How long do I have to dispute a credit card charge in Canada?

You typically have 30–120 days from the statement date to dispute a charge, depending on your card issuer and the type of dispute. Most issuers recommend disputing within 30 days of the statement. Under Visa and Mastercard network rules, the absolute deadline is 120 days from the transaction date. Act as soon as you notice the issue.

What qualifies for a credit card chargeback in Canada?

Valid reasons for a chargeback include: unauthorized transactions (fraud), items not received, items significantly not as described, duplicate charges, incorrect amounts charged, recurring charges after cancellation, and services not rendered. Buyer''s remorse or dissatisfaction with a product you received as described is generally NOT grounds for a chargeback.

Can a merchant fight a credit card chargeback?

Yes. When you file a chargeback, the merchant is notified and has 20–45 days to respond with evidence (delivery confirmation, signed receipts, terms of service, etc.). If the merchant provides compelling evidence, the card issuer may deny your dispute. You can escalate through arbitration, but this rarely reverses the merchant''s response.

How to Dispute a Credit Card Charge in Canada in 2026

If a charge on your credit card statement is fraudulent, incorrect, or for something you never received, you have the legal right to dispute it and get your money back through a process called a chargeback. This is one of the biggest advantages of using a credit card over a debit card — when something goes wrong with a purchase, the card network (Visa, Mastercard, or Amex) acts as an intermediary and can force the merchant to refund you. The key is acting quickly: you typically have 30–120 days from the statement date, and you’ll need to contact the merchant first before your card issuer will process a chargeback.

Chargeback vs Dispute: What’s the Difference

Term	What It Means
Dispute	You contact your card issuer to report an issue with a charge on your statement
Chargeback	The card issuer reverses the transaction and returns the funds to your account
Arbitration	If the merchant fights the chargeback and you disagree, the card network (Visa/MC) makes a final decision

Valid Reasons to Dispute a Charge

The chargeback system protects you against fraud, merchant errors, and non-delivery — but it’s not a replacement for a return policy. Unauthorized charges (someone stole your card number) are the most straightforward: your issuer cancels the card, reverses the charge, and sends you a new card. Non-delivery and defective products are also strong cases, especially if you have email correspondence showing the merchant refused to help. The grey area is quality disputes — if you received what was advertised but simply didn’t like it, that’s a return, not a chargeback.

Reason	Example	Likely Outcome
Unauthorized/fraudulent charge	Someone used your card without permission	Chargeback granted (card replaced)
Item not received	Online order never arrived	Chargeback granted (with tracking evidence)
Item not as described	Received wrong/defective product	Chargeback likely (provide photos)
Duplicate charge	Charged twice for the same purchase	Chargeback granted
Wrong amount	Charged $500 instead of $50	Chargeback granted
Recurring charge after cancellation	Gym kept charging after you cancelled	Chargeback likely (provide cancellation proof)
Service not provided	Flight cancelled, no refund issued	Chargeback likely
Merchant went out of business	Paid but business closed before delivery	Chargeback likely

NOT Valid for Chargeback

Situation	Why	What to Do Instead
Buyer’s remorse	You changed your mind but product was as described	Request a return/refund from the merchant
Family member’s authorized purchase	Not fraud if you gave them permission	Discuss with the family member
Forgot about a subscription	You signed up and forgot	Cancel and request a refund from the merchant
Dispute over quality (subjective)	Restaurant food was “okay” but not amazing	Leave a review; not grounds for chargeback

Step-by-Step: How to Dispute a Charge

The most important first step is contacting the merchant directly. Most card issuers require proof that you attempted to resolve the issue with the merchant before they’ll process a chargeback. Email is better than phone because you’ll have a written record. If the merchant doesn’t respond within 7–14 days, or refuses to help, that becomes part of your dispute evidence. When you call your card issuer, have the transaction date, amount, merchant name, and all supporting documents ready. Most issuers will issue a provisional credit within 5–10 days while they investigate.

Step	Action	Timeline
1. Contact the merchant first	Call or email the merchant to request a refund or resolution	Do this first (required by most issuers)
2. Gather documentation	Receipts, order confirmations, screenshots, photos of defective items	Before calling your issuer
3. Contact your card issuer	Call the number on the back of your card or use the app/online banking	Within 30 days of the statement
4. File the dispute	Provide details: date, amount, merchant, reason, evidence	Issuer provides dispute form
5. Temporary credit issued	Issuer may provide a provisional credit while investigating	Within 5–10 business days
6. Investigation	Issuer contacts the merchant for their response	30–90 day investigation period
7. Resolution	Issuer decides based on evidence from both sides	Notified by letter or online
8. Escalate if needed	If denied, request re-review or file a complaint with FCAC	Within the appeal window

How to Contact Major Card Issuers

Issuer	Dispute Method	Phone
TD	EasyWeb online banking or call	1-800-983-8472
RBC	RBC Online Banking or call	1-800-769-2512
CIBC	CIBC Online Banking or call	1-800-465-4653
BMO	BMO Online Banking or call	1-800-263-2263
Scotiabank	Scotia Online or call	1-800-472-6842
Amex	Amex App or online or call	1-800-869-3016
National Bank	Online banking or call	1-888-835-6281
Capital One	Online banking or call	1-800-481-3239

Dispute Timeline

Stage	Timeframe
Notice the charge	Check statements regularly
Contact merchant	Give 7–14 days for response
File dispute with card issuer	Within 30 days of statement (120 days max from transaction)
Provisional credit	5–10 business days
Issuer investigation	30–90 days
Merchant response window	20–45 days
Final decision	Within 90 days of filing
Appeal/re-dispute (if denied)	Usually 10–30 days after decision

Tips for a Successful Dispute

Tip	Why
Try the merchant first	Issuers require proof you attempted to resolve directly
Document everything	Emails, screenshots, tracking numbers, photos
Dispute promptly	Delays reduce your chances of success
Be specific	State the date, amount, and exactly what went wrong
Keep records of the dispute process	Note dates, representative names, reference numbers
Follow up if you don’t hear back	Call your issuer if the investigation is taking longer than expected

The Bottom Line

The chargeback right is one of the strongest consumer protections in Canada and a major reason to use credit cards for all purchases. If you’re charged for something you didn’t buy, didn’t receive, or that was significantly different from what was described, you can get your money back. Act within 30 days of the statement, always contact the merchant first, document everything, and your card issuer will handle the rest. For ongoing fraud protection, enable real-time transaction alerts in your card’s app.