Under U.S. federal law (Fair Credit Billing Act via Regulation Z §1026.13) and Bank of America policy, U.S. Bank of America credit card holders must notify the issuer in writing within 60 days of the statement date showing a billing error to preserve dispute rights. This applies to issues like computational errors, misapplied payments, or misidentified charges. It does not cover unauthorized transactions, which require immediate phone contact at 800.432.1000, or merchant quality disputes.
Bank of America cannot collect the disputed amount or related interest/fees during the investigation. Gather your statement, error details, and supporting documents, then submit via their online Message Center, app, mail, or phone (followed by written confirmation).
What Controls Billing Error Disputes
U.S. federal law under the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA), implemented via Regulation Z §1026.13, sets the rules for credit card billing error disputes. It defines a billing error as including an extension of credit not made to the consumer, a charge not identified per statement rules, failure to credit a payment, or a computational or accounting error by the creditor. CFPB Regulation 1026.13.
Bank of America policy aligns with this: submit disputes for transactions posted in error within 60 days of the statement date showing the error. The issuer must acknowledge your notice within 30 days and resolve within two complete billing cycles, not exceeding 90 days. See Bank of America credit card disputes FAQ and Better Money Habits on disputing charges.
| Aspect | Deadline/Requirement |
|---|---|
| Consumer notice | Within 60 days of statement date |
| Issuer acknowledgment | Within 30 days of notice |
| Issuer resolution | 2 billing cycles (max 90 days) |
What Does Not Control Billing Errors
Billing error disputes follow FCBA/Regulation Z, not debit card rules under Regulation E, merchant refund policies, or card network chargeback processes for quality disputes. Unauthorized use falls outside this: report it immediately by phone to limit liability under Bank of America's $0 Liability Guarantee, separate from the 60-day billing error window.
Merchant policies on returns or product issues do not override FCBA rights for pure billing errors like misapplied credits.
Next Steps to Dispute a Billing Error
Gather evidence: the statement date with the error, transaction details, receipts, and prior correspondence. Submit in writing--preferred via Bank of America's online Message Center or app, or by mail to the address on your statement. Phone initiation (800.432.1000) requires written follow-up to meet FCBA.
Bank of America may request more information; respond within 12 business days via Message Center. They send an acknowledgment letter and cannot charge interest or fees on the disputed amount during review. If denied, they explain any interest/fees incurred.
If unresolved after the timelines, file a complaint with the CFPB.
| Action Checklist | Details |
|---|---|
| Check eligibility | Confirm it's a billing error (e.g., math mistake, not quality issue) |
| Collect evidence | Statement, receipts, error description |
| Submit dispute | Online Message Center, app, mail, or phone + written notice |
| Monitor response | Acknowledge within 30 days; resolve in 90 days max |
| Escalate if needed | CFPB complaint after issuer timelines |
FAQ
What counts as a "billing error" under FCBA?
Reflection of credit not made to you, misidentified charges, uncredited payments, or creditor computational errors (eCFR §1026.13).
How do I submit a written dispute to Bank of America?
Use the online Message Center, mobile app, mail to the statement address, or call 800.432.1000 and follow up in writing.
What if the 60 days have passed--can I still dispute?
Official sources confirm the 60-day notice preserves FCBA rights; after that, Bank of America policy limits disputes to that window.
Does this apply to my Bank of America debit card?
No, debit disputes follow Regulation E with different timelines.
What happens if Bank of America denies my billing error dispute?
They inform you of any interest/fees; you can provide more evidence or escalate to CFPB.