Every merchant knows how frustrating and confusing chargebacks can be. If you’ve ever tried to decode why a payment was reversed, you’ve probably run into chargeback reason codes.
These codes are assigned by card networks to explain what triggered the dispute. They’re the breadcrumbs that can help you fix the issue—or avoid it altogether next time.
In this blog, let’s break it all down with practical examples and clear steps to protect your business. We want to make sure that chargebacks are less of a black box to you.
What Are Chargeback Reason Codes?
Chargeback reason codes are short identifiers that tell you why a cardholder disputed a transaction. Every major card network (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover) has its own set of codes, and each code maps to a specific dispute category.
These codes help merchants, banks, and payment processors communicate clearly during the chargeback process. They also give you a starting point for resolving disputes, identifying problems in your sales process, and preventing future losses.
Common Chargeback Categories
Even though each network uses different codes, the categories are generally the same:
- Fraud: The cardholder claims they didn’t authorize the transaction.
- Authorization: You didn’t get proper approval for the transaction.
- Processing Errors: Something went wrong during billing or settlement.
- Customer Disputes: The product was defective, never arrived, or didn’t match expectations.
Chargeback Reason Codes List by Card Network
Each network has its own code system. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common reason codes for each one, just enough to keep handy without getting overwhelmed.
Visa Chargeback Reason Codes List
Example: A customer files a 13.1 because they never received the item you shipped. This falls under the “customer disputes” category.
Mastercard Chargeback Reason Codes List
Example: If a customer says the charge is unfamiliar and files a 4863, it’s likely a fraud or descriptor issue.
American Express Chargeback Reason Codes List
Example: Code C08 means the customer didn’t receive the item. You’ll need proof of delivery to challenge this.
Discover Chargeback Reason Codes List
Example: A RM01 claim suggests the buyer says they didn’t receive anything. It’s similar to Visa’s 13.1.
How to Use Reason Codes to Fight (and Prevent) Chargebacks
Understanding the reason code isn’t just for filing paperwork—it’s how you learn what really went wrong.
Here’s what to do next:
- Interpret the Code: What type of problem does it point to? Fraud? Delivery? Duplicate charge?
- Investigate the Transaction: Look at communication, order details, shipping logs, and billing data.
- Respond with Evidence: Provide proof that refutes the claim (e.g. tracking confirmation or refund receipts).
- Fix the Root Cause: Use the code to find trends and tighten your process. That could mean improving fraud filters, clarifying return policies, or using clearer billing descriptors.
FAQS: Chargeback Reason Codes List
What is the most common chargeback reason code?
For Visa, it's often 13.1 (Merchandise/Services Not Received). For Mastercard, 4853 (Product Not Received) shows up frequently. These are usually tied to delivery or fulfillment issues.
Do reason codes vary between countries?
Not significantly. The structure remains consistent across borders, but the way banks interpret them can vary slightly depending on local rules and consumer protections.
Can merchants dispute a chargeback if the reason code is wrong?
Yes. If you believe the code doesn’t match the issue, provide strong evidence during your representment. Banks sometimes misclassify disputes, so it’s worth challenging.
Are chargeback reason codes always accurate?
Not always. They're based on what the cardholder claims, which might not reflect what actually happened. That’s why collecting documentation and receipts is so important.
How often do these code lists get updated?
Card networks revise their lists occasionally, especially to keep up with new fraud tactics or changes in how transactions are handled. Check each provider’s official documentation once or twice a year to stay current.
Final Thoughts
Chargeback reason codes aren’t just numbers; in fact, they’re the first clue to solving the dispute and stopping it from happening again. When you start seeing the same codes pop up, that’s your sign to dig into what’s going wrong. Maybe it’s your return process, maybe your shipping timelines, or maybe it’s time to tighten up your fraud rules.
Knowing how to read the chargeback reason codes list gives you the upper hand. It lets you respond better, fix issues faster, and keep more of your revenue.
Tired of Playing Catch-Up with Chargebacks?
If you’re constantly reacting to disputes instead of preventing them, it’s time to rethink your chargeback strategy.
Chargeblast helps businesses monitor, manage, and reduce chargebacks with real-time dispute alerts and data-backed prevention tools. From ACH reversals to card-based chargebacks, we help you stop revenue leaks before they start.
Want to see how a smarter dispute flow looks? Book a demo or try it yourself. Let's turn chargebacks into insights—not losses.
