Chargeback guide
A chargeback is a dispute you file with your card issuer to reverse a charge. It is a powerful tool — but it should usually be a last step, not a first move.
When a chargeback usually makes sense
- A charge you did not authorize (possible fraud on the account).
- The product or service was never delivered and the merchant is unresponsive.
- The merchant refuses a refund you are entitled to (e.g., a faulty game under your regional consumer law).
- The merchant has disappeared or is clearly not fulfilling the purchase.
When to try the platform first instead
- Simple “changed my mind” returns inside a platform’s own refund window — use the official refund flow.
- If you only suspect a problem, contact the merchant’s support and keep the ticket number.
- Some platforms suspend accounts over chargebacks (Riot states this explicitly). Exhaust the platform’s appeal first unless you suspect fraud. See the account-ban appeals page.
Typical process
- Collect evidence: order confirmation, the refund refusal, screenshots, ticket numbers.
- Contact the merchant once more in writing and note the response (or silence).
- Open the dispute with your card issuer (online banking or by phone) within the window.
- Most networks require filing within 60–120 days of the statement — check your issuer’s exact limit.
- The issuer investigates; funds may be temporarily credited, then finalized or reversed.
Regional note. In Canada, your card issuer’s chargeback process is often the strongest practical lever when a platform refuses a legitimate refund, because there is no general “change of mind” cooling-off for digital downloads. See the Canada consumer-rights page.
Printable chargeback worksheet
Fill in the fields, then print or save as PDF. The page chrome is hidden when you print.
Card Chargeback / Dispute Worksheet
Fill in the fields, then print or save as PDF. Use this to organize your case before contacting your card issuer.
| Cardholder name | |
|---|---|
| Card issuer / bank | |
| Transaction date | |
| Amount charged | |
| Merchant | |
| Reason for dispute | |
| Steps already taken | |
| Date |
Gather evidence first: order confirmations, the merchant’s refusal, screenshots, and ticket numbers. Most card networks require you to file within 60–120 days of the statement — check your issuer’s exact window.
Source & verification
- General card-network chargeback windows (60–120 days) and Canadian consumer refund rights verified 2026-08-16.
- Confirm your issuer’s exact rules and deadlines directly with your bank or card network.