Finance glossary
Chargeback
Also known as: Card chargeback, Dispute
In simple terms
A chargeback is when your bank tries to reverse a card payment and get your money back from the seller’s bank — for example if goods never arrived or a payment was taken twice.
On this page
What does chargeback mean?
Chargeback is a process run by the card schemes — Visa and Mastercard — that lets your bank ask for a payment to be reversed. It can be used on both debit and credit cards, for problems such as goods not arriving, faulty or misdescribed items, duplicate charges or a retailer that has stopped trading.
Importantly, chargeback is a scheme rule, not a legal right. It is a protection built into how the card networks operate, so it is not guaranteed in the way Section 75 is — but it is often the only route available on debit card payments.
How chargeback works
You ask your card provider to raise a chargeback. Your bank then puts the disputed amount back to you provisionally and requests it from the seller’s bank. The retailer can challenge the claim, and if it produces evidence the payment was valid the money can be taken back again.
Strict time limits apply — typically you must claim within around 120 days of the transaction or of when you expected the goods or service, up to a scheme maximum. Because the rules are set by Visa and Mastercard, the exact terms depend on the scheme.
How could this affect me?
Chargeback is useful when Section 75 does not apply — on debit cards, or on credit card purchases of £100 or less. It can get your money back where a seller will not help or has disappeared.
Because it is not a legal right and can be reversed if the retailer disputes it, it is less certain than Section 75. Act quickly and keep evidence of the problem and any attempts to resolve it with the seller.
Things to watch out for
- Chargeback is a card scheme rule (Visa/Mastercard), not a legal right — it is not guaranteed.
- Strict time limits apply, so raise it with your bank as soon as you spot a problem.
- A provisional refund can be reversed if the retailer successfully disputes the claim.
- For eligible credit card purchases over £100, Section 75 usually offers stronger protection.
Know your rights
- Chargeback is a Visa or Mastercard scheme protection that your bank can use on debit and credit cards — it is not a statutory right, and time limits apply.
- For unauthorised or fraudulent card payments you also have a legal right to a refund under the Payment Services Regulations 2017.
- If your bank refuses to raise a reasonable chargeback, you can complain and escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
General information, not personal advice
Consumer Credit is an independent information service. We do not provide regulated financial advice or sell financial products. For advice on your own situation, speak to an appropriately authorised firm or a free service such as MoneyHelper. About Consumer Credit.
Sources
We checked this page against these official and authoritative sources.
- MoneyHelper, How to use chargeback (opens in a new tab). Accessed 22 Aug 2026.
- UK Finance, Card payments and dispute resolution (opens in a new tab). Accessed 22 Aug 2026.