Guides / Billing errors

How to dispute a billing error

A wrong charge on a statement is common. A short, clear letter creates a paper trail and, for many credit card errors, protects rights under federal billing rules.

1. Gather the facts

• The statement or invoice that shows the charge
• The date and amount
• Your account or reference number
• Why it is wrong (duplicate charge, wrong amount, item not received, canceled service, and so on)
• Copies of receipts, emails, or screenshots that support your side (keep the originals)

2. Contact them, then follow up in writing

Call or use the company's online dispute option if you want a quick fix. Then send a written notice anyway. Written notice is what documents the dispute. For credit card billing errors, send it to the billing-inquiries address on your statement (often different from the payment address), and aim to have it arrive within 60 days of the statement that first showed the error.

3. What your letter should include

• Your full name, address, and account number
• The date and dollar amount of the disputed charge
• A plain explanation of why it is wrong
• What you want (remove the charge, refund, corrected statement)
• A list of enclosed copies (not originals)
• A reasonable response deadline, such as 14 or 30 days

Mail a copy by a trackable method when the amount matters, and keep a copy for your records.

4. What often happens next

For many credit card billing errors, the issuer should acknowledge a timely written dispute and finish reviewing it within two billing cycles (up to 90 days). You may still need to pay undisputed amounts on time. Rules differ for debit cards, medical bills, and merchant invoices, so check the statement instructions and, when needed, a consumer agency such as the CFPB billing-error guide.