Guides · Reason codes

Every reason code, and what answers it.

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover dispute codes in one table: the category, the claim behind each, and the evidence that addresses it. Reference only. Network rules change, and your acquirer's current guide controls.

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CodeTitleCategoryThe claimWhat addresses it

"What addresses it" describes the evidence issuers generally look for under each code. It is not a prediction of outcome. Issuers and networks decide disputes.

Time limits at a glance.

Cardholder windows run from the transaction or the expected delivery date. Merchant windows are the network's; processors set shorter internal deadlines, often 5 to 10 days. Use the deadline your acquirer gives you.

Visa
120 dayscardholder, most codes
30 daysmerchant response

Some authorization codes carry a 75-day cardholder window. Compelling Evidence 3.0 applies to 10.4. Rapid Dispute Resolution resolves eligible 13.x disputes by pre-approved refund.

Mastercard
120 dayscardholder, most codes
45 daysmerchant response

Shorter windows apply to some authorization and point-of-interaction codes. Pre-arbitration follows a lost representment.

American Express
120 dayscardholder
20 daysmerchant response, each stage

American Express is issuer and network. Many chargebacks start as inquiries; R03 and R13 mean the inquiry was not answered well or at all.

Discover
120 dayscardholder
30 daysmerchant response

Discover is issuer and network. A ticket retrieval request often precedes the chargeback; answer it with the receipt.

Sources.

Cross-checked September 2026 against the references below. Codes are added, retired, and consolidated by the networks; confirm against the current Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover rules through your acquirer.

Every claim above is answered from the record built at the sale.

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Charge Secured LLC is not a bank, payment processor, insurer, or law firm. Chargeback outcomes are determined by card issuers and networks. No win rate or recovery is guaranteed.