Spotting incorrect or fraudulent charges on your credit card statement can be stressful, but Indian consumers have strong legal protections and clear steps to get their money back. This guide walks you through exactly how to dispute wrong charges on your credit card, from the moment you notice something suspicious to getting a full resolution.

Who this guide helps: Credit cardholders in India who’ve discovered unauthorized transactions, billing errors, or charges they didn’t approve on their statements.

You’ll learn how to identify and document suspicious charges quickly, including what red flags to watch for and which records to collect before contacting your bank. We’ll also cover your legal rights under Indian banking regulations and when to escalate your dispute to the Banking Ombudsman if your credit card company doesn’t resolve the issue promptly.

The key is acting fast and following the right process – most banks must investigate your dispute within specific timeframes once you report it properly.

Identify Unauthorized Charges on Your Statement

Review monthly credit card statements thoroughly

Your monthly credit card statement is your first line of defense against incorrect charges. Many cardholders make the mistake of quickly glancing at the total amount due without examining individual transactions. This approach leaves you vulnerable to unnoticed fraudulent activity or billing errors that can drain your finances over time.

Set aside dedicated time each month to review every single transaction listed on your statement. Compare each charge against your receipts, bank records, and memory of purchases. Look for unfamiliar merchant names, as fraudulent charges often appear under business names you don’t recognize. Pay special attention to small amounts, as scammers frequently test stolen card information with minor purchases before making larger fraudulent transactions.

Create a systematic approach by going through your statement line by line. Cross-reference online purchases with your email confirmations and check that recurring subscriptions match your authorized services. Many cardholders discover they’re being charged for subscriptions they forgot to cancel or services they never signed up for during this detailed review process.

Distinguish between fraudulent and billing error charges

Understanding the difference between fraudulent charges and billing errors helps you choose the right dispute process and increases your chances of a successful resolution. Fraudulent charges occur when someone uses your credit card information without authorization, while billing errors happen when merchants make mistakes in processing legitimate transactions.

Fraudulent Charges	Billing Errors
Completely unauthorized transactions	Wrong amount charged for legitimate purchase
Charges from unknown merchants	Duplicate charges for same transaction
Purchases you never made	Charges appearing after cancellation
ATM withdrawals you didn’t make	Incorrect currency conversion rates

Fraudulent charges typically show merchants or locations you’ve never visited, especially if they’re in different cities or countries from where you live. These charges often fall under the category of criminal activity and carry stronger legal protections for consumers.

Billing errors, on the other hand, involve merchants you’ve actually dealt with but where something went wrong in the transaction process. You might see double charges for a single purchase, incorrect amounts, or charges that continue after you’ve canceled a service. These errors are usually easier to resolve directly with the merchant before involving your credit card company.

Check transaction dates and merchant details carefully

Transaction dates and merchant information provide crucial clues about whether charges are legitimate or require dispute action. Pay close attention to dates when you know you were traveling, as charges from your home city during travel periods could indicate fraudulent activity.

Examine merchant names thoroughly, as they often appear differently on statements than on storefronts or websites. A restaurant might show up as “ABC Hospitality Services” instead of its actual name. When in doubt, search online for the merchant name exactly as it appears on your statement to verify its legitimacy.

Look for these red flags in transaction details:

• Charges occurring on dates when you were out of town
• Multiple small charges from the same merchant on the same day
• Transactions at unusual hours (3 AM at a retail store)
• Foreign merchants when you haven’t traveled internationally
• Vague merchant descriptions like “Online Service” or “Digital Purchase”

Geographic inconsistencies are particularly telling. If you see charges from Mumbai and Delhi on the same day, but you only visited one of these cities, you’ve likely identified fraudulent activity. Similarly, charges appearing immediately after you’ve used your card at ATMs or gas stations might indicate card skimming.

Document suspicious transactions immediately

Quick documentation of suspicious charges significantly improves your dispute chances and speeds up the resolution process. Create a detailed record as soon as you spot questionable transactions, including screenshots of your online statement and photos of any relevant receipts or documentation.

For each suspicious charge, record:

• Transaction date and amount
• Merchant name as it appears on statement
• Your location during the transaction date
• Reason why you believe the charge is incorrect
• Any supporting evidence you have

Start a dispute file either digitally or on paper where you can store all related documents. Include your credit card statements, receipts for legitimate purchases, and any communication with merchants. Take screenshots of your online banking immediately, as banks sometimes remove disputed transactions from online view once you file a complaint.

Contact merchants directly for billing errors before disputing with your credit card company. Many honest mistakes get resolved quickly through direct communication, saving you time and maintaining good merchant relationships. Keep records of these conversations, including dates, representative names, and any reference numbers provided.

Time is critical when dealing with wrong charges. Most credit card companies require you to dispute charges within 60 days of the statement date, though fraudulent charges often have longer reporting periods. Acting quickly also prevents additional fraudulent charges if your card information has been compromised.

Gather Essential Documentation for Dispute

Collect original receipts and transaction records

Your first step in building a solid case is gathering every piece of paper or digital receipt related to the disputed transaction. Physical receipts are your strongest evidence, especially those with merchant stamps, signatures, or unique transaction codes. These documents show exactly what you purchased, when you bought it, and how much you paid.

Digital receipts work just as well – save email confirmations, PDF receipts, and mobile payment notifications to a dedicated folder. Online shopping receipts from platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, or Myntra contain crucial details like order numbers, delivery confirmations, and return policies that can strengthen your dispute.

Don’t forget ATM receipts if the disputed charge happened during or around the time of cash withdrawals. Sometimes fraudulent charges occur right after legitimate ATM transactions, and these receipts can help establish a timeline.

Screenshot or print disputed transaction details

Capture clear screenshots of the disputed charge as it appears in your credit card statement, both online and in your mobile banking app. Make sure the screenshots show the transaction date, amount, merchant name, and any reference numbers. These images serve as proof of how the charge appears in your account.

Print your monthly statement highlighting the problematic transaction. Banks appreciate physical copies during dispute investigations, and having backup documentation prevents issues if digital records become inaccessible later.

Take screenshots of your entire transaction history around the dispute date. This broader context helps investigators spot patterns or identify other potentially fraudulent activities on your account.

Compile proof of cancellation or return attempts

If you tried canceling a service or returning a product before disputing the charge, collect every piece of evidence showing these attempts. This includes cancellation confirmation emails, return shipping labels, tracking numbers, and delivery confirmations for returned items.

Save screenshots of cancelled subscriptions from streaming services, gym memberships, or any recurring charges you attempted to stop. Many merchants continue billing even after cancellation, making this documentation essential for successful disputes.

Keep records of any refund promises from customer service representatives. Email threads, chat transcripts, and notes from phone calls demonstrate your good faith efforts to resolve the issue directly with the merchant before involving your credit card company.

Organize communication records with merchants

Create a comprehensive file of all interactions with the merchant involved in the disputed charge. This includes customer service emails, phone call logs with dates and representative names, and chat transcripts from their website or app.

Document every attempt to contact the merchant, even if they didn’t respond. Unanswered emails and unreturned calls show your bank that you made reasonable efforts to resolve the dispute directly. Include timestamps and any reference numbers provided during these interactions.

If you received any written promises or explanations from the merchant, keep these records organized by date. Sometimes merchants acknowledge errors or promise refunds in writing but fail to follow through – this documentation becomes crucial evidence.

Prepare identity verification documents

Banks require identity verification to prevent fraudulent disputes, so keep your documents ready. Your Aadhaar card, PAN card, and current address proof (utility bills or bank statements) should be easily accessible in both physical and digital formats.

Prepare copies of your credit card (front and back, with CVV masked) and any additional cards if you hold multiple accounts with the same bank. Some disputes require verification across all your banking relationships.

Keep your passport or driver’s license handy as secondary identification. Banks may request additional verification for high-value disputes or cases involving international transactions, making multiple forms of ID essential for quick processing.

Contact Your Credit Card Company Immediately

Call the Customer Service Number on Your Card

Time is your best friend when dealing with unauthorized charges. Pick up your credit card and flip it over – you’ll find the customer service number printed right there. This isn’t the time to wait for business hours or look up alternative contact methods. Most credit card companies offer 24/7 support specifically for situations like this.

Before making the call, grab your recent statements, a pen, and paper. The representative will need specific information about the disputed charges, including dates, amounts, and merchant names. Having everything ready saves time and shows you’re serious about the dispute.

When you call, clearly state that you want to dispute charges on your account. Don’t get sidetracked by other offers or services they might mention. Stay focused on your goal – getting those wrong charges removed from your account.

Report Disputed Charges Within 60 Days of Statement

Indian banking regulations give you a 60-day window from your statement date to dispute wrong charges. This deadline isn’t negotiable, so mark your calendar and act fast. Missing this timeframe can seriously hurt your chances of getting your money back.

Your statement date matters more than when you actually noticed the charge. If your statement shows March 15th as the closing date, you have until May 14th to file your dispute – regardless of when you spotted the problem.

Keep copies of all your statements during this period. Banks sometimes challenge the timing of disputes, and having documentation proves you met the deadline. Screenshot your online statements or print physical copies as backup evidence.

Request Immediate Temporary Credit During Investigation

Don’t accept “we’ll investigate and get back to you” as the final answer. You have the right to request temporary credit while the bank investigates your dispute. This means the disputed amount gets removed from your balance immediately, giving you breathing room during the investigation process.

Most banks will provide this temporary credit within one to two billing cycles. The credit protects you from paying interest on charges you didn’t make while the investigation runs its course. If the investigation proves the charges were legitimate, the bank will reverse the temporary credit.

Be specific when requesting this credit. Say something like “I want temporary credit for these disputed charges while you investigate.” Make sure the representative notes this request in your file.

Obtain Dispute Reference Number for Tracking

Every dispute gets assigned a unique reference number – think of it as your case’s fingerprint. Write this number down immediately and store it somewhere safe. You’ll need it for every future conversation about your dispute.

This reference number links all your documentation, phone calls, and correspondence to one central file. Without it, you might end up explaining your situation from scratch each time you call, wasting precious time and energy.

Ask the representative to confirm the reference number before ending the call. Spell it out letter by letter if it contains alphabets. Some banks also send confirmation emails or text messages with this number, so check your inbox after the call.

Create a simple tracking sheet with the dispute reference number, dates of all communications, names of representatives you spoke with, and outcomes of each interaction. This organized approach helps you stay on top of your case and provides valuable evidence if you need to escalate later.

Follow Up with Written Dispute Letter

Send formal dispute letter within required timeframe

After speaking with your credit card company, you need to put everything in writing within 60 days of receiving your statement. This written dispute acts as your official record and provides legal protection under Indian banking regulations. Most banks require this formal letter even if you’ve already called them about the issue.

Your dispute letter should clearly state that you’re challenging specific charges and want them investigated. Include your credit card number, the disputed transaction details, dates, amounts, and merchant names. Be specific about why you believe these charges are wrong – whether they’re completely unauthorized, for services you didn’t receive, or amounts that don’t match what you agreed to pay.

The Reserve Bank of India guidelines give you strong consumer protection, but only if you follow the proper dispute process. Missing the 60-day deadline could weaken your case significantly. Banks often use this timeframe as a reason to deny disputes, so don’t delay.

Include all supporting documentation and evidence

Your written dispute carries much more weight when backed by solid evidence. Attach copies of receipts, contracts, emails, or any communication with the merchant that supports your claim. If you tried resolving the issue directly with the vendor first, include proof of those attempts.

For online purchases, screenshot the original product descriptions, terms of service, or cancellation policies. If the dispute involves a subscription service, include evidence showing you cancelled before the charge occurred. Hotel bookings, flight cancellations, or service agreements should all be documented and included.

Create a simple timeline of events leading to the dispute. This helps bank investigators understand your case quickly and shows you’ve been thorough. The more evidence you provide upfront, the faster your dispute will likely be resolved in your favor.

Use registered post for proof of delivery

Regular mail offers no proof that your dispute letter actually reached the bank. Registered post provides you with a tracking number and delivery confirmation – both essential if your case escalates to the Banking Ombudsman or consumer court.

Many banks now accept dispute letters via email, but registered post remains the gold standard for important financial correspondence. The postal receipt serves as legal proof that you submitted your dispute within the required timeframe, protecting you from any bank claims about late submissions.

Speed post with acknowledgment due is another reliable option that provides tracking and signature confirmation. Whichever method you choose, keep your postal receipts and tracking information safe. These small pieces of paper could be crucial if disputes drag on for months.

Keep copies of all correspondence sent

Document everything related to your dispute case. Make photocopies or scan all letters before sending them, and maintain a dedicated file for this dispute. Include copies of your original dispute letter, all supporting documents, postal receipts, and any responses you receive from the bank.

Create a simple log tracking all communications – phone calls, emails, and letters. Note dates, times, names of people you spoke with, and summaries of what was discussed. This organized approach helps you stay on top of your case and provides a complete record if you need to escalate later.

Banks sometimes claim they never received certain documents or that customers didn’t follow proper procedures. Your detailed records protect you from these situations and demonstrate your commitment to resolving the dispute through proper channels. This documentation becomes invaluable if you need to involve the Banking Ombudsman or take legal action.

Understand Your Rights Under Indian Banking Laws

Learn about RBI Guidelines for Dispute Resolution

The Reserve Bank of India has established clear guidelines that protect you when you need to dispute wrong charges on your credit card. These rules aren’t just suggestions – they’re binding regulations that banks must follow.

When you report a disputed transaction, your bank has to investigate it properly. The RBI mandates that banks must have a dedicated customer grievance redressal mechanism in place. This means they can’t just brush off your complaint or make you jump through endless hoops.

Banks are required to provide you with a complaint reference number within 24 hours of receiving your dispute. They also need to send you regular updates about your case status. If they don’t follow these basic steps, you have grounds to escalate your complaint to higher authorities.

The RBI guidelines also specify that banks cannot charge you any fees for raising a genuine dispute. Some banks try to sneak in processing charges, but this goes against regulatory requirements.

Know the 90-Day Investigation Timeline Requirements

Your bank has exactly 90 days to complete their investigation once you file a dispute. This timeline starts from the day they acknowledge receiving your complaint, not from when you first mentioned the problem over a phone call.

During these 90 days, the bank must:

• Investigate the transaction thoroughly
• Contact the merchant if necessary
• Review all supporting documents you’ve provided
• Make a final decision on your dispute

If your bank doesn’t resolve the issue within 90 days, they’re violating RBI norms. You can use this as leverage when escalating your case. Many customers don’t know about this deadline, so banks sometimes drag their feet hoping you’ll give up.

Keep track of dates carefully. Mark your calendar for the 90-day deadline and follow up regularly. Banks often try to claim they need “additional time” for complex cases, but the 90-day rule applies to all disputes regardless of complexity.

Understand Provisional Credit Entitlements During Disputes

While your bank investigates disputed charges, you’re entitled to provisional credit in many situations. This means they should temporarily remove the disputed amount from your bill while they sort things out.

Provisional credit is mandatory for:

• Unauthorized transactions where you weren’t physically present
• Online transactions you didn’t make
• Cases where merchants charged you without proper authorization
• Duplicate charges for the same transaction

The bank should provide this credit within 10 business days of acknowledging your dispute. They can’t wait until their investigation is complete to give you this relief.

However, banks sometimes make provisional credit conditional on you providing additional documentation or meeting certain criteria. While they can ask for reasonable proof, they can’t make the requirements so difficult that you can’t meet them.

Remember that provisional credit is temporary. If the bank’s investigation concludes that the charges were valid, they can reverse this credit. But if they find in your favor, the provisional credit becomes permanent, and the disputed amount gets permanently removed from your account.

Monitor Your Dispute Progress Effectively

Track dispute status through online banking portals

Most Indian banks now offer comprehensive online banking platforms where you can monitor your credit card disputes in real-time. Log into your net banking account or mobile banking app to access the dispute tracking section, usually found under “Credit Card Services” or “Customer Service.” These portals typically display your case reference number, current status, and expected resolution timeline.

Check your dispute status at least twice a week during the investigation period. Banks often update these systems before calling customers, so you’ll get the latest information immediately. Take screenshots of status updates as they change – this creates a digital trail that proves when updates occurred.

Many banks also send SMS or email notifications when your dispute status changes. Make sure your contact information is current in the banking system to receive these automated updates.

Maintain regular contact with bank dispute department

Stay proactive by calling the dispute department every 7-10 days during the investigation period. When you call, have your case reference number, credit card details, and dispute amount ready. Ask specific questions about what stage the investigation has reached and what documents the bank might still need from you.

Build rapport with the customer service representatives by being polite yet persistent. Note down the names of people you speak with, along with the date and time of each conversation. This information becomes valuable if you need to escalate your case later.

If possible, try to speak with the same representative each time you call. They’ll be familiar with your case details and can provide more personalized assistance.

Follow up if investigation exceeds prescribed timelines

According to RBI guidelines, banks must resolve credit card disputes within 90 days for domestic transactions and 180 days for international transactions. If your investigation approaches these deadlines without resolution, escalate immediately.

Send a formal email to the bank’s grievance cell highlighting the delay and referencing the specific RBI timelines. Include your original complaint date, case reference number, and all previous communication records. Demand immediate action and request a definitive resolution date.

Banks take timeline violations seriously because they face regulatory scrutiny for delayed dispute resolutions. Your proactive follow-up often speeds up the process significantly.

Request written updates on investigation progress

Always ask for written confirmation of any verbal updates you receive about your dispute to dispute wrong charges. Email is the preferred method as it creates a permanent record with timestamps. When bank representatives provide updates over phone, immediately send a follow-up email summarizing the conversation and asking them to confirm the details.

Request periodic written status reports from the bank, especially at the 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day marks of your investigation. These reports should include what steps the bank has taken, what evidence they’ve gathered, and their preliminary findings.

Keep all written communications organized in a dedicated folder – both physical and digital copies. This documentation becomes essential if you need to escalate to the Banking Ombudsman or consumer courts later.

Escalate to Banking Ombudsman if Needed

File complaint with Banking Ombudsman online portal

When your bank fails to resolve your charge dispute satisfactorily or ignores your complaint for more than 30 days, the Banking Ombudsman becomes your next line of defense. The Reserve Bank of India established this free service to help customers resolve banking disputes without expensive legal proceedings.

Start by visiting the official RBI website and accessing the Banking Ombudsman portal. You’ll find a dedicated section for filing complaints online, which has become much more user-friendly in recent years. Before filing, check if your complaint falls under the Banking Ombudsman’s jurisdiction – credit card disputes definitely qualify, especially when they involve wrong charges or unauthorized transactions.

The online form requires specific details about your complaint, including the nature of the dispute, amount involved, and steps already taken with your bank. You’ll need your complaint reference number from the bank, so keep that handy. The system also asks for a clear timeline of events, so organize your documentation chronologically.

Choose the appropriate Banking Ombudsman office based on your bank’s registered office location, not your personal address. Each office covers specific geographical areas, and filing with the wrong office will delay your case.

Submit required documents and bank response letters

Your complaint’s success heavily depends on the quality and completeness of your supporting documents. The Banking Ombudsman needs comprehensive evidence to make an informed decision about your dispute.

Essential documents include your original complaint letter to the bank, the bank’s response (or proof that they didn’t respond within the specified timeframe), credit card statements showing the disputed charges, and any communication records like emails or phone call logs. If you have receipts proving you didn’t make the disputed purchases, include those as well.

The bank’s response letter carries significant weight in your case. If the bank rejected your dispute, their reasoning must be clearly documented. Sometimes banks provide inadequate explanations or cite policies that don’t actually apply to your situation. The Banking Ombudsman can identify these inconsistencies and rule in your favor.

Upload documents in clear, readable formats – preferably PDF files under 2MB each. Poor quality scans or illegible documents can weaken your case. If you have extensive documentation, create a summary sheet listing all attachments with brief descriptions.

Include a personal statement explaining your dispute in simple terms. Avoid emotional language and stick to facts. The Banking Ombudsman appreciates clear, concise explanations that help them understand your situation quickly.

Attend hearings or provide additional information as requested

The Banking Ombudsman may schedule a hearing to better understand your dispute, especially for complex cases involving significant amounts. These hearings aren’t formal court proceedings – they’re more like structured discussions where both you and the bank present your sides.

You can attend hearings in person or request video conferencing if distance is an issue. Come prepared with organized files and a clear presentation of your case. The Banking Ombudsman might ask specific questions about transaction dates, your banking habits, or security measures you typically follow.

Banks often send representatives who may try to pressure you into accepting partial settlements. Don’t feel obligated to agree on the spot. Take time to consider any offers, and remember that the Banking Ombudsman is there to ensure fair treatment.

Sometimes the Banking Ombudsman requests additional information after reviewing your initial complaint. Respond promptly and thoroughly to these requests. Delays in providing requested information can slow down your case resolution.

The Banking Ombudsman typically resolves complaints within 30 days of receiving all required information. Complex cases might take longer, but you’ll receive regular updates on your case status through the online portal.

Disputing incorrect charges on your credit card doesn’t have to feel overwhelming once you know the right steps. Start by carefully reviewing your statements, gather all your receipts and proof, then reach out to your credit card company right away. Don’t forget to follow up with a written complaint and keep track of everything along the way. Your rights as an Indian consumer are protected under banking regulations, so you have solid ground to stand on when fighting unfair charges.

If your credit card company isn’t responding the way they should, remember that the Banking Ombudsman is there to help you get things sorted out. The key is staying organized, being persistent, and not giving up on getting your money back. Take action as soon as you spot something wrong on your statement – the sooner you start the dispute process, the better your chances of a quick resolution.