How is an unauthorized charge dispute and a merchant dispute different?

Updated June 18, 2026

An unauthorized charg is a charge you didn’t make or approve. It may mean your card may have been used without your permission.

A merchant dispute is a charge from a business you recognize, but there’s a problem with the purchase, such as:
You didn’t receive the item
The charge is higher than expected
The service wasn’t as described

What to do if you suspect either one:
Unauthorized charge – File a dispute right away.
Merchant issue – Contact the merchant first to see if they can resolve it.

If the merchant doesn’t resolve it, you can file a dispute. You’ll need to provide:
Transaction details (date, amount, description)
Supporting documents (receipts, messages, or proof of contact)

See the steps to dispute a card transaction. [link to: How do I dispute a card transaction FAQ]