What Happens After You Answer a Chargeback
Your reply starts the next round. Here is what each network does with it, and when the case can still go on.
- Published
Sending your proof does not end the case right away. The card issuer reads it and decides what to do. Each network has its own steps.
Visa
An acquirer may respond only once to the original Visa dispute.
If the issuer still does not agree, the case can go to a next round called pre-Arbitration. Here the issuer has to deal with your proof. It cannot just skip it.
The issuer can also switch to a different reason code. It may only do that if the first code was a fair one to use.
Mastercard
The acquirer may second present when the chargeback did not meet the reason code rules or it can answer the original dispute.
The issuer can still push on. It can file a pre-arbitration case, and after that an arbitration case.
Watch for that first case. If your side does nothing, you lose and you pay. To fight it, send a written reply with your papers.
Send everything early. Once a case is filed, Mastercard ignores second presentment papers that arrive late. If the two banks still cannot agree, Mastercard makes the call.
American Express
After a Chargeback, the merchant can send supporting documents that might reverse it.
If your reply answers the claim and arrives on time, the Chargeback is undone. If it is late or missing what was asked for, the Chargeback stays.
What to do now
Keep a copy of everything you sent. If the case comes back in a later round, you will need it. Watch your processor's portal for a new notice, and answer that one fast too. If you are not sure what a new notice says, start with how to read a chargeback notice.