UnknownCharges

Tool · dispute preparation

Dispute letter generator

Prepare an editable bank dispute letter with validated amount and date fields. Copy or print locally, then follow your issuer’s notice procedure.

November 2, 2026

[Bank name]
Disputes Department

Re: Dispute of incorrect charge

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to dispute the following transaction on my account:

  Date of charge: [date]
  Amount: $[amount]
  Merchant shown: [merchant]

This charge does not match any purchase I made or authorized. I have reviewed my account activity and the amount, date, and merchant name are not familiar to me.

I request that this charge be investigated and reversed, and that any fees or interest resulting from it be removed from my account. Please tell me what documentation you need. I will provide the records available to me.

Please confirm receipt of this dispute and explain your investigation process, any documents you need, and the applicable deadlines. I am requesting an investigation; this draft does not establish that notice was timely or that a credit is owed.

Thank you,

[Your full name]

Confirm your issuer's notice channel. Credit billing-error notices must be received at its disclosed address; electronic notice qualifies through its stipulated method. Debit error notices may be oral or written. Copying or printing does not submit a dispute.

Prepare the records before you submit

Read your actual statement and distinguish the purchase date from the posting date and statement sending date. Record the complete descriptor without assuming that a matching brand proves authorization. Compare it with receipts and any cancellation or refund correspondence you have. Select only a reason that describes your circumstances.

Read every sentence in the generated letter. Replace placeholders, correct anything that does not apply, and remove assertions you cannot support. Keep your own copy and retain the issuer’s receipt or case reference. An editable template helps with preparation; it cannot contact the merchant, file a chargeback or decide the outcome.

Check the submission channel

Use your bank’s official app, the contact details on your card, or its published billing-error instructions. Ask which documents and account identifiers it needs. Avoid sending a full card number or unrelated identity documents to a generic email address. Do not wait to report suspected unauthorized activity while gathering every exhibit.

For credit billing errors, confirm the disclosed notice address or agreed electronic method. For debit transfers, ask whether an oral report needs written confirmation. A PDF saved on your device is a record of your draft, not proof of receipt. The issuer’s acknowledgement and investigation response are separate records to retain.

What this tool cannot determine

The account type, transaction history and notice circumstances can affect the applicable procedure. The tool does not compute lost-card liability, guarantee provisional credit, confirm an accepted dispute or promise reimbursement. Its date calculation is a reference based on your input. If that reference has passed, contact your issuer anyway to ask which options apply.

Official rules and limitations

Consult the CFPB’s credit billing-error procedures and electronic-transfer error procedures. These sources were checked on October 7, 2026 for the distinctions explained here. No specialist legal review is claimed.

Frequently asked questions

Does this draft work for credit and debit disputes?

It helps organize transaction details for either account type. Credit billing-error rules and electronic-transfer error procedures differ. A draft does not establish eligibility, timeliness or a right to reimbursement.

Can I save the letter as a PDF?

Yes. Review the editable draft and use the browser print dialog to save a PDF. Saving or printing does not send the notice or establish that your issuer received it.

Does email count as written notice?

For the credit billing-error procedure, the creditor must have agreed to the electronic method. Verify its disclosed notice address or approved electronic channel. Regulation E permits oral or written error notice, with possible written-confirmation requirements.

Continue with the date calculator, editable letter or dossier checklist.

Informational US preparation tools. Not legal or financial advice. Review your draft and confirm requirements with your issuer.