How to Dispute a Debit Charge

When you make a purchase with your debit card and don't get what you pay for, you do have a right to dispute the charge. This right is made possible through the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA). The key to a successful dispute is timeliness. The dispute must be made within 60 days of the charge. If you wait longer than 60 days, you lose your right to dispute. If an organization fails to take action concerning a disputed charge, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

Instructions

1

View your account statement to get all of the details concerning the charge. Write down the transaction or reference number, the name of the company that made the charge, the amount of the charge and the date of the charge.

2

Contact the company that made the charge to your debit card. Advise the company representative of the charge. Tell the company representative why you are disputing the charge. Ask for the charge to be reversed.

3

Write down the name of the company representative. Write down the date you speak with the representative. Write down the resolution the company representative promises. If a reversal of the charge is promised, ask how long it will take for the credit to appear in your bank account. Request a reference number for the call. If the company representative states that the charge cannot be reversed, skip to Step 5.

4

Check your bank account to ensure the charge is reversed. If the credit does not show up in your bank account by the date promised, contact the company again to see if the credit was issued.

5

Contact your bank if the company representative refuses to reverse the charge. Advise the bank representative that you would like to open a claim concerning the charge. Explain the details of the charge to the bank representative. Request a reference number from the bank representative.

Generally, the bank representative will issue a credit for the charge. If, after the bank's investigation, it is determined that the charge is legitimate, the credit to your account will be reversed.