Chargeback Types & Prevention
Understand the common types of chargebacks and practical steps you can take to prevent disputes and protect your revenue.
A chargeback occurs when a cardholder disputes a transaction with their issuing bank, and the bank reverses the payment while the case is investigated. Understanding why chargebacks happen and how to prevent them can help you reduce disputes and protect your revenue.
Chargebacks are generally raised for one of the following reasons:
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Fraudulent chargebacks Raised when a transaction was made without the cardholder's knowledge or consent — for example, using stolen card details or a compromised identity.
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Non-receipt chargebacks Raised when a customer claims they never received the goods or services they paid for.
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Quality-related chargebacks Raised when a customer is dissatisfied with the product or service received — for example, if it was defective, damaged, or significantly different from what was described.
Handy Tips
A customer has a window of up to 120 days from the transaction date to raise a chargeback. This means a sale can be reversed well after it was completed, so evidence (invoices, delivery proof, communication records) should be retained accordingly.
Beyond the immediate loss of the disputed amount, a high volume of chargebacks can have broader consequences for your business:
- Card networks and acquiring banks may flag your business as high-risk, which can affect your standing with payment partners.
- Banks may start holding remittances if chargeback volumes stay elevated.
- In severe cases, this can lead to a suspension of your online payment acceptance.
Most chargebacks stem from a breakdown in communication or expectations between you and your customer, rather than intentional fraud. The following practices help reduce that risk:
- Keep your return and refund policy clear and visible. Make sure it's easy to find on your website and understood before checkout.
- Communicate proactively with customers. Keep them updated on order status, delays, and any changes, so they're less likely to dispute a charge out of uncertainty.
- Retain proof of delivery. Keep tracking numbers, invoices, and delivery confirmations on hand — these are the first evidence you'll need if a chargeback is raised.
- Respond to customer complaints promptly. Resolving an issue directly with the customer is almost always faster and cheaper than fighting a chargeback later.
- Verify high-risk transactions where possible. For example, using 3D Secure authentication on card-not-present transactions reduces your exposure to fraud-related chargebacks. See for more on 3DS and non-3DS risk.
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