communication with the merchant about the charge. If you ordered something and it never arrived, a tracking number showing non-delivery is powerful evidence.
If the charge was unauthorized — meaning you did not make it and do not recognize it — write down the date you first noticed it and the date you reported it to Bank of America. The sooner you report an unauthorized charge, the stronger your position.
For duplicate charges, keep both receipts or confirmation numbers showing the same transaction was charged twice. For incorrect amounts, have the receipt showing what you were supposed to be charged and the statement showing what actually posted.
What to Do if Your Dispute Is Denied
If Bank of America denies your dispute, you have options. You can request that they review the decision again, especially if you have new evidence the merchant did not provide the first time. Call the dispute department and explain what new information you have.
You can also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov. The CFPB investigates complaints about banks and can pressure Bank of America to reconsider if they believe the bank made an error. This does not may provide a reversal, but it creates a record and may prompt a second look.
If the charge was truly fraudulent or unauthorized, you may also report it to local police or the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. This is especially important if multiple unauthorized charges appear on your account, as it could indicate identity theft.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to dispute a charge?
Bank of America allows you to dispute a charge within 60 days of when it posted to your account. Some card networks allow longer, but 60 days is Bank of America's standard window. Report it as soon as you notice it rather than waiting.
Will I get my money back while the dispute is being investigated?
Yes, Bank of America usually issues a temporary credit while they investigate. This credit appears in your account balance right away, so you are not out the money. If the dispute is denied, the charge goes back on your account.
What if the merchant says I authorized the charge?
If you truly did not authorize it, tell Bank of America that in your dispute. The merchant may claim you authorized it, but if you have evidence you did not — like no order confirmation from you, or a charge from a merchant you have never heard of — Bank of America will weigh that against the merchant's claim.
Can I dispute a charge if I changed my mind about a purchase?
A dispute is not the right tool for buyer's remorse. Disputes are for unauthorized charges, duplicate charges, or charges for items you never received. If you bought something and want to return it, contact the merchant directly about a refund instead.
What happens if Bank of America finds the charge was fraudulent?
Bank of America will reverse the charge permanently and may issue you a new card with a new number. If you see multiple fraudulent charges, ask them about fraud monitoring or consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus to prevent further unauthorized accounts in your name.