Debit card dispute guide.
Debit card disputes can be more time-sensitive because money may already be gone from the account. Act quickly, especially for unauthorized transactions.
Rule: contact the bank through official channels immediately if the charge was unauthorized.
What to do first
- Lock or replace the card if fraud is possible.
- Identify exact transaction date, amount, and merchant descriptor.
- Use official bank app, website, branch, or phone number.
- Save screenshots and communication records.
- Ask what provisional credit, investigation, and timing rules apply.
When evidence matters
- Merchant refund refusal.
- Non-delivery.
- Subscription cancellation.
- Duplicate billing.
- ATM or app-payment issue.