There is probably nothing more frustrating in business than to learn that a customer has initiated a chargeback without calling you to discuss why or what you might be willing to do to remedy a problem. You might become even more frustrated as credit card companies use codes to determine the reason for the chargeback. It should be noted that Discover uses multiple codes to indicate the same conditions. Use this handy guide to determine why a customer has initiated a chargeback through American Express.
The below charts outline the American Express chargeback reason codes, divided into six categories.
Chargeback Category: Authorization Issue | |
Reason Code | Explanation |
A01 | Charge Amount Exceeds Authorization Amount |
A02 | No Valid Authorization |
A03 | Authorization Approval Expired |
Chargeback Category: Processing Error | |
Reason Code | Explanation |
P01 | Unassigned Card Number |
P03 | Credit Processed as Charge |
P04 | Charge Processed as Credit |
P05 | Incorrect Charge Amount |
P07 | Late Submission |
P08 | Duplicate Charge |
P22 | Non-Matching Card Number |
P23 | Currency Discrepancy |
Chargeback Category: Cardmember Dispute | |
Reason Code | Explanation |
C02 | Credit Not Processed |
C04 | Goods/Services Returned or Refused |
C05 | Goods/Services Canceled |
C08 | Goods/Services Not Received or Only Partially Received |
C14 | Paid by Other Means |
C18 | “No Show” or CARDeposit Canceled |
C28 | Canceled Recurring Billing |
C31 | Goods/Services Not as Described |
C32 | Goods/Services Damaged or Defective |
M10 | Vehicle Rental – Capital Damages |
M49 | Vehicle Rental – Theft or Loss of Use |
Chargeback Category: Fraud | |
Reason Code | Explanation |
F10 | Missing Imprint |
F14 | Missing Signature |
F22 | Expired or Not-Yet Valid Card |
F24 | No Cardmember Authorization |
F29 | Card Not Present |
Chargeback Category: Inquiry/Miscellaneous | |
Reason Code | Explanation |
R03 | Insufficient Reply |
R13 | No Reply |
M01 | Chargeback Authorization |
Chargeback Category: Chargeback Programs | |
Reason Code | Explanation |
FR2 | Fraud Full Recourse Program |
FR4 | Immediate Chargeback Program |
FR6 | Partial Immediate Chargeback Program |