Chargeback Reason Code
A reason code or a chargeback reason code is a string of symbols (numbers and letters). These symbols stand for reasons why a financial institution may file a credit card chargeback from their client’s name. During this process, the representative of the institution examines the reasons’ list. Then it chooses the most applicable code for a particular situation.
The reason code marks particular reasons by numbers. Its main function is to outline the reason for the dispute around the transaction. Nevertheless, this series of actions can provoke a misunderstanding at the trader’s level, where there is no access to the RC assigning process.
All in all, chargeback codes identify frauds, authorization failures, and an incorrect amount of funds. Also, they identify processing errors and consumer disputes.
In addition, each type of reason code has many subtypes. Different sets of numbers indicate these subtypes.
Why do we need chargeback reason codes?
Undoubtedly, we need to know the chargeback codes to win the chargeback. Each chargeback is associated with a particular reason and knowing it is essential to organize required documents and resolve the dispute in your favor.
However, the American Express codes are different from Visa chargeback codes. And the same applies to Mastercard chargeback declined codes and Discover dispute numbers. So, here is a list of all the Mastercard, Visa, AmEx, and Discover codes.
Discover the chargeback reason codes for different card brands
Mastercard chargeback reason codes
| Reason code | Explanation |
| 4812 | Account Number Not on File |
| 4807 | Warning Bulletin File |
| 4834 | Point-of-interaction Error |
| 4846 | Correct Transaction Currency Code Not Provided |
| 4999 | Domestic Chargeback (works in EU only) |
| 4853 | Cardholder Dispute |
| 4850 | Installment Billing Dispute |
| 4842 | Late Presentment |
| 4808 | Chargeback Related to Authorization |
| 4837 | No Cardholder Authorization |
| 4841 | Canceled Recurring or Digital Product Transaction |
| 4860 | Credit Not Processed |
| 4855 | Goods or Services Not Provided |
| 4849 | Suspicious Merchant Activity |
| 4863 | Cardholder Does Not Recognize—Potential Fraud |
| 4859 | Addendum, No-show, or ATM Dispute |
| 4840 | Fraudulent Processing of Transactions |
Discover chargeback reason codes
| Reason code | Explanation |
| AP | Recurring Payments |
| AT | Authorization Noncompliance |
| AA | Does Not Recognize |
| IN | Invalid Card Number |
| UA01 Fraud | Card Present Transaction |
| UA06 Fraud | Chip and PIN Transaction |
| UA02 Fraud | Card Not Present |
| UA05 Fraud | Chip Counterfeit Transaction |
| AW | Altered Amount |
| LP | Late Presentation |
| PM | Paid by Other Means |
| DP | Duplicate Processing |
| RM | Cardholder Disputes Quality of Goods or Services |
| CD | Credit/Debit Posted Incorrectly |
| NF | Non-Receipt of Cash from ATM |
| RG | Non-Receipt of Goods, Services, or Cash |
American Express chargeback reason codes
| Reason code | Explanation |
| F31 | EMV Lost/Stolen/Non-Received |
| A02 | No Valid Authorization |
| F14 | Missing Signature |
| C04 | Goods/Services Returned or Refused |
| C28 | Canceled Recurring Billing |
| C05 | Goods/Services Canceled |
| F10 | Missing Imprint |
| F30 | EMV Counterfeit |
| F24 | No Card Member Authorization |
| A08 | Authorization Approval Expired |
| C02 | Credit Not Processed |
| C14 | Paid by Other Means |
| A01 | Charge Amount Exceeds Authorization Amount |
| F29 | Card Not Present |
| C08 | Goods/Services Not Received or Only Partially Received |
| C31 | Goods/Services Not As Described |
| C18 | “No Show” or CARDeposit Canceled |
| M49 | Vehicle Rental – Theft or Loss of Use |
| C32 | Goods/Services Damaged or Defective |
Visa chargeback reason codes
| Reason code | Explanation |
| 10.1 | EMV Liability Shift Counterfeit Fraud |
| 10.2 | EMV Liability Shift Non-Counterfeit Fraud |
| 10.3 | Fraud – Card-Present Environment |
| 10.4 | Fraud – Card-Absent Environment |
| 10.5 | Visa Fraud Monitoring Program |
| 11.1 | Card Recovery Bulletin or Exception File |
| 11.2 | Declined Authorization |
| 11.3 | No Authorization |
| 12.1 | Late Presentment |
| 12.2 | Incorrect Transaction Code |
| 12.3 | Incorrect Currency |
| 12.4 | Incorrect Account Number |
| 12.5 | Incorrect Amount |
| 12.6 | Duplicate Processing/ Paid By Other Means |
| 12.7 | Invalid Data |
| 13.1 | Merchandise/ Services Not Received |
| 13.2 | Cancelled Recurring |
| 13.3 | Not as Described or Defective Merchandise/ Services |
| 13.4 | Counterfeit Merchandise |
| 13.5 | Misrepresentation |
| 13.6 | Credit Not Processed |
| 13.7 | Canceled Merchandise/ Services |
| 13.8 | Original Credit Transaction Not Accepted |
| 13.9 | Non-Receipt of Cash or Load Transaction Value |
