Skip to main content
    Step 1 of 6
    Online Banking
    Beginner
    4 min read 6 stepsMay 3, 2026Verified May 2026

    How to Dispute an Incorrect Charge on Your Bank Account

    If you see a charge you don't recognize or didn't authorize, here's how to report it to your bank and get your money back.

    At a Glance

    Category
    Online Banking
    Difficulty
    Beginner
    Read Time
    4 min read
    Steps
    6
    Topics covered
    dispute charge
    unauthorized charge
    fraud
    bank

    In this guide (6 steps):

    1. 1.Verify the charge is actually incorrect
    2. 2.Gather your information
    3. 3.Call your bank immediately
    4. 4.Request a provisional credit
    5. 5.Follow up in writing
    6. 6.Escalate if needed
    1

    Verify the charge is actually incorrect

    ~17s
    Before calling the bank, spend a few minutes investigating. Sometimes a legitimate merchant appears under a parent company name. Search the business name on Google if you do not recognize it. Check your receipts. If you have a family member on the account, ask if they made the purchase.
    2

    Gather your information

    ~15s
    Write down the transaction date, the amount, and the merchant name as it appears on your statement. Note when you first noticed the charge. Have your bank account number and the card number handy.
    3

    Call your bank immediately

    ~27s
    Call the customer service number on the back of your debit or credit card. Tell them: "I am calling to dispute a charge on my account." Give them the date, amount, and merchant name. Ask for a dispute case number and write it down. Larger banks often resolve simple disputes within 24-72 hours.

    Quick Tip

    Quick Tip: You can also file a dispute through your bank's mobile app or website — look for "Dispute a Transaction" next to the specific charge in your transaction list.

    4

    Request a provisional credit

    ~24s
    When you dispute a charge, ask the bank representative if they can issue a "provisional credit" — a temporary return of the disputed amount to your account while the investigation is ongoing. Most banks do this automatically for larger disputes.

    Warning

    Do not spend provisional credits until the dispute is fully resolved in your favor. If the investigation finds the charge was valid, the bank will reverse the provisional credit and you will owe the money.

    5

    Follow up in writing

    ~15s
    After your phone call, send a brief written follow-up through your bank's secure message center (in the app or website) summarizing what you reported. Written records protect you if the dispute is later questioned. Keep copies of all correspondence.
    6

    Escalate if needed

    ~15s
    If your bank denies the dispute and you believe they are wrong, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at consumerfinance.gov/complaint or call 1-855-411-2372. You can also contact your state attorney general's office.

    You Did It!

    You've finished reading: How to Dispute an Incorrect Charge on Your Bank Account

    How well did this guide stick with you?

    Need more help? Book a TekSure tech

    Spotting a charge you don't recognize on your bank account can be alarming. The good news is that federal law gives you strong protections, and banks are required to investigate and resolve disputes.

    There are two types of incorrect charges. A billing error is a mistake — for example, a merchant charged you twice, or the wrong amount was charged. An unauthorized transaction is fraud — someone used your account without your permission.

    For debit card transactions, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (Regulation E) protects you. If you report an unauthorized transaction within 2 business days of learning about it, your liability is limited to $50. If you report it within 60 days of the statement date showing the error, you are covered for most losses. After 60 days, you may be responsible for the loss — this is why monthly statement review matters.

    For credit cards, the Fair Credit Billing Act provides even stronger protection — your liability for unauthorized use is generally capped at $50 regardless of when you report it.

    Acting quickly is key. As soon as you notice an incorrect charge, contact your bank right away. Do not wait to see if it resolves itself.

    Keep records of every communication with your bank: the date you called, the name of the representative, and the case or reference number they give you. If your initial dispute is denied, you have the right to request a written explanation and to escalate the complaint.

    (Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-dispute-an-error-on-my-checking-account-consumer-report-en-2029)

    Rate this guide

    How helpful was this guide?

    dispute charge
    unauthorized charge
    fraud
    bank

    ← Previous

    How to Read Your Online Bank Statement

    Next →

    How to Set Up Text and Email Alerts From Your Bank

    Still stuck? Let a pro handle it.

    A real person can walk you through this over the phone, anywhere in the US. If we can't fix it, you don't pay.

    Book a Verified Tech How It Works

    Learn more from official sources

    Related Guides

    How to Set Up Online Banking for the First Time

    Setting up online banking lets you check your balance, pay bills, and transfer money from home.

    5 min read

    How to Deposit a Check with Your Phone Using Mobile Check Deposit

    Mobile check deposit lets you add a check to your bank account by taking a photo with your phone.

    5 min read

    How to Keep Your Bank App and Online Account Safe

    Your bank app holds sensitive financial information. These practical steps help you protect your account from fraud, phishing, and unauthorized access.

    5 min read