When you get hit with a chargeback, it’s easy to treat it like a one-off problem. You refund the transaction. You submit your evidence. You move on.
Then it happens again. Same type of dispute. Same chargeback code.
That code is trying to tell you something. And if you don’t stop to figure out what it means, you’ll keep losing more than just money. You’ll lose time, customers, and credibility with your payment processor.
Let’s break down what chargeback codes actually reveal—and how to use them to stop repeat disputes before they start.
1. Repeat Codes Mean Something’s Broken
If you see the same chargeback code more than once, that’s not random. It’s a red flag that something in your system is confusing, frustrating, or exploitable.
Here are a few examples:
If the same code keeps showing up, stop treating it like a one-time issue. Find the root cause in your product, policy, or flow.
2. Not All Fraud Codes Mean the Same Thing
Fraud is the most common chargeback category. But not all fraud codes point to the same type of fraud.
For example:
- Visa 10.4 usually means the cardholder claims they didn’t authorize the charge. This could be true card theft or family fraud.
- Amex F24 typically signals friendly fraud, where a customer regrets the purchase but claims it was unauthorized.
- Mastercard 4837 indicates no cardholder authorization—again, not always actual fraud.
If you treat all fraud codes the same way, you’ll miss key differences. You need stronger fraud detection for 10.4. But for F24, you need better documentation and customer support records.
3. Some Codes Cost You More Than Others
Chargebacks aren’t just annoying. They add up fast. Some codes are nearly impossible to win and carry more risk if they show up too often.
Here’s a quick look:
You can’t afford to lose every dispute. Track which codes appear most often, and prioritize fixes for the high-cost ones.
4. A Refund Doesn’t Always Protect You
One of the most frustrating parts of chargebacks is getting hit even after issuing a refund.
This happens with codes like:
- Visa 13.6 (Credit Not Processed)
- Amex C04 (Goods Returned or Refused)
These show up when a customer feels they didn’t get their money back fast enough, or didn’t understand the timeline.
To avoid these, always document when the refund was processed. If it takes a few days to appear on the cardholder’s statement, let them know in advance. Clear communication and timestamped evidence can make or break your response.
5. Track Your Patterns, Not Just the Disputes
One of the best things you can do is create a simple dashboard to track chargeback patterns. Don’t just react to each dispute. Look for trends.
Ask questions like:
- Are certain products tied to more disputes?
- Are international customers triggering more fraud codes?
- Does one payment method cause more authorization issues?
The more you track, the faster you’ll catch problems before they become expensive.
FAQ: Understanding Chargeback Codes
What are chargeback codes?
Chargeback codes are reason codes assigned by the card network to explain why a dispute was filed. Each code represents a specific issue like fraud, processing error, or product dissatisfaction.
Do different networks use different chargeback codes?
Yes. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover all use separate coding systems. Even when the dispute type is the same, the code format and terminology can vary by network.
Can you fight every chargeback code?
You can fight most chargebacks, but your chances of winning vary. Some codes, like processing errors, are easier to dispute than fraud-related ones. The strength of your evidence also plays a big role.
Why do I keep getting the same chargeback code?
If the same chargeback code keeps appearing, it usually means there’s a problem in your process. This could be your checkout flow, cancellation policy, shipping delays, or product descriptions.
Is a refund enough to prevent a chargeback?
Not always. If the refund doesn’t show up fast enough or the customer doesn’t see it, they might still file a dispute. You’ll need to provide proof of the refund and show that it was processed before the chargeback date.
Chargeblast Helps You Stop Chargebacks Before They Start
Understanding chargeback codes is just the beginning. What matters most is using that insight to prevent the next dispute. Chargeblast helps you do exactly that.
We give you real-time insights into dispute patterns, help you respond with the right evidence, and plug the gaps that lead to chargebacks in the first place. Whether it’s a faulty cancellation flow or a fraud vulnerability, we help you catch it before it costs you.
