How to Dispute a Charge: Free Letter Template + AI Help
Wrong or double charge on your card? Contact the merchant first, then your bank. Copy our free 6-line dispute letter and let AI polish it. Plain English, no legal jargon.
Quick answer: First, contact the merchant and ask them to fix it. Many billing errors end there. If they will not help, or the charge looks like fraud, call the number on the back of your card and ask to dispute it. Write down the date, amount and merchant name as printed on your statement, and act quickly. For credit cards, the FTC says to send a written dispute within 60 days of the first bill that showed the error. Below is a free 6-line letter you can copy, plus a prompt to have AI make it polite and clear.
This is educational content about consumer disputes. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Your bank or merchant rules win.
Dispute vs complain vs "ask AI what this fee is"
- Dispute: You believe a charge is wrong and want it reversed.
- Complain: You are unhappy with service but the charge itself may be valid.
- Ask AI: Use AI to understand a fee, not to file the dispute for you.
Gather facts
Before you write anything, collect:
- Date of the charge
- Amount
- Merchant name as it appears on your statement
- Your desired outcome (refund, correction, timeline)
Mask the full card number. Never paste it into an AI chat. Use the last four digits at most. Here is what never to paste into ChatGPT, Gemini or Copilot.
Who you write: merchant first vs issuer
- Merchant first for billing errors, double charges, or items not received.
- Issuer (bank/card) if the merchant is unresponsive or the charge is fraudulent.
Script: 6-line human letter
Dear [Merchant/Bank],
On [date], I was charged [amount] by [merchant name as printed]. I believe this charge is incorrect because [one sentence]. I am requesting a [refund/correction] by [reasonable date]. Please reply within 10 business days.
Sincerely, [Your name]
AI workflow: paste the script + redacted facts
Here is a 6-line dispute script with redacted facts. Please rewrite it as a polite, professional letter. Do not add legal language or invent regulations.
Read the draft. Remove anything that sounds too aggressive or too weak. Add your own voice. Then send.
What AI must not do
- Invent regulations or promise chargebacks
- Quote fake FTC case numbers
- Sound like a lawyer unless you are one
After you send
Put a reminder on your calendar for 10 business days. If no reply, follow up once, then escalate to your card issuer.
For a broader weekly routine, see our life-admin checklist. Need to write to customer service instead? Try our complaint email guide for customer service.
Do not wait for the merchant. Call your bank or card issuer right away using the number on the back of your card, not a number from an email, text or pop-up. Scammers often pose as "your bank's fraud team". See how to spot fake support.
Frequently asked questions
Should I contact the merchant or my bank first?
For billing mistakes, double charges or items that never arrived, contact the merchant first. Go to your bank or card issuer if the merchant does not respond, refuses to help, or the charge looks like fraud.
How long do I have to dispute a credit card charge?
The FTC says to send your written dispute so it reaches the card company within 60 days after the first bill with the error was sent to you. Your card issuer may have its own process, so call or check their website too. Sooner is always better.
Is a debit card dispute different?
Yes. Debit card money comes straight out of your bank account, and protections can be weaker the longer you wait. Report a wrong or unauthorized debit charge to your bank as soon as you notice it.
Can AI file the dispute for me?
No. Use AI to help you write a clear, polite letter, then send it yourself through the merchant or your bank. Never paste your full card number, PIN or online banking password into an AI chat.
What should I write in a dispute letter?
Keep it short: the date, the amount, the merchant name as printed on your statement, one sentence on why it is wrong, what you want (refund or correction), and a reasonable reply deadline. Our 6-line template above covers all of it.