How to Dispute a Visa Charge
Your credit card may have the Visa logo on it, but the card itself is not issued by Visa. The money you borrow when you use the card does not come from Visa and your monthly payment does not go to Visa. Not surprisingly, to dispute a charge on a Visa card you don't contact Visa, but the card issuer--usually a bank. Visa sells the network that connects and secures transactions between cardholders, merchants and financial institutions.
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Instructions
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Identify the issuer. The name will be on the back of your card, most likely near the bottom and in fine print. There may be contact information.
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Call customer service. The phone number for the card issuer will take you to some sort of electronic switchboard, through which you can connect with card services or customer services. A simple phone call can often remedy clerical errors and fraudulent charges.
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Write a letter. You may be required to put your dispute in writing. To do so, explain your situation in a letter and send it by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the address for billing inquiries listed on your monthly statement. By law, you have 60 days from the day you received a statement with an erroneous charge to lodge a formal dispute.
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Tips & Warnings
Once your complaint is received, the card issuer will conduct an investigation. They are required to temporarily credit your account for the charge (or freeze the accrual of interest) until the dispute is resolved (within two billing cycles). If they do not find in your favor and reinstate the charge, interest will be added from the original charge date. If the dispute is resolved in your favor, the issuer will initiate a "chargeback" against the merchant.
You are not entitled to dispute a credit card charge for defective goods. Call the seller and seek either a replacement or a refund.
