Under U.S. Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) and American Express policy, U.S. cardholders can report unauthorized credit card charges within 60 days of the statement date; this window may not apply to fraudulent charges. American Express must acknowledge the dispute within 30 days and resolve it within two billing cycles but no more than 90 days. This process requires transaction details and applies to credit cards, separate from merchant refunds or debit card claims under Regulation E.

Controlling Rules and Policies

The FCBA, a U.S. federal law, governs credit card billing errors, including unauthorized charges. American Express follows this in its dispute process, as outlined on its official page.

American Express policy sets a 60-day window from the statement date to dispute billing errors. For fraudulent charges, this timeline may not apply. Once reported, American Express acknowledges receipt within 30 days and resolves the dispute within two billing cycles, not exceeding 90 days. The FTC page on credit card disputes confirms FCBA scope for such errors but notes the need for evidence like receipts.

These timelines reflect investigation requirements; reversals are not automatic.

What Does Not Control This Dispute

Merchant refund policies operate separately and should be attempted first if contact details are available. American Express notes that a failed merchant refund may lead to a billing dispute, but it is not a substitute.

This FCBA process applies only to credit cards, not debit or ACH disputes under Regulation E. State laws or non-U.S. rules do not control unless escalated after issuer resolution.

Steps to Dispute with American Express

Gather transaction details from your statement, including date, amount, and merchant, plus any supporting evidence like lack of receipts for claimed fraud.

Report promptly via the American Express app, online account portal, or phone number on the back of your card. During the dispute, American Express does not charge late fees or send the disputed amount to collections.

Expect acknowledgment within 30 days and resolution within 90 days maximum. Keep records of all communications.

Escalation if Unresolved

If American Express does not resolve satisfactorily, submit a complaint via the CFPB portal. Companies generally respond within 15 days; you can review and provide feedback within 60 days.

Retain all records from the initial dispute for any escalation.

FAQ

What is the deadline to dispute an unauthorized Amex charge?
60 days from the statement date under FCBA and Amex policy; the timeline may not apply to fraudulent charges.

Does Amex automatically reverse unauthorized charges?
No, an investigation occurs within the 30-day acknowledgment and 90-day resolution timelines.

Can I dispute after 60 days?
The FCBA window is 60 days from the statement; a fraud exception may apply per Amex policy.

What evidence does Amex need?
Transaction details and statements; keep receipts as noted by the FTC.

Is this the same as a merchant refund?
No; pursue merchant refund first, then dispute with Amex if unresolved.