What win rate is realistic on chargebacks?

It depends on the dispute type and your evidence. Fraud disputes with 3-D Secure or signed delivery are strong; "not as described" without photos is weak. Part of a good system is knowing which fights to skip.

Are chargeback apps that take 25–30% worth it?

They automate the same representment structure you can produce yourself: reason-code-matched evidence plus a factual cover letter. At 1–10 disputes/month, the math rarely favors giving up a third of every win.

How long do I have to respond?

Typically 7–21 days depending on the network and processor — the deadline is in your dispute dashboard. Missing it loses the case automatically, so start the evidence checklist the day it lands.

Guide · Chargebacks

How to respond to a chargeback (without paying 25–30% success fees)

A chargeback isn't an argument with your customer — it's a document review by a bank analyst who spends minutes on your case. You win by making their checklist easy: the right evidence for that reason code, in the right order, with a cover letter that states facts and skips feelings.

Step 1 — Decide if this fight is worth it

Add up the dispute amount vs. your time and evidence strength. A €35 “not as described” with no photos is often a strategic concession; a €400 “fraudulent” with 3-D Secure and signed delivery is a fight you should win. Fighting everything is how merchants burn hours losing weak cases.

Step 2 — Match evidence to the reason code

Fraudulent: 3-D Secure result, AVS/CVC match, IP/device data, delivery to the verified address, prior undisputed orders from the same customer.
Product not received: carrier tracking with delivered status, signature if you have it, delivery-address match, any post-delivery customer contact.
Not as described: product page as sold (screenshot with date), photos, specs, your return policy and the customer's refusal to use it.
Credit not processed: refund policy shown at checkout, the refund transaction or the policy clause that applies.

Step 3 — Write the response the analyst can skim

One page: transaction facts, dispute claim, your rebuttal in 2–3 sentences, then a numbered evidence index matching the attachments. Never write “this customer is a liar”, never mention how much disputes hurt your business — the 10 phrases that destroy cases are all emotional.

The 20-minute response system

The Chargeback Rescue Kit: 12 bank-ready response letters (3 per dispute category), evidence checklists per reason code, the “What Not to Say” sheet, 5 de-escalation emails to stop disputes before they file, and the dispute tracker with deadline alerts and win-rate math. €29, once — no 25–30% success fees, ever.

Get the Chargeback Rescue Kit →

FAQ

What win rate is realistic on chargebacks?: It depends on the dispute type and your evidence. Fraud disputes with 3-D Secure or signed delivery are strong; "not as described" without photos is weak. Part of a good system is knowing which fights to skip.
Are chargeback apps that take 25–30% worth it?: They automate the same representment structure you can produce yourself: reason-code-matched evidence plus a factual cover letter. At 1–10 disputes/month, the math rarely favors giving up a third of every win.
How long do I have to respond?: Typically 7–21 days depending on the network and processor — the deadline is in your dispute dashboard. Missing it loses the case automatically, so start the evidence checklist the day it lands.

Dispute outcomes are decided by card issuers; no result is guaranteed. Not legal advice.