Every chargeback comes with a reason code. At first glance, they look cryptic—just numbers or letters. But these codes hold the key to understanding why a transaction was reversed and what you need to do to respond.
This isn’t just a general overview. You’ll find specific chargeback reason code lists for each major card network: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Each one uses its own format. Each one follows different rules.
Whether you're dealing with duplicate charges, fraud claims, or missing merchandise, this blog helps you decode the problem and plan your next move.
Visa Chargeback Reason Code List
Visa breaks its codes into four major groups:
- 10.xx – Fraud
- 11.xx – Authorization
- 12.xx – Processing Errors
- 13.xx – Consumer Disputes
Common Visa Reason Codes:
Visa generally requires “compelling evidence” to overturn fraud and consumer disputes. Examples include proof of delivery, customer IP address logs, or service usage records.
Mastercard Chargeback Reason Code List
Mastercard uses numeric codes starting with 48xx or similar. The categories are similar to Visa’s but structured differently.
Common Mastercard Reason Codes:
Mastercard often includes a second phase called pre-arbitration when a chargeback is re-opened after initial resolution. If you miss this window or respond incorrectly, liability is often final.
American Express Chargeback Reason Code List
Amex keeps things short and alphabetized. These codes are easier to follow but come with strict documentation expectations.
Common Amex Reason Codes:
Since Amex handles all disputes internally, you’re not dealing with an issuing bank. That means less back-and-forth, but it also means faster deadlines and limited extensions.
Discover Chargeback Reason Code List
Discover uses a blend of alphanumeric codes with recognizable prefixes.
Common Discover Reason Codes:
Discover often provides less room for response time extensions than other networks, so act quickly when a dispute hits your system.
Final Thoughts
Chargeback reason codes can feel like a foreign language. But once you understand what they mean and how they’re structured, they become tools. Each one tells a story about the transaction, the cardholder’s complaint, and what you need to do next.
Mastering these codes doesn’t eliminate disputes, but it gives you a fighting chance. You know what to say. You know how to say it. And you’re not wasting time chasing the wrong kind of evidence.
Use this reason code list as your cheat sheet. When the next chargeback comes in, you’ll know exactly where to start.
FAQs About the Chargeback Reason Code List
What is a chargeback reason code?
A reason code is a label assigned to a chargeback that explains why the cardholder filed the dispute. Each network uses its own coding format.
Why do reason codes matter?
They determine how long you have to respond, what type of evidence is accepted, and whether you can challenge the dispute at all.
Are reason codes the same across card networks?
No. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover each use different code structures, though the dispute categories are similar.
Can a merchant win a chargeback?
Yes, but only if you provide the right documentation based on the specific reason code. Fraud and service-related disputes require different types of evidence.
What’s the most common reason code?
“Merchandise or service not received” is one of the most frequent, often listed as 13.1 (Visa), 4853 (Mastercard), or C08 (Amex).
Where can I find the official chargeback code list?
Each network publishes updated reason code documentation. You can also bookmark this blog as a reference or request a copy from your acquiring bank or processor.
Your Reset Button to Chargebacks is Here
When reason codes start piling up—from Visa fraud alerts to Mastercard retrievals—it’s easy to get buried. That’s where Chargeblast can help. Our platform takes the guesswork out of disputes, automating the alerts, gathering evidence, and matching response tactics to each card network’s unique rules. Stop sifting through PDFs and spreadsheets to fight the same fights over and over. Instead, let Chargeblast clean up your chargeback queue, streamline your case handling, and help you get ahead of disputes before they cost you real money.
Want to see how much simpler it can be? Book a demo or dive in and try it yourself.
