Mastercard chargeback deadlines at every stage
Every Mastercard chargeback stage has a deadline. Here are the day counts for filing, second presentment, pre-arbitration, arbitration and appeals.
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Why Mastercard chargeback timeframes matter
A Mastercard chargeback runs on a clock. Every stage has a deadline set by Mastercard's rules. Miss one and you can lose the case, even with strong proof. This page walks through the Mastercard chargeback timeframe stage by stage, so you know what is due and when.
All of these limits come from Mastercard's rules, not from your processor. Your processor may set earlier internal cutoffs, so treat the numbers here as the outer edge.
Where the dispute starts
The dispute starts with the cardholder, who asks their bank to take back the charge. The bank that issued the card then decides whether to file a chargeback.
How long the issuer has to file the chargeback
The cardholder's dispute does not become a chargeback until the issuer files it. Mastercard ties the issuer's time limit to the chargeback reason code. The reason code decides how long the issuer gets.
For example, Mastercard generally gives the issuer 90 calendar days from the transaction to charge back when required authorization was not obtained. Other reason codes carry their own limits, so check the code on your notice before you plan your reply.
The acquirer's second presentment window
When you fight a chargeback, your acquirer sends the case back with your proof. Mastercard calls this a second presentment. Mastercard generally gives the acquirer 45 days from the chargeback to send one.
This is your real deadline as the merchant. Your proof has to reach your acquirer in time for them to file inside that window. Send it early, not on the last day.
The pre-arbitration deadline
If the issuer rejects your second presentment, the case can move to pre-arbitration. Mastercard generally gives the issuer 30 calendar days from the second presentment to file a pre-arbitration case.
There is a wait built in before that. Mastercard makes the issuer wait at least eight calendar days for promised second presentment documents before filing pre-arbitration. If the issuer promised to look at papers you said were coming, it cannot jump ahead of them.
Mastercard can also take a pre-arbitration case for the acquirer on its own. It does this after 30 days from the submit date. So if the issuer goes quiet, the case can still move forward.
The arbitration filing deadline
If pre-arbitration fails, the issuer can take the case to arbitration. Mastercard generally gives the issuer 15 calendar days after a pre-arbitration rejection to file an arbitration case.
ATM and Maestro disputes run on a different clock. In those cases, Mastercard gives the issuer 45 days from the second presentment to file arbitration.
The appeal deadline
Arbitration ends with a ruling from Mastercard. A party must get its appeal to Mastercard within 45 calendar days of the ruling. After that, the ruling stands and the case is closed.
What happens if a deadline is missed
Miss a Mastercard deadline and you usually lose. If you do not answer a chargeback in time, the chargeback stands and the money stays gone.
It cuts the other way too. Mastercard holds the issuer liable if it skipped a required pre-arbitration case or filed arbitration too late. Deadlines are rules for both banks, not just for you.
Arbitration also carries a fee risk. A weak case can leave you paying the arbitration cost. Weigh your proof before you push a case that far.
Key Mastercard chargeback timeframes
| Stage | Who acts | Time limit |
|---|---|---|
| Chargeback filing | Issuer | Set by reason code. 90 days if authorization was missing |
| Second presentment | Acquirer | 45 days from the chargeback |
| Pre-arbitration filing | Issuer | 30 days from second presentment. 8-day wait for papers first |
| Arbitration filing | Issuer | 15 days after pre-arbitration is rejected. 45 days for ATM and Maestro |
| Appeal to Mastercard | Either party | 45 calendar days from the ruling |
Check your notice for the reason code, then work back from these limits. Answer early, keep copies, and watch your processor's portal for the next notice.