A credit card billing error letter notifies your U.S. card issuer in writing of a potential billing error on your statement, such as an unauthorized charge or a transaction not properly identified, to start the formal dispute process under the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) and Regulation Z § 1026.13. This rule governs resolution for credit cards. Include your name, account number, the disputed amount, date and description from the statement, an explanation of the error (e.g., not made to you or an authorized person), and a request for correction. Send it to the issuer's billing address listed on your statement. Keep receipts and transaction details to support your claim, as recommended by the FTC. This process covers FCBA billing errors only, not merchant refunds, chargebacks, debit cards, or quality disputes for accepted goods/services.
The Rule Controlling Billing Error Letters
Regulation Z § 1026.13, part of the Truth in Lending Act implemented by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), sets the U.S. federal requirements for resolving credit card billing errors. A billing error includes a reflection on your periodic statement of an extension of credit not made to you or an authorized person, or a charge not identified as required under §§ 1026.7 or 1026.8.
This rule excludes disputes about the quality of property or services you have accepted (§ 1026.13(a)(3)). If the issuer determines a billing error occurred as asserted, it must correct it within the time limits in § 1026.13(c)(2). For unauthorized transactions, the issuer conducts a reasonable investigation, which may include review of account records or merchant information as appropriate.
Company chargeback policies or merchant refunds do not control FCBA billing error disputes.
Key Elements to Include in Your Billing Error Letter
Include these specific components to provide clear notice under Regulation Z § 1026.13:
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Your contact information | Full name, billing address, phone number, and email. |
| Account details | Credit card account number. |
| Error description | Date of statement, transaction date, amount, merchant name or description as shown on statement. |
| Explanation of error | State why it qualifies (e.g., "extension of credit not made to me or an authorized person" or "not properly identified per statement rules"). |
| Request for action | Ask the issuer to investigate and correct the statement by removing or adjusting the charge. |
| Date and signature | Sign and date the letter. |
The FTC guidance recommends keeping receipts and transaction details, as they help resolve inaccurate charges. Mail the letter to the address on your statement designated for billing inquiries--often labeled "billing inquiries" or "disputes."
Practical Next Steps and Issuer Response
Gather evidence before sending: a copy of the statement showing the error, receipts, and any related documents. Use certified mail with return receipt for proof of delivery. The issuer must investigate per § 1026.13, including a reasonable review for unauthorized billing errors.
If the issuer confirms the error, it corrects the statement per § 1026.13(c)(2). If unresolved after the process, contact your issuer for escalation or reach the CFPB for general guidance on federal rules.
What This Process Does Not Cover
FCBA billing error resolution under Regulation Z § 1026.13 applies only to open-end credit cards. It does not cover debit or prepaid cards, disputes over goods/services quality you accepted (§ 1026.13(a)(3)), card network chargebacks (e.g., Visa or Mastercard rules), merchant refund policies, subscription cancellations, or financed purchases like auto loans.
FAQ
What is a billing error under the FCBA?
A reflection on your statement of credit not made to you or an authorized person, or a charge not identified per §§ 1026.7/8 (§ 1026.13(a)(1)).
Do I need to send the letter in writing, or is a phone call enough?
Regulation Z § 1026.13 requires written notice to the issuer for billing error disputes.
What happens if the issuer finds no error?
The regulation requires investigation, but correction occurs only if the error is confirmed as asserted.
Can I dispute a charge for poor quality goods I accepted?
No, § 1026.13(a)(3) excludes disputes on quality of accepted property/services.
Where do I send the billing error letter?
To the issuer's designated billing address on your statement.