The Chargeback Guide: How to Dispute Subscription Charges You Didn't Authorize
You canceled. They charged you anyway. Now what?
A chargeback is a formal dispute filed with your credit card company. It reverses a charge and puts the burden on the merchant to prove the charge was authorized. For subscriptions you've already canceled, it's the most effective last resort.
✓ When a chargeback is appropriate
- You requested cancellation, have documentation, and the company charged you after your cancellation date.
- You attempted to cancel and the company made it impossible (no cancel button, unreachable phone line, infinite loop), and you were charged during that period.
- A free trial converted to a paid subscription without clear, explicit consent required by law.
- You were charged after the company confirmed your cancellation in writing.
✗ When a chargeback is NOT appropriate
- You forgot to cancel before the renewal date. Try calling the company first — many will refund the most recent charge if you cancel immediately.
- You don't like the service but haven't tried to cancel. Cancel first, chargeback second.
- You used the service during the billing period you're disputing. Chargebacks are for unauthorized charges, not buyer's remorse.
How to file: step by step
Gather your documentation
Before you contact your bank, assemble: the date you requested cancellation, how you requested it (online, phone, email, mail), any confirmation you received (screenshot, email, reference number), the date and amount of the charge you're disputing, and any subsequent communication with the company.
Contact your credit card issuer
Most banks offer dispute filing through their app or website — look for "Dispute a charge" or "Report a problem" in your transaction history. You can also call the number on the back of your card.
Select the dispute reason
Common reason codes for subscription disputes: Charged after cancellation, Recurring charge not authorized, or Did not authorize this transaction. Use whichever best describes your situation.
Provide your documentation
Be specific. "I canceled on March 14 via the company's website and received confirmation number XYZ-12345. I was charged $49.99 on April 1 despite the cancellation" is far stronger than "I think I canceled." Upload screenshots if possible.
Wait for the investigation
The bank will issue a provisional credit (the charge amount is temporarily returned to your account) while they investigate. The merchant has a window — usually 30 to 45 days — to respond. If they can't prove the charge was authorized, the credit becomes permanent.
Timeline
- You have 60 days from the statement date to file a dispute (Fair Credit Billing Act).
- Provisional credit usually appears within 1–2 business days of filing.
- Resolution typically within 30–90 days.
Tips for a strong dispute
- File promptly. Don't wait 55 days. File as soon as you see the unauthorized charge.
- Be specific about dates. "I canceled on [date]" is stronger than "I canceled a while ago."
- Include the confirmation. A cancellation confirmation email or screenshot is your strongest evidence.
- Note the cancel method. "I canceled via the company's website as instructed in their help center" establishes that you followed their process.
- If you canceled by phone, note the date, time, call duration, and representative's name if you got one.
Related resources
- File a complaint with the FTC, CFPB, or your state AG — for when you want regulatory pressure in addition to the chargeback.
- Cancellation rights by state — some states give you additional rights against auto-renewal charges.
- Cancel database — step-by-step instructions for 100+ services so you can document your cancellation attempt correctly.