Should I file a chargeback before writing the merchant?

Usually no. Issuers expect a documented attempt to resolve it, and some merchant processes (Amazon A-to-z, for example) close if you open a card dispute while a claim is open. Write first, then file if that fails.

What is the US credit-card deadline?

Send written notice to the billing-error address on your statement within 60 days of the statement that shows the charge. Your card agreement controls; check that date before you wait on another merchant email.

Is this a chargeback filing form?

No. It drafts the letters. You still send the merchant request yourself, then file with your bank or card app using their form and the issuer summary.

Does this work for debit cards?

You can still use the letters. US debit disputes have a different statute (Reg E). UK debit cards often go through chargeback rather than section 75. Tell the issuer which card you used.

Free tool

Free chargeback letter generator

Merchant first. Then the bank.

Updated October 30, 2026 · Free in the browser · General information, not legal advice

Card issuers expect a written attempt with the merchant before a dispute. Use the first two letters with the seller. Use the last one only after that process is closed or ignored. Fill in the form; the text updates in your browser and is not sent anywhere.

Copy a letter Open workspace

01
Write the merchant first
Send the first letter with the order number, amount, and date. Keep the reply, or the lack of one.
02
Set a deadline
If they stall, send the final notice with a calendar date. That date is evidence that you tried to resolve it.
03
File with the issuer in time
For a US credit card, written notice is due within 60 days of the statement that shows the charge. Copy the issuer summary and send it to the billing-error address on the statement.

Letter generator

Fill in your details and copy the dispute letter

Use the first two with the merchant. Use the issuer summary only after that path is closed, ignored, or past the deadline you set.

01Refund request to the merchant

Hello, I am requesting a refund of [amount] for order [order number], charged on [purchase date].

[What went wrong in one sentence]. Please refund the original payment method and confirm in writing by [date].

02Final notice before a card dispute

Hello, I requested a refund for order [order number] ([amount]) on [date of first message] and have not received a resolution.

If the refund is not confirmed by [date], I will dispute the charge with my card issuer and include this correspondence.

03Issuer dispute summary

I am disputing a charge of [amount] from [merchant] posted on [charge date] for order [order number].

[What went wrong in one sentence]. I requested a refund from the merchant on [date of first message] and followed up on [date]. They [refused / did not reply]. Copies of the order and my messages are attached.

I request reversal of this charge.

Need the letter tailored to your exact timeline, plus an escalation message and a bank dispute summary? Build the full package in the workspace.

Common questions

Should I file a chargeback before writing the merchant?: Usually no. Issuers expect a documented attempt to resolve it, and some merchant processes (Amazon A-to-z, for example) close if you open a card dispute while a claim is open. Write first, then file if that fails.
What is the US credit-card deadline?: Send written notice to the billing-error address on your statement within 60 days of the statement that shows the charge. Your card agreement controls; check that date before you wait on another merchant email.
Is this a chargeback filing form?: No. It drafts the letters. You still send the merchant request yourself, then file with your bank or card app using their form and the issuer summary.
Does this work for debit cards?: You can still use the letters. US debit disputes have a different statute (Reg E). UK debit cards often go through chargeback rather than section 75. Tell the issuer which card you used.