How long does a chargeback take?

Most UK banks resolve a chargeback within 45–90 days. You usually get a provisional credit within 10 working days while they investigate.

Is a chargeback the same as a refund?

No. A refund is voluntary from the merchant. A chargeback is forced by your bank using card scheme rules — it works even when the merchant refuses.

Will a chargeback hurt my credit?

No. Chargebacks don't appear on your credit file. They only affect the merchant.

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Chargeback — get your money back when a merchant won't refund you

A chargeback is your right to reverse a card payment through your bank when a merchant has taken money unfairly or failed to deliver. Used correctly it's one of the fastest ways to get your money back in the UK, US and Australia — but the wording of your request decides whether it succeeds.

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When you can raise a chargeback

You can raise a chargeback if goods never arrived, the item is not as described, the service was not provided, you were charged twice, a subscription was billed after you cancelled, or the transaction was unauthorised. You normally have 120 days from the transaction (or expected delivery) date to file.

How the process works

You contact your card issuer (not the merchant) with a written dispute. The bank temporarily credits you, then asks the merchant for evidence. If the merchant can't prove the charge was valid, the credit becomes permanent. Strong written evidence on day one is the single biggest predictor of winning.

Why most chargebacks fail

Banks reject vague claims. They want: the exact transaction details, the specific reason code, evidence you tried to resolve it with the merchant first, and a clear written request. We draft all of this for you, formatted to the standard banks expect.

Example chargeback letter to your bank

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

[Card Issuer Name]
Disputes Department
[Issuer Address]

Re: Formal chargeback request — Card ending [last 4 digits]
Transaction date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Amount: [£ amount]
Merchant: [Merchant name]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to formally dispute the above transaction on my account and to request a chargeback under the relevant card scheme rules (Visa / Mastercard / Amex).

The reason for this dispute is: [goods not received / not as described / service not provided / duplicate charge / unauthorised transaction]. I have already attempted to resolve this directly with the merchant on [date] by [email / phone / chat], and they have [refused to refund / failed to respond / offered an unsatisfactory resolution]. Copies of that correspondence are enclosed.

Please treat this letter as my formal request to:
1. Open a chargeback on the transaction above.
2. Credit my account with the disputed amount pending investigation.
3. Confirm the case reference and expected timeframe in writing.

I look forward to your written response within 14 days.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]

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