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How Long Does a Dispute Take?

Comprehensive Guide to Winning Chargeback Disputes

In the world of online payments, chargebacks can cost merchants both revenue and time. A common question is: how long does a dispute take? This guide walks you through the full chargeback lifecycle and explains how merchants can respond effectively and win disputes. For a deep dive, see AutoDispute.ai’s 2025 guide to dispute resolution.

Table of Contents

  1. What Is a Dispute?

  2. Full Dispute Timeline

  3. Why Merchants Have Only 7–14 Days to Respond

  4. Key Factors that Impact Dispute Duration

  5. Strategies to Win Chargeback Disputes

  6. Common Questions About Dispute Timelines

  7. Feature Images & Visuals

  8. Final Takeaways

1. What Is a Dispute?

A dispute—also known as a chargeback—occurs when a cardholder contests a transaction, prompting their issuing bank to reverse it. Their reasons may include fraud, non-receipt, defective goods, unauthorized transactions, or dissatisfaction with services rendered.

This process, governed by card networks like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover, aims to protect cardholders but can severely impact merchants. Understanding how the chargeback system works is essential for any business accepting credit or debit card payments.

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2. Full Dispute Timeline: From Filing to Resolution

The entire chargeback process can take anywhere from 30 to 120 days, depending on the nature of the dispute and how quickly each party acts.

a. Cardholder Files Dispute (Day 0–5)

The dispute process begins when the cardholder contacts their bank and reports an issue. The issuing bank logs the complaint and conducts an initial review.

b. Issuer Investigates (Day 5–20)

The issuer determines if the dispute is valid. If so, it is formally initiated and routed through the card network to the acquiring bank.

c. Merchant Notified (Day 20–30)

The acquiring bank informs the merchant of the chargeback. From this point, the merchant's countdown to respond begins.

d. Merchant Responds (Day 20–44)

Merchants must assemble and submit a representment package, which may include:

  • Order confirmations

  • Shipping and delivery records

  • Proof of customer interaction

  • Terms and conditions

  • Screenshots or logs for digital products

e. Issuer Reviews (Day 45–90)

The issuer assesses the evidence and makes a decision. If the evidence is compelling, the chargeback may be reversed.

f. Arbitration (Optional)

If the case remains unresolved, it can escalate to arbitration by the card network. This adds 30–60+ days and significant costs, making it a last resort.

3. Why Merchants Only Have 7–14 Days to Respond

While the full dispute cycle can last months, merchants typically get only 7–14 calendar days to respond. Here's why:

1. Card Network Time Limits

Each network has strict timelines:

  • Visa often mandates response within 10–12 days.

  • Mastercard may allow up to 20 days in some cases but defaults to 7–10 days depending on the reason code.

2. Processor Deadlines

Acquiring banks or PSPs often set even tighter deadlines to buffer time for validation and submission.

3. Reason Code Specifics

Certain reason codes (like authorization errors) come with accelerated deadlines.

4. Administrative Delays

Time lost in communication between banks and processors can shorten the actual response time available to merchants.

4. Key Factors That Affect Dispute Duration

Several elements influence how long a dispute actually takes:

  • Card Network Policies: Visa and Mastercard have different rules.

  • Dispute Type: Fraudulent claims often take longer than straightforward billing errors.

  • Evidence Quality: Strong, well-organized evidence accelerates decisions.

  • Arbitration: Adds time and complexity.

5. Strategies to Win Chargeback Disputes

a. Prioritize Response

Act as soon as you're notified. A delayed response is a lost case.

b. Match Evidence to Reason Code

Each reason code has unique evidence requirements. Submitting irrelevant documents weakens your case.

c. Automate with Tools Like AutoDispute.ai

Manual handling slows you down. Platforms like AutoDispute.ai streamline:

  • Data gathering

  • Evidence creation

  • Submission tracking

  • Result analytics

d. Monitor and Reduce Root Causes

Use analytics to find trends and proactively fix recurring issues (e.g., unclear policies or late deliveries).

e. Communicate with the Customer

In some cases, early outreach leads to voluntary dispute withdrawal.

f. Reserve Arbitration for High-Stakes Cases

Arbitration is expensive and slow—only escalate if the transaction is high-value and you have a strong case.

6. Common Questions About Dispute Timelines

📖 How long does it take to get money back after a chargeback?

If the chargeback is decided in the cardholder's favor, refunds are often finalized within 30–60 days.

📖 Can merchants speed up the process?

Yes. Fast, accurate evidence submission reduces delays.

📖 Why do some disputes drag out to 120 days?

Delays often occur during escalations, lack of proper evidence, or when multiple parties are involved in the review.

7. Feature Images & Visuals

For better SEO and engagement:

  • Use a dispute lifecycle infographic

  • Insert a timeline graphic (Day 0–120)

  • Display AI dashboard screenshots

  • Optimize all images with alt tags: "chargeback response timeline", "how long does a dispute take"

8. Final Takeaways

  • Disputes take 30–120 days, but merchants get only 7–14 days to respond.

  • Speed, automation, and relevant evidence are key to winning.

  • Use tools like AutoDispute.ai to optimize your process and increase win rates.

🚀 Final CTA (Call to Action):

Let AI handle the disputes—so you can get back to growing your business.

 
 
 

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