Under the U.S. Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA), implemented through Regulation Z §1026.13 by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), consumers can dispute specific credit card billing errors such as unauthorized charges or extensions of credit not made to the consumer or an authorized person. The FCBA does not cover disputes over the quality of accepted goods or services. Official evidence confirms creditor obligations to resolve verified errors; notify your card issuer promptly with evidence like your statement and supporting documents. This applies to U.S. credit card billing disputes, separate from merchant refunds or card network chargebacks.
What the FCBA Covers as a Billing Error
The FCBA, via CFPB Regulation Z §1026.13(a)(1), defines a billing error to include any reflection on a periodic statement of an extension of credit that was not made to the consumer or an authorized person. This covers unauthorized charges. Section 1026.13(a)(2) also includes extensions of credit not properly identified on the statement as required under §§1026.7(a)(2), (b)(2), or 1026.8.
If a creditor determines a billing error occurred, it must act within the time limits specified in §1026.13(c)(2). The FTC notes FCBA protections against creditors for unauthorized charges and certain billing errors on credit cards. These rules control statutory billing disputes, not card issuer workflows or network policies.
| Billing Error Type | FCBA Coverage under §1026.13 |
|---|---|
| Unauthorized extension of credit | Yes (a)(1) |
| Extension not made to consumer/authorized person | Yes (a)(1) |
| Improperly identified extension | Yes (a)(2) |
| Quality of accepted goods/services | No (a)(3) exclusion |
Key FCBA Limits and Exclusions
FCBA provisions in §1026.13(a)(3) do not apply to disputes relating to the quality of property or services that the consumer has accepted. This excludes dissatisfaction with product performance after acceptance.
The FCBA process is distinct from card network chargeback timelines (like Visa or Mastercard rules), merchant refund policies, or electronic fund transfer disputes under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act. It requires creditor investigation and determination of an error; resolutions are not automatic and depend on evidence.
Direct official evidence confirms billing error definitions and creditor obligations for verified errors but does not specify notice deadlines or investigation periods here.
Practical Next Steps for an FCBA Dispute
Contact your credit card issuer using the address on your statement. Provide your account number, the error amount and date, a description of the issue, and evidence such as the statement showing the charge, receipts, or proof it was unauthorized.
Gather these items before notifying:
- Copy of the statement with the disputed charge.
- Explanation of why it qualifies as a billing error (e.g., unauthorized or misidentified).
- Supporting documents like transaction records or communications.
Track your issuer's response, as §1026.13 requires action on confirmed errors. For unresolved issues, submit a complaint at cfpb.gov/complaint or report fraud at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Check your card agreement for any phone or online dispute options alongside FCBA notice.
FAQ
What counts as a billing error under the FCBA?
Reflection of unauthorized extensions of credit or those not made to the consumer/authorized person (§1026.13(a)(1)), or unidentified per §§1026.7/8 (§1026.13(a)(2)).
Does FCBA cover disputes over bad products I already accepted?
No, §1026.13(a)(3) excludes disputes relating to quality of accepted property/services.
Can I dispute by phone, or must it be written?
Written notice to the issuer address on your statement establishes FCBA protections; confirm phone/online options with your issuer.
What if my dispute is after any time limit?
FCBA notice rules may not apply; check issuer or card network policies instead.
Where do I report unresolved FCBA issues?
Use the CFPB complaint portal at consumerfinance.gov/complaint or FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.